Swollen Feet

[St03]

Dear all

Its been 2 years after my quintuple heart bypass.

Veins are harvested from my left legs and wrist.

Occasionally i will have swollen feet. Just wondering if this is usual?

Thanks in advance for all your kind responses

Cheers

Worried

[bridgeit]

Hi St03, that's an incredibly complex piece of major surgery that you've experienced and it sounds as though the outcome is good, which is excellent.My understanding, not being medically trained, is that certain heart/circulatory issues can often result in swollen feet (and ankles) owing to fluid retention, but the situation really needs to be assessed by a doctor who can best advise regarding next steps. The last time I saw my cardiologist, he made a dive towards my ankle and had a quick squeeze "just to check"! I think they often see some swelling and that it's advisable for you to discuss your occasionally swollen feet with your specialist, or at the very least your GP.

[Hidden]

Dear St03

First of all thank you for your update to your heart journey and I am very pleased for you that all seems to be going ok.

I don’t have a lot to add to brigeit excellent answer to your post other than to say that this is a very common after effect of having such an incredible operation.

I am not medically trained but I also suffer with what was diagnosed as water retention after presenting my swollen ankles to my heart nurse.

So I am now on water tablets , I raise the legs while resting and move as much as possible to get the legs to pump the fluid away from the ankles.

So as far as I can tell you your first port of call is your DRs {yes I know} because it is important that this is managed. believe me it is worth the extra trips to the loo to be able to wear your shoes and be a bit more comfortable.

Please don’t dismiss how serious water retention can potentially be, the last thing you need is anymore pressure on your new heart.

Take care and please keep us informed

[Hidden]

Hello

I have a swollen foot and ankle one more than the other that comes up during the day and I had a triple Bypass and they took veins from my legs and one from my chest I believe

I have shown my Doctor often she has no concerns as they go back down the only time she has told me to let them know is if they do not go down when keeping them elevated which is something suggested to do and of course when you have been in bed all night they should go down by the Morning

So I would say this is something some of us find but when you speak with your Doctor mention it I am sure as they go back down they no doubt will say that is ok x

[Chappychap]

I believe that there are two danger signs that mean you should see your GP, the first is if the swelling doesn't go down. The second is if only one foot swells, which might indicate thrombosis.

There are some life style changes that really can help. In order of effectiveness (at least according to the Cardio Rehab I attended!) first is exercise, the NHS recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, plus you'll need to allow extra time for warm-up and cool-down periods. Second is weight loss and maintaining a healthy BMI. And finally is a healthy diet without too much salt or carbs and rich in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and other magnesium bearing foods.

I had a bypass three years ago, with veins harvested from my leg and we're probably all on a similar cocktail of drugs, I've implemented all these life style changes, only one person's experience I know, but I don't get swollen feet.

Good luck!

[St03]

Cheerios to all the replies... I had only swell on 1 leg (left). during my follow up with the Dr i did mention about my swell and they do not seem to be worried over it.

Hence i came over to check if its the norm. The swell is like +20% and "miraculously" it will be back to normal during my Dr appointments hahahha. This makes it tougher for me to prove my swell to the Dr

I always wonder im now 45 yo, whats more are in store for me

😅😅😅