Swelling of foot and ankle

[Peta]

I am now 14 weeks post LTHR and have had what I think is a remarkably smooth recovery! I'm walking normally and life has just about gotten back to normal. Only two things still bother me. One is that over the past 4 weeks the foot and ankle on my operated leg swell up during the day - particularly if I have been driving or sitting for any length of time. But sometimes it happens even if I have been walking and moving around all day. I elevate my leg when I can - and the swelling has always gone down overnight. I'm not sure why it is happening now and not immediately after the op?

The second is a pain (feels muscular) in my operated leg right down the front of my thigh. This only happens when I am getting in and out of bed - in and out of the car, or when I am trying to put pants on! I feel as though I have to "lift" my left leg with both hands to aid in these movements, so I am assuming it is a muscle weakness. But if anyone can shed any light on this I would appreciate it!

 

[Josephine]

At a guess the two are associated. You may have inflammation in the central portion of the quads which can easily result in inflammation. Treat the one and you treat the other. Are you still icing?

 

[Peta]

Hi there Jo! No - I haven't been icing at all. That wasn't something that was ever mentioned - either in hospital or by the physiotherapist I have been seeing. If you think that will help, I am happy to give it a go! Thank you - I'll let you know if it helps!

 

[Josephine]

I sometimes think the skin of this forum should be decorated with icicles!

 

[Judles]

Hi Peta!!! How is your swelling today? I was wondering if the extreme heat that you're experiencing is a factor???

 

[Peta]

Hi Judles! The swelling still comes and goes - I've been icing and elevating as much as possible, but it's still happening. I've now developed (quite suddenly) a REALLY sore lower back on my left hand side which is concerning me even more than the swelling! I figure it's got to be muscle related as I can still walk relatively pain-free, but I have no recollection of doing anything to cause it! Sitting is excruciatingly painful! :( I just hope it's not related to my LTHR in any way. I'm taking Brufen regularly and thought I would give it a few days before I contact my GP. My husband is at me constantly about going and having it looked at, but I don't want to push the panic button quite so quickly!
What would you do??

 

[Peta]

As for the heat - we've just had a power outage here for the past three hours - no air-con! So right this minute I am practically passing out from the heat and humidity!!! Happy days.........!

 

[Judles]

Oh Peta!!!!! So sorry about your predicament! I would ice a little and call your OS! Its more important than anything that you have peace of mind! If your exercising, cut back a little, and keep icing and elevating! Hope you jump the hurdle & will be feeling better FAST!!! Keep posting! And stay cool! Even if you just have cold compresses for soothing!

 

[Peta]

I've taken your advice and have rung my OS - have an appt first thing in the morning. Will let you know what happens - thanks again Judles.
Peta

 

[Judles]

Peta,,,,,always better to be safe than sorry! Keep posting! And hope you'll be feeling relief VERY SOON!!!:

 

[Josephine]

My husband is at me constantly about going and having it looked at, but I don't want to push the panic button quite so quickly!
What would you do??

Push the darned panic button! Go see someone, even if only reassurance, that's just as important!

 

[Judles]

Peta,,,,So glad Jo concurs! Hope you're feeling better & better!

 

[Peta]

Thanks Jo and Judles! I saw my OS this morning and my HR is 100% okay! He wants me to work harder??? on exercising and try and elevate my foot more during the day (easier said than done now I'm back at work!) He feels the thigh pain is still muscles healing from the op. And apparently my back pain is due to either a kidney infection or a flare-up of my Crohn's Disease - thank goodness!!!! I'm just SO relieved it has nothing to do with my HR that I really don't care what else is causing it! I'm just waiting on test results to determine which it is and then we'll treat it with meds. I've learnt my lesson - and I'm glad I listened to you both! In future I'm off to the doctor the minute anything out of the ordinary occurs - gotta stop feeling like I shouldn't "bother" my doctors......!
Whew - now I can get on with my day!

Peta

 

[Judles]

Oh Peta,,,,,that's such good news! I'm so happy your doctor gave you such comforting news! If there is ANY time where you have any doubts,,,,,you just should call! You sound so much better!!! I'm so happy for you!!!

 

[Jamie]

Good news, Peta! Remember, that's what your doctors are THERE for! They want to help you make it through recovery as easily as possible.

 

[Josephine]

Good news! Reassurance is worth a bundle, isn't it?

 

[Judles]

Priceless,indeed, Jo!!!!!!

 

[aussie]

Onya Peta,

Pleased you have been reassured, it can be so scary getting used to new parts.

Regards

Chris

 

[Peta]

Thanks Chris - yes I wonder if the day will come where I don't blame every little creak and ache on my new "bits"??? Oh well - I guess it's all a learning experience!

Peta

 

[Judles]

Yep! And we're ALL in this together!