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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

How long do you have to keep surgical stockings on for?

29 replies

Owllady · 27/01/2017 10:14

I had gynae surgery on Wednesday morning under GA, an hour op and I was discharged 3 hours later
GA appears to have worn off etc but I'm still resting up, just taking gulag paracetamol
What are the actual guidelines 're the stockings?
I'm overweight and do have a family history of blood clots
Thank you anyone who will know!

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Owllady · 27/01/2017 10:15

Gulag should say regular!

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Kione · 27/01/2017 10:16

I have them after loosing blood in labor and am told 6 weeks...

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Owllady · 27/01/2017 18:10

6 weeks?
Poor you. I hope you are okay x

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ILoveAGoodBrusselSprout · 27/01/2017 18:15

I've had 3 c sections and two other (reasonably serious) surgeries, all by different surgeons and all surgeons advised me to keep them on for 6 weeks.

I actually ended up having to keep them on for longer the last time as my mobility was not great and I wasn't moving around as much as we would have expected, therefore higher risk for DVT

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HowardMoonsJazzTrumpet · 27/01/2017 18:15

Yes, 6 weeks. Especially important with your history. The nursing staff should've advised you as part of your discharge. You can take them off to shower and to wash them (max 40 and they can be dried on the radiator not tumbled) but make sure they go straight back on, are kept nice and smooth and don't roll down or up as they can cause a tourniquet.

Hope you feel better soon.

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Kione · 27/01/2017 20:14

I put them in the dryer by accidentvand they came out ok but wont risk it again!

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Kione · 27/01/2017 20:15

And yes thanks, am ok, but recovery is very slow

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snozzlemaid · 27/01/2017 20:21

6 weeks!
I had my gallbladder removed last year and had to keep mine on for only 48 hours.

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Friendofsadgirl · 27/01/2017 20:24

6 weeks after c-section and again after abdominal surgery a few years later. Get a second pair!

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WinkyisbackontheButterBeer · 27/01/2017 20:34

3 weeks after c section but I ended up laddering the toes after 3 days. I bought flight socks as a replacement and found that they took the swelling down much better.

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Crumbs1 · 27/01/2017 20:39

You only need to use them if you are not moving much. Walking around is much more effective than anti embolism stockings. Make sure you remain well hydrated. Six weeks is probably a bit excessive if you are up and about,

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travelmad · 27/01/2017 20:44

I was told to keep them on until I was back to my usual levels of activity after my gallbladder removal - which was about 4-5 days I think. I'd had a pulmonary embolism 18m before my op as well so I was high risk (but not on anti-coagulants).

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Owllady · 27/01/2017 21:55

Thank you for all your advice. I think I will keep them on and then be a big girl and ring the surgeon next week. I have no abdominal wound as I had a endometrial ablation and it was done via hysteroscopy. I have before and after photos of my womb and it looks like a little of army of ants went in and let off a nuclear bomb.

I have had had 3 c sections and was never given stockings. I hope you all feel better soon x

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Crumbs1 · 27/01/2017 22:14

Ok after a hysteroscopy you can get rid of them same/next day. You should definitely be up and about as normal which means leg muscles are working the veins and blood should be pumping freely around your system. You don't need to be resting now - lots of women have it under local and drive themselves home.

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Owllady · 27/01/2017 22:21

I drove myself home after my first one. I don't think anyone would have thanked me driving home after a GA :o
So do you think I just have them because of the GA? As I'll take them off!

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TrionicLettuce · 27/01/2017 22:25

I had an ablation under GA last May and was told to keep mine on for 24 hours.

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Owllady · 27/01/2017 22:29

To be fair, I think they have told me to rest as I have an adult daughter who has severe disabilities who I care for. But thank God I can take them off
Sorry everyone else x

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Owllady · 27/01/2017 22:30

Trionic, is it okay to ask if yours worked?
I had a novasure but it only opened two thirds so they cut the rest out

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Crumbs1 · 27/01/2017 22:40

No not suggesting driving after a GA!

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sycamore54321 · 27/01/2017 22:45

Ring your doctor and ask. Surgery is in itself a risk factor for clots, independently of reduced mobility. The six-weeks post pregnancy is due to the fact that your blood is more liable to clots in pregnancy and particularly in the six weeks post-pregnancy (I found this out the hard way). It may be less for other conditions and surgery but only your own doctor can tell you. With a family history, I'd definitely err on the side of caution and keep them on until you have spoken with your medical team. Believe me, you do not want a clot. I had to wear a surgical sock for two years (not a typo) after my clot to prevent post-clot syndrome. So a few days or weeks now is a lot better than the alternative.

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Owllady · 27/01/2017 22:48

Crumbs :o I think I felt a bit defensive about you saying I shouldn't be resting.... I've been making the most of it..

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Owllady · 27/01/2017 22:49

Sycamore, I'll check first x
my sister died of a PE when she was v young, though she had other issues

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sycamore54321 · 27/01/2017 22:55

Oh gosh, I'm sorry to hear that.

Best wishes for your recovery.

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CoffeeCoffeeAndLotsOfIt · 27/01/2017 23:04

Two weeks after each c-section.

Also had anticlotting injections for 10 days after both.

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TrionicLettuce · 28/01/2017 01:18

Owl I'm sorry to hear about your sister

My ablation partially worked. My pain is greatly reduced which is fabulous. My flow is lighter than it was but still not where I'd like it to be. Whereas I previously had 2-3 days per period where I literally couldn't leave the house I now have 1 day which is very heavy with the odd bit of flooding but not quite as debilitating as before.

I'm seeing the consultant again in a couple of months and it's likely I'm going to have another one done. My mum had exactly the same happen and her second one worked a treat so fingers crossed it'll do the same for me!!