Need Adivice. Swelling after surgery.

Networks

Hi, I had an ileostomy reversed (takendown) two weeks ago. About a week ago I began having swelling in my feet, ankles, and lower legs. I was examined by a MD last Monday and she had me visit a surgeon which cut into the site where the ostomy was and drained it. I have been following their advice which included taking antibiotics and changing the bandage daily and applying heat to the wound. I have a follow-up appointment on Monday with them but the swelling is not getting any better. When I wake up in the morning my feet are swollen but my legs are fine, but a few hours later I'm swelling in the lower parts of my legs. I'm felling better as each day goes by (less pain) but the swelling stays the same. I'm concerned about the possibility of a leakage with my bowels. A TME was performed last June. Any thoughts or experience with swelling issues? Thanks for reading my post.

Bill

johnom

Hey, Bill.

I'm not very experienced with your problem, but I suggest you wait and see what the docs find. I doubt you would be feeling better with a true leak in your bowels, which would produce a fever and infection in fairly short order. Good luck. Let us know what happens.

John

Networks

johnom said:

Hey, Bill.

I'm not very experienced with your problem, but I suggest you wait and see what the docs find. I doubt you would be feeling better with a true leak in your bowels, which would produce a fever and infection in fairly short order. Good luck. Let us know what happens.

John

Thanks for the reply. I saw the doctor on Monday and she said that she is not real concerned with the swelling (it's been getting better the past two days and the infection is pretty much gone). I asked her why I had the swelling after the takedown but not during the TME which is a more serious surgery and she said swelling after surgey can happen regardless of the type of surgery. She said to get a pair of the "hospital stockings" and wear them until this clears up.