Anyone have lymphedema and knee replacement?

Posted by kglenda @kglenda, Nov 11 8:43am

I am 75 year old female with lymphedema mostly in my right leg. Two orthopedic surgeons have recommended right knee replacement showing no real concern about the lymphedema but I am concerned what effect needed knee replacement will have on lymphedema. Please share if you have lymphedema and had knee replacement. Thank you!

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Hi @kglenda, Welcome to Connect. I was diagnosed with lymphedema in both of my legs prior to having my right knee replaced. My right leg was also the worst one with swelling from lymphedema. The only problem I had was not keeping my right leg elevated enough during the recovery process which was on me for not doing what the surgeon told me to do. I wasn't able to wear the compression socks on the right leg for about a week if I am remembering correctly and they were a little difficult to get on my feet/legs. I finally found compression socks with side zippers that made putting them on and taking them off a lot easier.

I think another thing that helped me have a successful recovery was doing pre-surgery and post-surgery leg exercises to help with the knee and leg strength. How do you control the lymphedema now? Do you also wear compression socks/hose?

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I sometimes wear compression stockings and use pneumatic pumps. I have also previously done physical therapy with a physical therapist who was certified in lymphedema treatment. Sorry to say I’ve not been consistent with any of the treatments or with walking, but the lymphedema has stayed in what I call mild to moderate stage. Thank you for your input. I am most concerned about infection from surgery and glad to hear you did not have that problem.

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