Wearing support stockings following arthroscopy

[Bambiagain]

Just a question I forgot to ask whe I saw my surgeon ths morning. I had the op yesterday (supposed to be a day job, but had to stay overnight). I have to wear these lovely stockings for a week. Is it ok to take them off at night?

[Sqad]

Yes of course.

[Bambiagain]

Oh good!! Thank you.

[daffy654]

When I had to wear them it was for 24hrs a day, I could only take them off to bathe.

[Bambiagain]

Well, I had a prosthetic knee (other knee) fitted two years ago, and had to wear the stockings all the time for the first couple of weeks, then I was allowed to take them off at night when I was in rehab (in Germany). I'm happy to take Sqad's word for it.

[bundleone]

I think you do take them off at night as long as your feet are up, trouble is they are difficult to put on again.

[Bambiagain]

Bundleone - I'm happy to go through the putting them on again bit as long as I can take the b****y things off at night!

[boxtops]

I had to keep them on 24 hours when I had surgery

[Bambiagain]

There does seem to be a difference of opinion here. Obviously, I'd happily choose Sqad's answer as it's the one I want. And since the op was relatively minor, I sincerely hope he is right. Thank you all for your input, anyway.

[Nibble]

Had patella reconstructed about 10 weeks ago, the consultant's advice was keep them on until you're mobile again, and off any anti-DVT drugs you've been prescribed. However, as you've now arrived home, then it'd have to be your choice, as I couldn't advise in anyway as to your correct actions.

[Greedyfly]

I never wear mine - oooops. I thought once I was mobile I didn't need too. Hope the op went well and you recover soon

[Bambiagain]

Thank you, Greedyfly. I'm walking without crutches and don't need painkillers, so I reckon it went pretty well. Have to inject myself every day, which is the worst bit. And the surgeon yesterday told me I can take out my own stitches in a weeks' time. I'm hoping he won't tell me next time (if there is a next time) that I have to do the op myself!

[Bambiagain]

And Nibble, my condolences. I hope you're mobile now. I had my patella demolished many years ago, hence having replacement knee now, and I know it's not a nice thing to go through.

[boxtops]

Bambi, how can you take out your own stitches?! OH had staples, they were taken out with a staple remover thingy by the hospital (I did offer...!) - he had to give himself the daily jabs to lower the risk of DVT.

[Bambiagain]

I had staples after the knee replacement (20, I think). This time I just have a couple of little stitches. I've been told to take a pair of scissors and snip.

[boxtops]

Ouch! - nibble had 27 staples, very neat, looked like a zip up his knee :-)

[Bambiagain]

The staples are ok when they come out as long as they've been put in straight. If not, it hurts. I suppose if I can inject myself, taking out stitches will be a doddle.

[cathfromsaron]

surgical stockings are to be worn up to the thigh 24 hrs a day, except when washing! x

[Bambiagain]

Oops! I took them off last night... But now I'm going out to mow my lawn, then going out elsewhere, so I hope I'm moving around enough to avoid thrombosis.

[cathfromsaron]

they compress the blood vessels to prevent bubbles forming & DVT ... get them back on!

[Sqad]

Bambi

so I hope I'm moving around enough to avoid thrombosis

Exactly........at last a little common sense is coming into this thread..