Edema Issue

[lumbar3491]

Hi All

I'm just about one month out from my A/P surgery and am doing quite well overall. Today I had a follow-up appointment with my Internist about my numerous medications, including Lasix. When I was in the hospital, my edema was quite bad, not unusual after 3 surgeries in one week. So, I have have been on Lasix + Potassium ever since. Most of my edema has disappeared -- with the exception of my lower left leg and foot. My MD wants me to get a venous doppler image of that leg to check for possible clots. This was done in the hospital and no clots were found but she is being cautious.

I'm having a hard time getting an appointment for the doppler. In the meantime, have any of you had an issue with persistent edema following your scoliosis surgery? Anything you can suggest to help? Compression stocking, for example?

Many thanks

Karen

[loves to skate]

Hi Karen,
I would think that compression stockings would be very important to wear if you still have edema. I didn't have edema, but I wore the compressions stockings for several weeks following my first surgery, until I was able to walk for more than a few minutes at a time.
Sally

[titaniumed]

Hi Karen

My ankles and feet were the size of footballs, and I looked like I was 7 months pregnant when I woke up after surgery.

They used the compression stockings in the hospital, but they wanted me walking, and walking, and more walking!!!!

I used ski poles for walking outside. They work great. Also great for dealing with friendly jumping dogs.
Ed

[debbei]

Hi Karen

My ankles and feet were the size of footballs, and I looked like I was 7 months pregnant when I woke up after surgery.

They used the compression stockings in the hospital, but they wanted me walking, and walking, and more walking!!!!

I used ski poles for walking outside. They work great. Also great for dealing with friendly jumping dogs.
Ed

Ed,

you must have been quite the site--compression stockings AND ski poles? Just kidding.

Karen,
I hope your swelling goes down quickly. Keep us posted.

[Vali]

Hi Karen,
Have you tried elevating you legs, I know this sounds obvious, but sometimes you just don't think of it. I had edema before surgery. The morning after surgery, my physio came in and we starting ankle and hip flexing 20x per hour to prevent this and it worked for me. Maybe you could ask your physio, if this sort of excercise would help you. Best wishes.

[lumbar3491]

Thank you all. I love the image of Ed with compression stockings and poles. Unfortunately, my friendly, jumping dogs are "inside" my house

Yesterday I went for a venous doppler to see if I have any blood clots in my left leg. Yippee! No clots.

In the hospital, I had those automatic compression cuffs on both my legs. However, I'm surprised that no one recommended compression stockings post-op. My Internist was the first person who did, so now I'm wearing a stocking on my puffy leg. Ed, like you, I looked like a big balloon after my three surgeries. Luckily, my left leg is the only part of my body that needs to deflate.

I'm trying my best to elevate my leg when I sit, walk as much as possible outdoors with my Nordic walking poles (which I highly recommend), and doing my PT stretches.

Again, thanks so much. I'll keep you posted.

Have a great day!

Karen