Hi, My Friend Has Just Had Spinal Surgery . She

Posted on Sun, 21 Jul 2019

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Sun, 21 Jul 2019 Answered on

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Question : Hi, my friend has just had spinal surgery. She has been home 2 weeks and both legs are extremely swollen? she has pain which travels down the outside of both legs. He has had a blood test and there is no infection. Is this normal? they put metal plates and rods and of course screws.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Swelling and pain is normal in recovery time.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

The symptoms of swelling and pain in legs are normal at two weeks after operation.
The swelling is supposed to go down gradually.
She can use pillows under legs to reduce swelling.
Also she may use lasix potassium diuretic to reduce swelling.
She should continue the movement routine to help circulation.
She should have taken the blood thinners as advised by your doctor. Also if a sudden pain starts and changes of colour of leg it can be vein thrombosis and you may visit a doctor.
The pain and swelling may last up to six weeks.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad