SREIM

Cejayb,

My TKR was a quickie because after 18 months of trying to get the swelling down, and after numerous tests the window of opportunity came so we quickly went into surgery with no antibiotics ahead of time but I did have 2 bags after surgery and the surgeon injected some within the wound its self.

I wasn't given any pointers ahead of time but I had been going to physical therapy for "wraps" and my "wraps" person admitted all things were a "go" from his standpoint. Also I had no infections at the time but I was anemic and the doctor decided to go ahead as blood could be given in which it was by 2 units.

Now, on the other side, I am back at the "wraps" again and my wraps guy said he has seen several cases where by TKR persons have had the edemetous leg afterwards where by they did not have it before. He said he asked several doctors why this could be and they had no answers.

I had severe edema in both legs before surgery and now it's in only one. The good leg looks like a normal leg for the first time in I don't know how long. I am sure it will not stay that way but I will try to stay on top of it.

If anyone reading this wonders what it is like to have such surgery. For me it was a "piece of cake." I had so much pain before the surgery that after the surgery the pain was different and nothing at all like it was before. I would say not to fear a TKR but to know that you will be relieved of the prior pain and the little pain after surgery can be controlled with medicines.

Edematous swelling afterwards is rare and since I have had it before hand for years I will continue to have it and all I can do is to keep it under control with my "wraps." The bad part is I can't wear shoes to well. I did find a pr of mens shoes at the diabetic center that work well but they look awful. Another bad part is that I feel the need to wear slacks all the time to cover my wraps. Short skirts for me are out.