Compressions

[AuntyJean15]

HelloI am 9 weeks post TKR in right knee and I think I might have a problem with my Compressions. I have lower leg Lymphoedema and my left leg was always worst for swelling.

Since my knee surgery, my right leg is swelling more. Obviously, this would be partly due to the surgery but when I wear my compression on my right leg, as the day goes on, the garment feels tighter than the left one, there are indents in my skin and I feel a lump, at the back of my knee above the compression.

My Physio has noticed this and is saying it could be as a result of the Lymphoedema as opposed to swelling from the surgery. I am wondering if he might be right.

Has anyone ever had this experience or got any advice please.

[Perido]

When I had significant surgery (admittedly not a TKR) I was advised to expect post op swelling for 12 weeks.

From personal experience I feel the healing process, from significant physical trauma, can take up to a year.

When we're older healing takes longer.

Are you elevating your legs as much as possible to help drain lymph fluid?

So you see a lymphoedema specialist? They should be able to advise about managing your increased swelling problems e.g. with compression adjustments.

[AuntyJean15 in reply to Perido]

Hello and thankyou for the advice. I am elevating my legs and I will get in touch with my Lymphoedema Nurse just to check my leg.

[sleeviejeebies]

Hello Aunty Jean,

This is only one person's experience, but my Mum had terrible swelling after a total knee replacement. She doesn't have lymphoedema, but her leg ballooned to what seemed like twice the size of the other. The swelling went down very, very slowly, and over six months on it's still a bit swollen. (This is meant to be reassuring that it might not be the lymphoedema, but as I'm typing I'm realising that it might not be so reassuring - sorry!) Anyway, the good news is that elevation really helped, and it is improving slowly. She's 76, by the way, and is now enjoying walking and cycling again!

[AuntyJean15 in reply to sleeviejeebies]

Hiya, I take all that as a positive. Thankyou so much for replying. The knee is a lot bigger than my other one and the lump/swelling is mainly at the back of my knee so when I try to do the bending exercises OUCH! I can't bend it enough because the lump/swelling restricts the movement and it's painful. Well done to your Mum. I feel much more confident in knowing about her issues. It's a case of 1 step at a time for me and being a bit more patient. 😊

[sleeviejeebies in reply to AuntyJean15]

I'm glad it was of some comfort. My mum was really down at first and had begun to wonder whether it was the right thing to do. But now things have improved she's cheered up immensely and is glad she took the plunge! Good luck with your recovery and I hope you manage to get on top of the swelling 😊.