T.e.d. Stockings

[elcammeno]

I had total knee replacement on March 2nd. My knee surgeon didn't perscribe these
stockings for me to wear. I read about them & had my hubbie get these stockings for me this morning. My doctor did perscribe these fragmin shots which I gave to myself. I just feel that with these stockings it is extra protection & I'm through with the fragmin shots now. As far as pain goes it mostly seems to be behind my new knee & on the outer side of the new knee. Am wondering about that. Beings these stockings are difficult getting them on & off would it would be okay to just take them off every few days for cleaning? I'm thinking they may need to be taken off for sleeping? I would appreciate hearing from someone who has had experience with the stockings & with the location of this pain. Thank you.
Sharon

 

[Jamie]

You don't need to take the stockings on and off frequently. I left mine on days at a time - sleeping in them too.

The pain you describe is very normal after knee surgery. Be sure and take your pain meds on schedule, ice and elevate. You are at the very beginning of your recovery and you will have pain to deal with as you gain mobility with your new knee.

 

[Josephine]

The instructions from my surgeon are to only take them off for a maxiumum of 30mins in any 24hr period for showering myself or washing them! I think they should issue us with two pairs!

BTW have you seen the instructions about getting them on? And using a plastic bag on your foot to help you get it over you heel?

 

[Linda2]

I agree with Jo about being issued two pair! At least I'll have two pair when I get my second knee done. They really help with the swelling; so does that cool little vacuum drain thing.

 

[mommyme]

My mom just used the same OS as I am using ( both knees 4 months apart) and she was never given stockings?? She re-couped at my house so I know she did not. I wonder if it is regional thing? I am in Socal and having surgery at Ceders.

 

[Jamie]

I didn't think so...I had them and I'm in Kansas.

 

[backbay38]

I had the TED's and I'm in NJ. Hated them. But getting a clot would be a lot worse I initially left them on for a couple of days and slept with them because they were such a pain to take off and put on. I was told by someone who had TKR to ask for a second pair from the nurse at the hospital and she gave them to me. So I could wash and let one pair dry and had something to put on. They cost about $21 to $25 at my local surgical supply store. After the staples were out and I could shower again I noticed the skin on my legs was getting very dry and flaky from having the stockings on all the time, so I started taking them off at night. My post surgery instructions had said they could be removed at night. I had to wear them for 6 weeks after the surgery. It's wonderful to have them permanently off! I gather from all the different experiences here different docs have different rules about the TEDS.

 

[Weezy]

I'm one of those who never even knew about them for my first TKR. In the hospital they had those pump things on my calves that inflated every few minutes, but even those came off after the second day.

This last time, I had tight white stockings on (are these TEDs?) but they came off the second day too...

I'm in Seattle...

Weezy

 

[backbay38]

Those are TEDS, Weezy. Tight and white.

 

[Judles]

None for me in New York,,,,,thank heavens!!!

 

[Josephine]

Yep, them's the things! As for regional, one surgeon, two patients, different protocols? Nope - can't figure that one!

 

[Weezy]

Gads I hated those! Itchy, tight, hot... I'm glad I didn't have to wear them very long!

Would it make a difference that I have very skinny and muscular legs? Both surgeons had commented on that (wish the rest of me was as skinny!).

Its a puzzlement...but I'm just glad I didn't have any problems...whew!

Weezy

 

[Josephine]

I'm dreading them. They usually get too tight and creased on me and then I get claustrophobic .... oh boy!

 

[Jamie]

Never thought of it before, but that puts a whole new meaning to the old term, "tighty whities" ..... just sayin'.....

 

[Nursepair]

I never had them here in Ontario. I used to get awfull "filling up with blood pains" in my leg as I got up for the first few days after the op, could that be why Jo? Maybe that is why I had so much swelling in my knne after and still have a little? They did an ultra sound during my stay because of the pain I was having on rising, but luckily it was negative.

 

[Nursepair]

Jo why are you up at this time, you Ok? Just worrying I guess?