Please help - scared!

[Maryannegb]

I am post op 4 days from a ttt, lateral release and a meniscus repair

Today I have developed a hard lip approx 3 inches long down the front of my shin! It is slightly warm to touch and tender

Is this 'normal' after this procedure. I see my OS again in  2 days time

I hope someone can relieve my worried mind

Maryanne

[Suejs14]

Hi Maryanne,

I had a fractured patella and am not versed on post-op issues with the surgeries you had.  However, anytime you develop a tender, warm (especially if it is reddening) area, call your OS or get to a walk-in clinic.  You don't want to mess with an infection in a bone . . . I'd suggest getting in on Monday and not waiting the extra 24 hours to see your OS.  Good luck, and let us know how you are progressing.

Sue JS

[Lottiefox]

I would also suggest getting seen at A&E or your GP as an urgent case. It might be nothing, but you've had bone work with hardware, it *might* be an infection. This is perfectly treatable if it is diagnosed fast, so get it checked out. If its nothing, then hey - you were sensible and covered your back. Be safe.

good luck

Lottie

[Maryannegb]

Thank you!

I'm in a lot of pained the lump is still there ( and maybe bigger)  this morning so I have made a dr appointment for 11.45!

I am really struggling at home - I don't really want to, but am wondering if it would be easier to just have a few extra nights in hospital? Has anyone done this??

Maryanne

[Suejs14]

Maryanne - do you live alone?  In the US we have rehabilitation centers where someone living alone can go for a bit until they can manage self-care.  I live alone, but had a wide circle of friends who were doing everything for me -- driving me to appointments, taking me grocery shopping, out to lunch, etc, etc.  I had 6 weeks of being in a wheelchair/crutches -- non-weight bearing -- and my friends saved my sanity!  Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Let us know what the doc says about your red lump!  I'm still saying prayers for you about it.

Sue JS

[Maryannegb]

Hi sue

No I don't live alone- I have my husband and 2 small children. Unfortunately my husband works a vey busy job and can't take time off! He starts early and finishes late - I am asking for lots of help from friends but a the same time don't like to burden people!

The lump on my shin is apparently blood pool from the ttt - flows there with gravity apparently!

I am so used to been out and about with people evy day that home all day mostly alone is hard!

I'm doing my best to keep my chin up - some days and some moments much lower than others!

Thanks for thinking of me

[Suejs14]

Good news about the lump (I think) - mostly glad it's not an infection.

I know what you mean about house-bound cabin fever.  I found it necessary to change my pace of thinking as well as of living.  When our bodies are poorly responsive, it takes a lot of time to get things done.  Let yourself enjoy being the survivor. 

Sue JS

[Maryannegb]

Good news about the lump (I think) - mostly glad it's not an infection.

Unfortunately do have an infection in my leg but that's not the lump n shin! I have managed to rub the lump (blood pool) to try and disperse it and I think it's gone down a bit!

I have started a diary in the post op less than 50 posts section!