Swelling on knee from harvested vein for triple bypass surgery

Posted by riddle1943 @riddle1943, Sep 23 9:26am

2 years ago, I had open heart surgery with triple by-pass. They harvested a vein from behind my left knee for the by-pass replacement. The surgery was successful but about 2 weeks after that, I noticed swelling in the area where the harvest sight was. The swelling got worse until it was the size of a big russet potato. Over the past 2 years, I have had the swelling drained about 5 times, each time they doctor removed Lymphatic fluid. But a few days later the swelling comes back. What can I do about this. Any advice would be so welcome

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lymphedema Support Group.

sandy8043 | @sandy8043 | Sep 24 1:12pm

I recommend Kelli at cancerrehabpt.com. She also had a YouTube channel at CancerrehabPT. Many of us have lymphedema problems post cancer but her info is helpful for all surgical patients.
I also use a lymphatic pump made by Tactile Medical in Minnesota. Your doctor can prescribe it. My insurance paid for mine. https://tactilemedical.com/our-lymphedema-solutions/
I also use a vibration plate which helps the lymph circulate. Kelli has info on that, too.
Good healing to you!

riddle1943 | @riddle1943 | 6 days ago

Hi Sandy, thanks so much for the reply, the Lymphatic pump seems to what I am looking for, I will certainly follow you suggestions.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 19 hours ago

@riddle1943, I added your question to the Heart & Blood Health support group as well as members there may also have experiences to share like @jr72 @fergie01

@riddle1943, have you had a lymphatic drainage massage or worked with a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)?