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Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions/Updates/Log [Update - New PICS Added]

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JSA

Jun 15, 09 8:01

Post #1 of 69 (2008 views)

Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions/Updates/Log [Update - New PICS Added]	Can't Post

My surgery is scheduled for June 24. Just over a week away. I am having 3 compartments in each leg released. I have read the other threads regarding the surgery. I have a couple more questions, if you would not mind answering.

How did you get around immediately following surgery? I am talking for the first 3 days. I am contemplating renting a wheelchair for a week. After reading the other threads, it sounds like you are barely able to support your own weight for the first 2-3 days, so, I am thinking of using a wheelchair for those first couple days.

Anyone else do this? How did you get around?

Also, were you able to shower? I know your legs were wrapped, but, could you take it off and shower?

Thanks.

Joel

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

(This post was edited by JSA on Jul 2, 09 22:12)

trinerd47

Jun 15, 09 9:06

Post #2 of 69 (2001 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wow, sorry to hear about the operation Joel. I've been there and done that three times in a four-year span - all releases done on my my right leg ~6-10 years ago during middle and high school.

First the showering. I had great success wrapping my leg in a (don't laugh) big garbage bag, tying/taping it up around the upper quad. Keeps the water out well enough and is easy on/easy off. Then if you need to wash the leg itself you can just take off the wrapping and use a wet washcloth to pat it down after the shower. I was always told that keeping water away from the incisions for the first little bit was best.

As far as getting around post-surgery, has your doctor told you aggressive he wants you to be? My first doctor (operation #1) was very cautious and had me on crutches (remember I only had one leg done) for at least two weeks, absolutely no walking or exercise of any kind even though I could easily support myself on that leg (even with a simultaneous operation to my right foot). My second doctor (operations #2 and #3) wanted me to start walking and exercising right away - my parents hid the crutches and if I wanted something from the kitchen I had to walk to get it myself. I was back running within two weeks both times and the night of the third operation I was able to hop on the trainer for 30 (painful) minutes. I think it's worth asking your doctor how he suggests you move about, but you might want to consider crutches before a wheelchair.

Good luck! Enjoy the drugs, only part of the operation I miss...

tjs

Jun 15, 09 10:44

Post #3 of 69 (1981 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had three compartments released in both legs on 2/4.

I had crutches from the doctor---but never really used them. I was able to walk out of surgery using crutches, but once I got home I just hobbled from the couch to the kitchen, bathroom, etc. Walking after a few days. Back at work 5 days later. It hurt to walk- mostly my right leg which had a lot of swelling. My left leg was golden. I would have been walking almost normally if not for my right leg. To this day it still lags in recovery with swelling still present.

Your doctor will give you the best advice. You will be able to shower at some point. I want to say it was 48 hours or so. No baths for quite some time.

I started a thread on this not too long ago. Do a search and you will find lots of info out there. PM me if you have any specific questions regarding surgery and/ or the recovery.

T.J.

JSA

Jun 15, 09 13:07

Post #4 of 69 (1954 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [tjs] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks to both responders.

tjs, I read your thread. Very helpful. Thanks.

I had my surgical consult and I forgot to ask the doc about crutches, wheelchair, etc. I have a client that can get me a wheelchair, so, I figured I would ask if anyone else had used one.

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

tjs

Jun 15, 09 13:10

Post #5 of 69 (1952 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

No worries. I would ask your surgeon about this. Mine wanted me up and walking as soon / as much as possible.

Ziva

Jun 15, 09 14:08

Post #6 of 69 (1933 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had two compartments in both legs released at the same time. I had an arterial bleed four days after surgery in my right leg which required another surgery to fix. I know I overdid putting weight on the legs in the first few days, but don't know if that contributed to the hemorrhage.

In any case, if you are getting both legs done, the wheelchair may be an excellent idea. You can always have it around for backup in case you need it. I had my father carry me to the bathroom the first day or so, i could not get myself around on crutches.

As for showering- wrap some plastic around your bandages as has been suggested before. Bring a stool to sit on, or get in a bathtub so you can sit down while showering. Trust me on this. Also, ask your doc for a spare bandage or two in case they get wet, and so you can change them when they get stinky.

Good luck!

Ziva

Endo

Jun 15, 09 14:47

Post #7 of 69 (1919 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [Ziva] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Obviously, just ask your Dr. and do what he says. However, since you asked, here is our experience....

