7 weeks post op - still constant swelling and bruising from wearing underwear and loose bottoms - is this normal?

[lifetimetmser]

lifetimetmser, it's hard to say if its "normal" without knowing the source of the pain and swelling. That said, I had a rough recovery and could not start cycling until almost 8 weeks. In my case, I had a lot of bleeding, edema that went down my thighs past my knees, and a huge hematoma in my scrotum. All that resulted in lots of pain and swelling. Couldn't wear jeans for more that a few hours until week 10 or 11. But eventually the swelling went down and at 3+ months post-op things are close to normal. Best wishes for things to resolve that way, or faster, for you.

- Chuck

Thank you, Chuck. I’m glad things have now improved so significantly for you and thank you for sharing your experience and kind wishes.

I think part of my challenge is that I was told I’d be back to running around on my feet after 6 weeks. But now the surgeon is saying I should now expect to wait 3 months before I can expect the pain to subside but also that there is nothing unusual about my recovery - something doesn’t add up here. If I’m still in pain after 3 months I suppose she’ll tell me I need to wait a further 3 months.

It sounds like the surgeon is just guessing which just worries me.

Also - had I been properly informed I would need to put my life on hold for 3 months I would have arranged my life differently and possibly have not done the surgery right now.

[lifetimetmser]

Are you on blood thinners or anything else that might make you more susceptible to bruising? If so, you might need to adjust your dose. Just a thought.

Thanks, ElbowRoom - good point but no, am not on any blood thinners.

[Kodixx]

lifetimetmser, appreciate that. I went in to be activated at 6 weeks and my Dr's PA looked me over, gently poked at the swelling, and said "I don't think you want me to do this". But by comparison, my Dr told me that my recovery was worse than most, and he activated me at 8 weeks. Even then, things were pretty swollen and the inflating/deflating was more of a challenge than usual. And FWIW, no one prepared me either for the possibility that there would be as much downtime as I experienced so I get it.

- Chuck

I think part of my challenge is that I was told I’d be back to running around on my feet after 6 weeks. But now the surgeon is saying I should now expect to wait 3 months before I can expect the pain to subside but also that there is nothing unusual about my recovery - something doesn’t add up here. If I’m still in pain after 3 months I suppose she’ll tell me I need to wait a further 3 months.