Knee Surgery and lymphedema and other

[sbridges]

I have mild lymphedema and lupus. I take a shot once a month of depo medrol for my pain and have found that it takes down the swelling in my legs. If I go over my month it starts swelling again. I also have a condition called Lipodermatosclerosis where the skin hardens around my ankles and now is starting up my shin bones which makes even mild swelling very painful. I know that predisone does shorten your life span and always said I would never do it but there comes a time when quality over quantity does make a difference. I am facing knee surgery. My knees are completely gone and I am facing knee replacement. I am really a little apprehensive.

[lovesradio]

My darling please try to find a surgeon who has experience of working with patients who have lower limb lymphoedema and/or your other condition. I think the LSN may have a leaflet about surgery which you could take with you. There is always likely to be some swelling around the surgery site but this can be managed if you get proper care. Good luck x

[sbridges in reply to lovesradio]

The present I have had both knees replaced and feel fabulous for what I have been through. If I don't get my shot of depo medrol the swelling will start in my feet and work up. Water pills don't touch it. The surgery on my knees went well. I had them done 6 months apart. Before I could have my knee replacement I had to wait 6 months because I had 2 blood clots in my lungs and had to be put on Xeralto. They also discovered I had AFIB. But now I take the xeralto and the depo and as long as I do that I do fine. I don't know why the depo does what it does but I am 73 years old as long as it works I'm good.

[lovesradio in reply to sbridges]

You mean 73years young!

[sbridges in reply to lovesradio]

Yes and not likeing the old thing. I still work and probably will until I can't drag myself to work or just fall over dead. LOL

[lovesradio in reply to sbridges]

That's my girl, rock on!

[Bijingo]

Please find a physiotherapist who is lymphoedema trained prior to your surgery. They can advise you on knee prehab (exercises to get you in the best shape prior to your surgery), and assess your lymphoedema now (before it gets worse before the surgery). As you know, you will probably have heaps more swelling post-surgery for a time. You will probably need some assistance with getting the fluid down (MLD, exercises, bandaging). The lymphoedema bandaging can help move the fluid out quickly. Do you have any compression to wear at the moment for your lymphoedema? You may be a good candidate to get a wrap-system (like Farrow Wrap or Circaid or ReadyWrap) to help with your recovery/ongoing management. Be careful about the anti-embolic stockings that the nurses may ask you to wear. If you are given any and they do not fit well, get them off! Your skin is delicate and painful - those stockings are not suitable for legs that are not the 'normal' shape nor in good shape, so to speak. All the best with your upcoming surgery and recovery. Clare.

[sbridges in reply to Bijingo]

I have tried the compression stockings. Not good. The last time I used ace bandage and it worked better. I put it on and then just used knee highs to make sure it was held in place and tops not on my leg itself. I have arthritis in my hands and it is hard to put on compression hose anyway.

[sbridges in reply to Bijingo]

I missed my appointment with my joint Dr. due to weather. I go in Feb. I will bring all this up for him. No date has been set so I can find out what I need to do. I know that depomedrol keeps it under control and also it helps everything feel better. My heart doctor reminded me it shortens your life but I have no life without it. I can't even get up and walk or bend my knees with the swelling. So be it. I thought I would never think like this but it is quality over quantity.