During heart surgery a vein was taken from my left leg for a bypass. Now the foot and lower leg swell and itch

Answer 1

Please, get off the computer and call your doctor -- NOW. Your doctor needs to know this is going on and possibly run some tests. If the circulation in your leg is compromised, you may need treatment. Please, call your doctor? Good luck.

Answer 2

If they harvested your saphenous vein, you are probaby going to have to keep that left leg elevated to prevent swelling and put some kind of lotion on your leg to stop the itching. This may be the price you had to take to stay alive. Congratulations on your new lease on life and your bypass surgery.
See your doctor when you can. I would hate to give you bad advice because so many things can be wrong everything form clots to a stitch left in or even a case of cellulitis.
It is important for you to discuss this with your doctor
PS: I am an RN.

Answer 3

You may have some circulatory problems in your leg. Swelling happens when there is a problem getting blood to return to the heart via the veins. Try getting some support hose at a medical supply store. Ask for some that are 15-20mmHg (millimeters mercury - which is a pressure measurement)in strengh. Put them on first thing in the morning when you get out of bed. If you wait longer, the leg will begin to swell and you won't get the full benefit from the stocking. It is also helpful to elevate your leg for 30 minutes or more during the day, several times a day. Walking can also be helpful for your circulation. Standing or sitting with your feet and legs dependent for a long time makes the problem worse, so try to vary your routine.

Answer 4

Definitely your doctor should know about this. Put your foot up right now to help with circulation. Probably you are taking aspirin for your heart, but if not, that's something you should talk to your doctor about. Your leg is probably swelling because you don't have as many veins to get blood back to your heart from that leg now. Over time, the rest should compensate, although they may not get back to perfect because no doubt you have compromised circulation to begin with, or you wouldn't have needed the bypass.

Answer 5

After a Coronary Bypass
Most people are discharged five to seven days after surgery. You will be given prescriptions to take home, plus information on other pills you will need, such as aspirin to help prevent blood clots, iron tablets, and vitamins. There may be additional medications depending on your other medical problems. If you are not completely clear on your medications or follow-up plan, review it with the medical team.

Unless you have diabetes a long-term condition where glucose (sugar) metabolism is impaired. Glucose in the blood is not adequately absorbed into the cells, so too much sugar remains in the blood. and need to control your glucose levels, you can eat your usual moderate diet for the first few weeks. About four weeks after surgery, beginning to adjusting your diet can help to control weight and cholesterolA fat-like material that is eaten as part of meat and other animal products, and is also made by the human body. Cholesterol has several beneficial uses in the body, but it can also be harmful when it builds up in the walls of arteries and causes them to narrow. levels, which may help prevent future heart problems.

It is common to gain some weight after surgery. This is because fluid collects in the tissues. Your feet may be swollen, especially on the side where the veins were taken for the bypasses. Several days later when the fluid has been released from your body, you may find that you have lost a considerable amount of weight.
Care Of The Incisions

Your surgeon will give you instructions about keeping the incisions clean, and watching for problems. Call if there are any signs of infection such as:

* Redness

* An increase in pain

* Fluid coming from the wound

* Fever

Answer 6

I agree with John. Try elevating your legs when sitting and avoid crossing your legs. Weigh yourself every day as this will tell you if you are gaining water weight. Tell your doctor your concerns and if you develop shortness of breath or chest pain go to the emergency room