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Extreme leg/foot swelling after shoulder surgery?

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Posted 10/24/2016 3:58 PM (GMT -5)
Hello - It has been 4 weeks since I had surgery on my broken & dislocated humerus (now held together with plate and screws). Since the surgery, I have had terrible swelling of both legs and feet. (I have had extreme swelling in the shoulder/arm on which surgery was performed, but that was to be expected.) I am now carrying about 10 extra pounds in water/swelling weight. Skin on feet and legs feels very tight and painful, with some redness and warmth. Doctor has prescribed antibiotics to prevent possible cellulitis. Lasix/elevation does not help! Any one else have this happen after surgery? Any suggestions? Not a DVT (was checked and cleared for this), and I do not have high blood pressure. Thank you!!

PS - Fwiw, I have fibromyalgia, fatigue, and arthritis. I am a 63 year old female.
Posted 10/24/2016 6:35 PM (GMT -5)
Hello goodnurse53 & welcome to Healing Well. So sorry to read about what you have going on. Dealing with post ops stuff is bad enough, the extra you can sure do without. How long have you been on the antibiotics? I have had cellulitis in both of my lower legs & was hospitalized each time for IV antibiotics. From what you are describing it very much sounds like cellulitis. Every time I would get it I kept thinking if I elevate my legs I can stop it before it went full bloom, no such luck. My lower legs would swell so much from the excess fluid that it would seep through the skin & thats not good when that happens. I also had staph hit too. I am not a dr by any means but have had it several times. Is it the surgeon that is trying to help you with this? If so, maybe you should see your PCP & let him/her see the condition of your legs & feet. I don't know maybe a trip to ER if it doesn't improve soon. You really need a strong antibiotic & that is where IV meds come into play. Also, find yourself a good probiotic OTC so you don't destroy the good bacteria needed for the gut.

Keep us posted on how you are doing. Take care.
Posted 10/24/2016 9:18 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the response! The dr put me on antibiotic to ward off possibility of cellulitis, saw dr today do not have cellulitis. Going to be referred to a lymphedema clinic to see if that's the problem. Will post again. Thanx!
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