Compression socks after lumpectomy & sentinel node biopsy

Going through breast cancer treatment Surgery
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Hi all, how long do you need to wear the compression socks for after surgery for a lumpectomy & sentinel node biopsy please?

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Hi @light26

I was told to wear them for a week. This was in the winter so bearable. I thought that sounded like a long time so see what other responses you receive.

Wishing you a speedy recovery :mending_heart:

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I’ve had 2 lumpectomies and a mastectomy and each time was told until fully mobile with a minimum of 24 hours.

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Hi @light26
I was told first 24 hours after surgery I had boots on that inflated up and down whilst in bed after surgery when I was being discharged doctor said didn’t need to wear them if I could move around and was active when I got home , I also had blood thinning injections to stop clots , I managed to walk around the garden every day and walk up and down the sitting room x

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Hi. I had them put on just after admission at 7.30 am. I was allowed to take them off on discharge at 5.30pm.

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As long as you keep moving regularly, 24 hours after op . They drove me mad …

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I was told two weeks when I had lumpectomy and slnb

Xx

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I was told 2 weeks also xx

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I had the compression boots in hospital as i had varicose veins they were heaven x

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Thank you everyone :heart:

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@light26, it depends on how active you are, having had 4 surgeries I was advised once I was up and walking you didn’t need to wear them in the daytime. My team suggested that I wore them overnight for a week post-surgery to reduce any risks, I have to admit I forgot after a few days post lumpectomies after my recent DIEP surgery I was more diligent as this was a 10-hour surgery.

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I had to wear them for two weeks. Very uncomfortable. I was allowed to take them off for 2hours each day to wash them.

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I was also told 2 weeks yet after bilateral therapeutic mammoplasty and sentinel node biopsy. Yet when you read through hospital guidelines across the UK there seems to be a huge variation - with many just saying wear until you are fully mobile and others saying 7 to 14 days or even longer. Some say only wear daytime and others at night. Wonder what nurses on here advise?

I find them really uncomfortable and have red weals at the back of my knees where they dig into the flesh. Took off for first time today (day 5 post op) to wash and the relief is enormous! I actually am fine wearing the support bra 24/7 as feels safer for recovering tissue but the socks are driving me nuts as constant discomfort!

Am doing what I’m told and sticking with it and will ask surgeon on day 9 when I have follow-up consultation.
Best wishes.