Leg pain after op.

[Zzr93]

Hi, desperate to hear from anyone who had a artery taken from their leg.

I know it’s very early days for me (16 days) after op but the pain from leg just above the ankle is crazy when putting weight on it,Is it something to do with nerves in leg when the blood flows down?

Should I walk more on it?

Should I rest it more?

Does it fade away in time?

Any feedback from someone who’s had the same(triple bypass) would really help.

Thank you.

[keithsaunders77]

I had a quadruple bypass in February this year and I still feel pain in the leg when I put weight on and laying down on the bed at night. I'm not sure if or when it might get less painful. I'm hoping that with time it will away.

[Merlin22]

Hi

Unfortunately I cannot help with the leg... I was very very lucky my “blockage” was in my neck and the superb NHS spotted it.... before.... ?..so after going in through my wrist I had “clot buster” From the “crash” team ... I really do owe my life too them.

Someone will I’m sure know exactly what do about your leg....After I found it was tough mentally And physically for months... but... gradually I got used to “being lucky” guess my mind ‘changed’ from thinking “I was unlucky”? If that makes any sense?

Keep in touch mate... I have only been on here a week... but have taken some really good advice already from “the forum”, sorry cannot help about your leg mate.

[Hidden]

I'm five years down the line, didn't have any issues with the leg graft and walked every day once the chest allowed. The lower leg scar has all but disappeared still a purple line from the knee upwards but sure this too will fade. Wishing you all the best.

[gilreid1]

I had triple bypass October 2019 no problems with scar I think because I followed all the rehab instructions. Massage scar area lightly using E45 lotion (or similar) do this regular this not only helps scaring heal it also stimulates nerve ends.

[duncs6536]

Am over 2 years since my triple bypass and still having bother with leg just above ankle they tell me it's nerve damage

[Chappychap]

Walking is a critical part of your recovery following a bypass. Both your walking and your breathing exercises are essential to achieving satisfactory progress and getting back to normal life.

Obviously if the pain is very serious then contact your doctor, but this is major surgery so some discomfort is to be expected. If you possibly can then grit your teeth and press on with your breathing and walking exercises, in the long run you'll be grateful that you did.

Good luck!

[Zzr93 in reply to Chappychap]

Hi, many thanks for your reply. Painkillers on there way!!

Yes will do as much walking as I can when this gets sorted. Thank you.

[AndyM69]

Hi there

I had a quadruple bypass 10 weeks ago (today actually). I do remember some pain in my leg but my main pain came from my chest, back and shoulders.

I did find that the first 4 weeks were the hardest and then I seemed to turn a corner and feel a lot better. I think it’s different for everyone who has the op.

At your point I was still taking the heavy duty pain killers regularly to help me feel comfortable.

I would make sure there are no signs of infection such as redness, heat, discharge etc. If you’re concerned about the amount of pain you could speak to your GP, 111, cardiac nurse/rehab if you have one.

I’ve had an infection in my chest wound and it’s been reopened and is still being dealt with - the care from everyone has been excellent but sometimes you have to push a little.

It is early days, I also remember being nervous and unsure as I had a big op and was discharged after 4 days but not really told what to expect or how the recovery should go.

There’s plenty of experience of these ops on this site so feel free to ask away.

Take care

Andrew

[Zzr93 in reply to AndyM69]

Hi Andrew, many thanks for your reply. Leg looks really good as the Nurse put it , it’s the pain when standing. Just spoke to Doctor and I have stronger painkillers on there way!!! I know it’s early days for me, I just like to be pro-active and do whatever it takes.

I wish you the very best in your recovery, and thanks for your help it’s very much appreciated.

[AndyM69 in reply to Zzr93]

Hi there, really pleased to hear you’re getting some better painkillers. It’s always best to check and there’s usually no need to suffer unnecessarily.

Best wishes with the rest of your recovery.

[Pollypuss]

I only had a one inch scar after bypass from my leg so I wonder why some vary . Didn’t have any problems with leg but heaps with medication. Think you should consult your doctor for a suggestion

[Zzr93 in reply to Pollypuss]

Many thanks, stronger painkillers on there way!!

[Prada47]

Hi

It looks pretty good to me !!

Mine went a little lower and also a little higher after 5 years I am still aware of it, not pain just aware . In my case it is the upper end and the lower end that I am still aware of. Not being pedantic but I thought it was a Vein they took from your Leg not an artery.

Hands Face Space to Stay Safe

[Zzr93 in reply to Prada47]

Hey thanks for reply. I’m not really sure what they took!!! Been up all night but Doctors have just rung and are prescribing stronger painkillers for me, so feeling a little bit more up beat about it. I’m not expecting a hassle free journey but last couple of days have been quite tough. Thanks.

[shopman]

Some are done up just a little too tight, I used to have trouble walking as I couldn't bend my knee properly until they discovered some tight stitches there. Once they cut a couple or so it became easier.

[Zzr93 in reply to shopman]

Hi, stitches not too bad. Have quite a bit of flexibility just cannot put the weight on the leg. Got some new pills coming today which tackles nerve pain directly. Fingers crossed!

[gilreid1]

Should have also asked. Are you still using your TED stockings. ? If you are unsure best method for these let me know and I will PM you instructions I received

Take care and stay safe

[Fredders]

I had an AVR rather than bypass but for some reason they did an exploratory incision in my groin which damaged the nerves. To say the pain was bad was an understatement. I was already on paracetamol, codiene and oromorph because of existing back and shoulder problems, but they didn’t touch it. They then gave me Gabapentin, which is for nerve pain, and it was brilliant, I could actually move my leg without shooting pains. In addition, it also stopped my shoulder pain, which was brilliant.

Hope your new painkillers work.

Wendy

[Zzr93 in reply to Fredders]

Hi. Gabapentin, that’s what I’m getting today!!!!! I’m really hoping that’s going to do it fo me. Had a very bad afternoon and evening as I took a Tramodol for first time. Made me very ill, took 6 hrs to get out of system. I absolutely understand that these pills effect different people in different ways. I have nothing over my leg now so scar looking good just need to get Mobil.

Thanks Wendy.

[Fredders in reply to Zzr93]

I had Tramadol after my first AVR and was fine, but one of my friends was given it when he got a tooth abscess and it virtually knocked him out! The gabapentin took a few days to take effect, but after that I had no problem moving around. Hope it works for you.

Wendy

[Zzr93]

Thanks Wendy. Keep you posted. Have taken one so far and feel ok so just need to have a few days of them and things should improve.

Thanks

[Chickenlou]

My fiancé had a triple bypass in January 2020 and had veins removed from both legs (groin to ankle both sides as the first bits harvested weren’t viable. )

We were shocked when we first saw them (the surgeon had warned me they were extensive wounds.) He’s had some nerve pain especially around the knee on one side and has been limited in what trousers and pants he can wear whilst they heal - as the seams rubbing has caused discomfort.

He still has some swelling in his foot and ankle on one side but this improves the more exercise he does. Overall they’ve healed well and not caused any huge problems.

Give it time I’m sure they will settle down - but if you’ve any concerns regarding infection or similar please call your GP.

[Zzr93]

Thank you.