Anyone have lymphedema and knee replacement?

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?

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.

I’m glad to have found this thread. My 94 yr old mother has lymphedema in her legs, her left is worse, and also knob kneed. She wants surgery. She wears velcro compression wraps on both legs and uses the pump daily. Compression stockings always cut into her skin/make a line where they end, so she never uses. She’s overweight and uses a walker. Happy to hear you were able to have successful surgery. We keep wondering if things would get worse after the surgery because she’s not in great physical shape now. She would love to find a Dr who would do it.

I’m a 57 year old female and have lymphedema. I also had 2 successful knee replacement surgeries (right & left knees) several years ago. It is a tough and painful recovery from knee replacement surgery. The main important thing to do post-surgery is physical therapy faithfully as recommended. As for the lymphedema, I think it did get a little worse after the knee surgeries. I use compression therapy almost daily. (arms and legs). I have the compression therapy equipment here at home. That definitely helps me. I wish your mom the best. I do think the knee surgery would be hard on a 94 y.o., especially if she isn’t physically able to push hard with the PT. Definitely a conversation for her to have with an orthopedic surgeon.