To find compression stockings after minor surgery a pain

[Lovetheants]

I had a hysteroscopy and polyp removal under GA yesterday morning. I was home at lunchtime. I rested at home yesterday and plan to take things easy over the weekend. I'm feeling well. Fingers crossed, I'll be back to my normal routine and work on Monday.

I've come away with instructions to keep the compression stockings that I am wearing, on for a week. My goodness, they're driving me mad! I'm peri menopausal so hot all the time anyway. My understanding is that they are recommended to prevent blood clots when patients are not as mobile. But if I'm "back to normal" Monday why do I need to keep them on so long? I'm not suggesting I'll go against doctors advice, btw, just having a little moan about my hot and itchy feet and legs!

General anaesthesia does increase the risk of blood clots in the subsequent days, particularly if you have any history of DVT. So the hospital are going to play it safe and recommend you wear the stockings.

For me personally it would depend what “back to normal” means for you. If you are sitting at a desk at home WFH all day I’d wear the stockings. If you’re going to be walking around regularly during the day I’d probably not.

Oh, and big hugs for the general moan! I had to wear an abdominal binder for twelve weeks after surgery. By the end it felt like a torture device!🤕

Oh my goodness! Twelve weeks! Puts my little moan into perspective..
Yep, I will be going back to the office but do sit at a desk for much of the day. I don't have any history of DVT but appreciate it's best to be cautious.

Just think 'it's only a week'

I have patient who wear even tighter on a long term (I'd hate it)

You can get though this, count the days and a week will be up in no time

I had some surgery done privately recently and was told to keep the stocking on for a week but like you, they drove me mad. The discharge nurse at tge hospital said as I was otherwise fit and healthy, not overweight and I was very active, I could probably take them off after 48 hours which I did
I think if you can't move around regularly and easily it's probably more important to keep them on

Yes, my op was private too. I am overweight, but otherwise fit and healthy and can, and do, move around regularly. I'm going to stick with them, like pp said, it's just a week.

Two thoughts: I had to wear the stockings for 6 weeks when I had a hip replacement. DH had minor day surgery, wasn’t given stockings and had a DVT which went to his lung. Which do you prefer?

Gosh, sorry to hear about your DH. I hope he made a full recovery.
Exactly this. Thank you for putting things in perspective.

Dealing with a thrombosis is much more of a pain.

You're overweight and have been advised to wear it for a week. Better than a blood clot floating round to a lung, or into your brain.

I had surgery in August and I had to wear them for three days - They felt grubby and gross but I understood why they were needed.

I hope you’re recovering well.