My daughter had both legs done at once, 2 years ago. I believe 2 compartments in each leg, but can't remeber exactly. She got incisions on both sides of each leg.

The Dr. pretty much told her to start walking and using crutches right away. No crutches in the house at all, if possible he wanted her to walk. But, since whe went to school in 2 days, we did get a wheelchair for getting around school. The distance traveled b/w all the classes was a bit extreme for crutches all the way.

She didn't seem to have problems with hobbling around the house when she got home. Used crutches a few days when walking longer distances. Wheelchair at school. Taking your pain killers help with getting up and going also.

For what it's worth, the surgery seems to have helped her tremendously. She used to get severe pain just walking to school at times, and was always sitting out w/ injuries when she started up a sport. Post surgery, she played the next 2 years of lacrosse and rand 10Ks without any problems at all. She hasn't had a reoccurance of the issues since the surgury.

Oh, take all the advice they give you on making the scars less visible. Especially in the use of sunscreen. Keep those scars covered with max sunscreen for 6 months or so. Keeping the sun off them help them from turning an odd color, and in the long run, will be less visible.

.

(This post was edited by Endo on Jun 15, 09 14:52)

tab

Jun 15, 09 16:19

Post #8 of 69 (1908 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had it done 5 years ago. My doctor was very aggressive, I was walking that day. I was motoring around on my bike the next week. As for the shower.......I took baths with my leg up until I was cleared to get my leg wet. I was very scared of infection. All in all, it's not that bad.

MarkRebuck

Jun 15, 09 17:02

Post #9 of 69 (1898 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I was able to shuffle around immediately after my surgery, but I tried to stay off my feet entirely for a day or so. I had crutches, but they didn't make things any easier. I lived in a small apartment, so shuffling between bed/sofa/kitchen/bathroom wasn't too difficult.

The worst part for me was when I started driving... I drive a truck with manual transmission. Unlike walking, where I could just go as slow as I needed, working the clutch was a bit of a pain.

For showering: Sponge baths and wetnaps until even they don't get rid of the stink. Then garbage bags up to the knees, held with rubber bands, and hop in the shower. I had a handheld shower head, so it was easy for me to get fully clean without disturbing my legs.

Best of luck with your surgery!

-
-Mark Rebuck, http://www.markrebuck.com/

april

Jun 16, 09 7:04

Post #10 of 69 (1861 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi,
I am two weeks post surgery now. I only used crutches the first day as well, and then my first outing on the third day just for support. Other than that, like others I could manage a slow shuffle. I have to say the pain meds really helped, especially when you take them regularly those first few days. I was told that if you leave it too long, and have to "chase the pain" then it's harder to regain your ground. I definitely found this to be true!

I did not remove my bandages until two days before I went for my follow up, and only because they were falling off a bit. I did the sponge bath/wash hair in the sink thing which I found easier than wrapping to get into the shower. I was also wrapped right to my toes so the thought of standing on two plastic bags in a wet shower seemed too risky. I was warned not to remove the taping on the stitches and to ensure it was kept ultra dry.

You will definitely need someone to help you the first few days. Take it easy, get lots of movies and magazines and rest up!

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.
www.bodymindmotion.com
"mental skills for sport and life"

DreamChaser

Jun 16, 09 7:16

Post #11 of 69 (1856 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [april] [In reply to]	Can't Post

has everyone gotten back to there previous fitness level post surgery? i heard it doesnt allow you to reach your potential.

JSA

Jun 24, 09 4:06

Post #12 of 69 (1808 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [april] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well, today is the big day. Heading into surgery in about 90 minutes. Will update in my pain-med induced haze later this afternoon.

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

JSA

Jun 24, 09 4:10

Post #13 of 69 (1807 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [DreamChaser] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

has everyone gotten back to there previous fitness level post surgery? i heard it doesnt allow you to reach your potential.

After researching the hell out of this, I have not heard/read this to be the case. My doc has done a couple dozen of these surgeries, and is one of the sports med docs for the Petit US Olympic Training Center in Milwaukee. He has performed the surgery on two olympic speedskaters and collegic football players, all of whom had full recovery.

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

rroof

Jun 24, 09 5:42

Post #14 of 69 (1786 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [DreamChaser] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

has everyone gotten back to there previous fitness level post surgery? i heard it doesnt allow you to reach your potential.

