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Discussion

Peripheral edema post hip replacement

This might be a stupid question coming from a nurse but I'll ask anyway.

Any of you Ortho nurses know how normal or abnormal it is to have signifcant swelling of feet and ankles(both) 61/2 weeks post total hip replacement. The replacement was my R hip and I have as much or more swelling of my L foot and ankle as my R. It is dependent and is gone in the am. It is pitting but only about 1-2+. No pain, redness or warmth that could indicate DVT. Just a feeling of stiffness.

I'm only 47 and I'm am up and around alot more now then a couple of weeks ago. It started 2 days ago. It obviously happens when I'm sitting too long and improves with elevation, but I never had this prior to surgery. I would appreciate any info before I decide whether to call the doc or just wait it out to see if it goes away.

Thanks in advance.

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As you know, there isn't any good way to determine what's causing it without going to the doctor. Could be lymphatic or vascular circulation problem or cardiac. You say this started 2 days ago when the surgery was 6 1/2 weeks ago? If I understood your post, this makes it a little more urgent to get to the doc. Another thing, you say it is bilateral. Was your surgery on both hips? If not, then it tends to rule-out the surgery as a cause. But, I've seen bilat. edema after surgery on one side before (but the edema certainly subsided by week 6!). I'm not an ortho nurse, but this sounds like a trip to the doc.

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I AM an ortho nurse. Call the doctor. Six weeks is too long to watch and wait.

QUOTE]before I decide whether to call the doc or just wait it out to see if it goes away.

Kaycee hun we nurses are the WORST at getting attention aren't we...yep I say call the doc too....too many reasons for pitting oedema to ignore so get it checked out.

Positive healing thoughts your way ((((((kaycee)))))))):)

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