Wellness

[Goodie2shoes]

I am 1 week post surgery and I have been using a post surgery compression pump to avoid blood clots. The pump includes a compression sleeve for both legs and it's portable, to be worn for 20 hrs per day. It has a 5 hr battery so I am not tied down but the most frustrating thing is that it doesn't seem to last 5 hrs before it needs charging again and starts beeping. Very frustrating and I know this is not the same post op compression equiptment I used for my previous replacement. This one is called a  Active Care pump. The rep explained it before I left the hospital. I can contact the company with my concerns but I just wondered if anyone else has used this equipment  post surgery and were you satisfied with it.  Thanks

[Kachina624]

@Goodie2shoes.  Did they tell you how long you'd have to use the compression thing?  Seems like you're approaching the time when it can be discontinued.  I believe I just used one a few days.  That was 2011 so I've forgotten details like brand names.

[Goodie2shoes]

@Kachina624wrote: Did they tell you how long you'd have to use the compression thing?  Seems like you're approaching the time when it can be discontinued.  I believe I just used one a few days.  That was 2011 so I've forgotten details like brand names.

Yes, 20 days.  I know it's necessary but I don't like this machine ! I will just have to hang in there !

[Meowingkitty]

I never used one or even had compression socks when I had my knee replaced 2 years ago. 

[pdlinda]

I am going in for a total knee replacement tomorrow.

Will be given compression socks but no compression machine as you describe.

[RedTop]

I did not use a compression pump after either knee replacement.   

[Goodie2shoes]

@pdlindawrote:

I am going in for a total knee replacement tomorrow.

Will be given compression socks but no compression machine as you describe.

Best of luck to you and a speedy recovery. They have made some changes to the post op treatment plan since my left knee replacement in 2015. I think it's a matter of cost for the insurance company and medicare. I stayed in the Hospital 2 days the last tiime now it's overnight and I have also heard some replacements are outpatient !  Thank goodness I have a wonderful guy and my children to help in my recovery.

[Goodie2shoes]

I am going in for a total knee replacement tomorrow.

Will be given compression socks but no compression machine as you describe.

Best of luck to you and a speedy recovery. They have made some changes to the post op treatment plan since my left knee replacement in 2015. I think it's a matter of cost for the insurance company and medicare. I stayed in the Hospital 2 days the last tiime now it's overnight and I have also heard some replacements are outpatient !  Thank goodness I have a wonderful guy and my children to help in my recovery.

[Tyak]

@Goodie2shoes 

Did you have a prior DVT that prompted the use of this machine?  I ask because I have had a blood clot and will be needing a TKR probably within a year or so and a machine like that may be in my future, too.

[pdlinda]

@Goodie2shoes  Thanks so much for your kind wishes!!  I requested that my surgeon order me to stay in the hospital (orthopedic hospital) for 3 DAYS because I live in a second floor apt and have 21 stairs to go up when I get home.  He said he'd see how I was doing and plan accordingly.

I, too, was STUNNED that this procedure is now almost considered day surgery!!  

[Goodie2shoes]

@Tyak  wrote: Did you have a prior DVT that prompted the use of this machine? I ask because I have had a blood clot and will be needing a TKR probably within a year or so and a machine like that may be in my future, too.

I have never had a DVT but the MD also has me on 81 mgs of ASA 2x's  per day to prevent clots of course and I am using a ice machine.