On the contrary - NOT having it done could limit your "potential" much more.
____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

Skoorb

Jun 24, 09 5:59

Post #15 of 69 (1780 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [rroof] [In reply to]	Can't Post

What are you guys doing to bring your shins to such an extent you need to go under the knife?

MarkRebuck

Jun 24, 09 6:01

Post #16 of 69 (1779 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [DreamChaser] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

has everyone gotten back to there previous fitness level post surgery? i heard it doesnt allow you to reach your potential.

I had a rather severe case of CS in the anterior compartment of both legs. In the 32 years before my surgery, I had never run for more than a few minutes without crippling pain. I had, effectively, zero potential. Since the surgery, I have only felt limited by (training/genetics/diet/caffeine... all the normal limiters). My shins are no longer a factor.

For more mild cases, or cases involving other compartments... I can't comment.

-
-Mark Rebuck, http://www.markrebuck.com/

tjs

Jun 24, 09 7:32

Post #17 of 69 (1758 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [Skoorb] [In reply to]	Can't Post

You can google it if you're really interested. It's really not a matter of doing anything wrong.

JSA

Jun 24, 09 16:29

Post #18 of 69 (1713 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [Skoorb] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

What are you guys doing to bring your shins to such an extent you need to go under the knife?

From what I have read, they really do not know why is happens to some people and not others. It is caused by the fascia surrounding the muscles not expanding at the same rate as the muscle, thus "strangling" it and causing serious pain

SURGERY UPDATE: Just got home about 90 min ago.

Arrived at the hospital at 7:15. Nurses could not have been better! If you are in SE Wisconsin, I highly recommend St. Lukes Hospital in Milwaukee. Rolled into the OR at 9:00. Doc finished up around 10:30. I woke up in recovery around noon. They got me up around 1:30. I got a bit nausious walking around, so, they decided to put another IV into me and give some anti-nausia meds. Left the hospital around 3:45, stopped to get Rx and food.

I can move on crutches pretty well. The L leg is sore, but, the R is not too bad. Of course, I am filled with pain killers right now, so, who knows how long it will last. I used a wheel chair to get around the store to pick up the Rx. I swtiched to the crutches once I got home. Able to move fairly well.

Great deal of edema in the ankles, which is what I expected. Have the legs elevated with ice now. Nice to be home!

Will continue to update as I found these threads (containing other people's accounts of the surgery, etc.) extremely helpful.

Need to give another thank you to rroof for taking some much of his time to respond to questions. Great guy! Great resource! We are very lucky to have docs on this cite willing to provide input and advice. Thanks to all of them!

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

april

Jun 25, 09 7:21

Post #19 of 69 (1683 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Great to hear you are through the surgery! Remember to not rush things and take those pain meds regularly-this really does help in the first while. Yes, the edema is normal, going into my 4th week of recovery and I still have some lingering.

Best of luck and keep us posted.
Cheers
April
www.bodymindmotion.com
"mental skills for sport and life"

sentania

Jun 25, 09 8:13

Post #20 of 69 (1669 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Recovery quickly!

Team Gear Grinder | scottbowe.com

"Suffering is mandatory,choosing to enjoy your suffering is optional." - Al Boelk

JSA

Jun 25, 09 8:15

Post #21 of 69 (1669 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [april] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks! It is amazing how much of a change I can feel already. My heel pain is completely gone and my legs do not feel as tight. Simply incredible.

Day 1 following surgery. They have me on hydrocondone b/c I did not do well with oxycodone following my shoulder surgery last September. I took 2 pills at about 6 p.m. and two more around 11:00 p.m. before going to bed. Woke up this a.m. tight, with slight pain, but, not bad. I took 1 pill at 8:30 and will likely take 1 more pill this afternoon, then, I am going to try to stop taking any.

Went to Walmart last night to get ice packs. I have a wheelchair, so, I am able to get around in public. I can stand w/o issue. I can hobble, but, very slowly. I do pretty well with crutches. I have been up and down the stairs about 4-5 times already and it isn't that bad.

Overall, I am shocked by how mobil I am. I thought I would be completely laid up, but I am able to get from bed to bathroom w/o too much trouble. Also happy about being to get up and down the stairs.

So far, so good. Very, very glad I had the surgery. Very disappointed to miss out on IMCDA, but, I was able to get in for 2010. Also, still eying IMWI this year, but, will play it by ear.

Not going to rush anything. I took a couple days off work and will keep legs elevated and iced. More updates in the days to come.

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

JSA

Jun 27, 09 8:02

Post #22 of 69 (1640 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Going to update my condition. Again, these types of threads were fantastic resources for me prior to my surgery, so, I want to pass on the info.

Overall, cannot believe how well I am doing. Although I continue to take it slowely, I feel I am coming along quite quickly.

Wed, June 24, 2009 - Surgery.

- See above.

Thur, June 25, 2009 - Day 1

- Spent most of the day in bed. My legs are wrapped from the ankles to the knees. Very little pain, but, could possibly have pain meds still in my system. The swelling is not too bad, but, my ankles are getting pretty thick.

- I was placed on Hydrocodone as oxycodone made me a bit ill last time I had surgery. I took two pills before bed last night and one this a.m. I took a second pill at 2:30 in the afternoon. I am hoping this will be my last pain pill. I would like to get off them as quickly as possible.

- I can hobble with crutches. I can also shuffle around if need be. My legs only hurt when I put pressure on them. No pain when I am simply immobile. I do have a wheelchair to get around as well. I used the wheelchair to go to the store today to get supplies. Cannot drive. I am managing steps quite well. I have been up and down the steps about a half-dozen times today. It is a slow process, but, it works.

Friday, June 26, 2009 - Day 2

- Off pain meds! Took one yesterday at 2:30 p.m., then stopped. I am taking Aleve, but, that is it. No pain issues at all. Of course, it is a bit sore when I move, but, not bad. Very, very tight when I first wake up, but, it loosens up when I move about. Hobbling is even better. I can get around most of the house, but, slowly. Swelling is up even more and I have bruising in my ankles and feet, as expected. Very excited about the mobility and lack of pain.

- Took the crutches and went out to lunch today. It as slow, but, I hobbled along with the crutches. I continue to do an hour of ice, and hour off. Spend most of the day in bed with legs elevated. Pretty happy w/ the progress.

- Went out to dinner tonight. Used the wheelchair for convenience sake. Still quite slow on the crutches, so, I used the chair to get around.

Saturday, June 27, 2009 - Day 3

- Swelling down a little, but, still there. Again, there is only discomfort when I move around. It doesn't really hurt anymore, it is just tight.

- I am moving around even better today. Still slow, but, making it. I can move all over the house w/o the crutches. I use the crutches when I go out.

- Feet are starting to look kinda gross. The blood is pooling a bit and they are black and blue. Small children run away in terror...

Overall

- Cannot believe how much of a change I feel already. As I mentioned before, relief was immediately apparent. My heel has been sore for nearly 2 months. That pain is completely gone. No tightness. Fantastic.

- Very excited about the progress. I have my doc appt on Tuesday to get stitches out. Yeah!

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

rroof

Jun 27, 09 9:08

Post #23 of 69 (1625 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Great to hear, and thanks for the updates. Others searching for compartment syndrome recovery are often directed here even off of sites like google, yahoo, bing, etc. because of the sheer volume here on ST.
____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

JSA

Jun 27, 09 10:46

Post #24 of 69 (1613 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [rroof] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for your repeated input on these threads. I had asked you whether the heel pain could be related and you indicated it could. Completely related! The constant heel pain is completely gone. First time in 2 months I can stand/walk w/o heel pain. Incredible.

_______________________________________________

"My better is better than your better." - LT, via Nike

The people who keep me moving:

TRANSITION - Get Moving!

april

Jun 29, 09 18:48

Post #25 of 69 (1558 views)

Re: Compartment Syndrome Surgery Questions [JSA] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Glad to hear you are doing well! Are you making sure to ice regularly?

Also good you are off the pain meds so quick. I was not so lucky. But- according to my doc, it's because the length of time I was made to wait for the surgery. My nerves were under pressure too long and now they are still sensitive. I started Lyrica, for the nerve pain and that has helped tremendously. Now, one month post surgery, I am walking faster than I was pre-surgery (isn't it great, that feeling of "it worked!") but I still don't go really far just yet. Again, I know others on here were doing much more than me at this stage but I just am where I am and I know it will work out. I am trying to build on the distance I walk with the dog gradually. I might try a little light biking at the gym too.

I find my biggest challenge- I don't know if anyone else here had this....is I can't quite do a squat. Too sore and still swollen right where my leg joins my foot in front. I think there is still a back log of some blood there. I have very little bruising left and otherwise the legs look pretty good.

Continued smooth recovery!
April
www.bodymindmotion.com
"mental skills for sport and life"

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