Ankle/Foot Swelling

[redwingsfan]

Along with my Aorta replacment and valve replacement I had a double bypass as well. For those of you who had bypass surgery as well and had the arteries/vieins taken from the leg how long did your swelling last? Any suggestions on dealing with this?

 

[tcopel]

I think that the time needed for the swelling to reside is dependant on several factors. This includes the length of the vein that was removed, how it was removed ( open procedure or not) and if complications in the post operative state developed such as cellulitis, ect. In general, if it was an open procedure, I would venture to say it would take a 2 to 3 weeks but more experienced VR membes may have additional comments.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Ankle and Foot (and lower leg) swelling is a symptom of Excess Fluid Retention.

The typical treatment for Excess Fluid Retention is to prescribe a diuretic, usually Lasix or it's generic equivalent Furosemeide along with a Potassium Supplement since Lasix tends to deplete potassium.

Be sure to tell your Doctors (Surgeon, Cardiologist, and PCP). If your Surgeon has not yet released you to a Cardiologist, start with the surgeon.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Mary]

Ankle and Foot (and lower leg) swelling is a symptom of Excess Fluid Retention.

The typical treatment for Excess Fluid Retention is to prescribe a diuretic, usually Lasix or it's generic equivalent Furosemeide along with a Potassium Supplement since Lasix tends to deplete potassium.

Be sure to tell your Doctors (Surgeon, Cardiologist, and PCP). If your Surgeon has not yet released you to a Cardiologist, start with the surgeon.

'AL Capshaw'

I agree completely with Al's post. If you're not weighing yourself daily, you should so you can check for fluctuations. That's a proven way to spot fluid retention.

 

[WayneGM]

Ditto what Al said. Been there myself. Best to catch fluid retention early so keep an eye on your weight.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The "Rule of Thumb" as I recall it says that if your Weight goes up 2 or 3 lbs in one day or 5 lbs in one week, that you are retaining excess fluid and should notify your Doctor(s).

The Best Way to be sure you are getting an accurate weight measurement is to weigh yourself with NO clotes (or maybe the same clothes such as underware or pj's only).

'AL Capshaw'

 

[redwingsfan]

Thank everybody.

I only have swelling in the ankle/foot in the leg where the vein was removed. My other ankle is fine and my weight has been stable (have lost a little in fact). I was told that the swelling can last up to 3 months as the body learns its new circulation route. I was just wondering what other peoples experiences have been.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Ask your Surgeon / Cardio / PCP about using "Compression Stockings" to help 'push up' the fluid in your foot / ankle. I've forgotten if you need a prescription for these.

 

[Ross]

Ask your Surgeon / Cardio / PCP about using "Compression Stockings" to help 'push up' the fluid in your foot / ankle. I've forgotten if you need a prescription for these.

I don't beleive so Al, they have them out in the isle way at the Drug Store. I'm talking Jobst stockings too.

Have your doc look at it and determine if it is indeed surgical swelling or water retention because those stockings might not be good for your particular case.

 

[redwingsfan]

Thanks ALcapshaw2. I will do that since I see my surgeon next week for my post op check-up.