How can I make my calves smaller?

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#2,386
Had my last checkup with Dr. Park...I can't wait to go home now...I'm bored! I guess I got lucky...dr park found no fluid in my legs. He tried aspiration quite a few times but no fluid. I'm so relieved because I don't think I'm able to stick a needle in my leg...my left leg is almost completed recovered. My right leg is still swollen and have sharp nerve pain in the morning, but in general I feel better every day...guess that's not too bad since I'm not even 2 weeks post op yet...measurement: left leg 2 cm down and right leg 2.5 cm down. now I'm thinking about buying pretty boots already....
 
#2,387
pcc1 said:
Hi,
I was told wherever there is swelling scar tissue can form, scar tissue is the bodys way of trying to repair itself. I've spent alot of money on physiotherapy and getting different opinions in the last year and the main bit of advice is to just keep up the stretching, stretching is so essential to keeping the muscles flexible to prevent the scar tissue forming and as soon as you are able to touch the area start massaging and with as much pressure as you can stand, just keep persevering.

The other two girls who had the operation at the same time as me are fine their recovery has gone well, so I am just unlucky. I think some people have more of a tendency to produce scar tissue than others but I never knew that until the operation. Like with any operation it is a risk as you don't know how your body is going to react, I felt exactly as you felt about my calves and nothing would have stopped me.

My scar tissue is just below the incision, it feels lumpy when massaging and very very hard, as it is a blockage I also get pain in the thigh and buttock, something I never thought about either. It is the side that the most muscle was removed I don't know if this has anything to do with it?

I don't regret what I have done as I hated my legs but I am unhappy with the fact that my legs aren't functioning like before. My bad leg feels more unstable especically if twisting etc, and my job requires me to stand on my feet 12 hours a day by the end of the day I am very uncomfortable, the pain is not excruciating but it is feels like I need a strong massage to relieve the discomfort. A hot bath does really help and then a stretch after that. Because of my leg I have had to drop my hours at work and I'm now down to doing 4 days a week rather than 5.

I cannot predict how the next few years are going to go for me, apparently scar tissue does change, but every specialist I see says there is no real cure, massage is the first option then steroid injections are possible and lastly surgery but removal of scar tissue can lead to further scar tissue. I'm going to continue preserving in my quest to get my leg better but I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried any of the above and if it has worked for them? And I will keep you updated on my progress.

x
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Hi pcc1.

Sorry to hear that you're still having pain :( Keep fighting and hopefully you'll feel better.
Did the doctors tell you why you have a scar tissue? Any explanation or recommendation from Dr. Park at all? (you had your surgery with him, didn't you?)
 
#2,388
Hi guys,

I'm going to Korea this December (20th). Anyone else going there that time? I might be able to stay in Korea for less than a week. Will that be a big problem?
Also, I've been following the forum and one issue remains scaring me is the potential of having a scar tissue :( did anyone talk to Dr. Park about that?
 
#2,389
Honestly I think you need at least 2 weeks for calf surgery. Maybe a bit less but less than a week for recovery is a little too risky for my taste as its a huge surgery, you might not be able to walk easily by that stage and need more supervision. Also what if something goes wrong?
That's just my opinion x
 
#2,390
Beryltran04 said:
Hi guys,

I'm going to Korea this December (20th). Anyone else going there that time? I might be able to stay in Korea for less than a week. Will that be a big problem?
Also, I've been following the forum and one issue remains scaring me is the potential of having a scar tissue :( did anyone talk to Dr. Park about that?
Click to expand...
I agree with vanitygirl...less than one week is really too short...aspiration happens on second week and you'll need dr. Park's instructions how to do it.
 
#2,392
kiki12345 said:
Had my last checkup with Dr. Park...I can't wait to go home now...I'm bored! I guess I got lucky...dr park found no fluid in my legs. He tried aspiration quite a few times but no fluid. I'm so relieved because I don't think I'm able to stick a needle in my leg...my left leg is almost completed recovered. My right leg is still swollen and have sharp nerve pain in the morning, but in general I feel better every day...guess that's not too bad since I'm not even 2 weeks post op yet...measurement: left leg 2 cm down and right leg 2.5 cm down. now I'm thinking about buying pretty boots already....
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Have a safe flight home tomorrow! It was great meeting you and thanks for sharing your experience with my husband and I. And maybe now he doesn't think I'm so crazy for flying all that way to have the surgery. LOL!
 
#2,393
Madisonthegreat said:
Have a safe flight home tomorrow! It was great meeting you and thanks for sharing your experience with my husband and I. And maybe now he doesn't think I'm so crazy for flying all that way to have the surgery. LOL!
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Haha great meeting you and your hubby. It's so sweet of him to be with you all this time...I wish you all the best and a very fast recovery! Email me if you need anything, and I will continue to share my experience here...
 
#2,394
Day 4 post-op. My legs are super swollen today...went shopping after my visit with dr park yesterday...think I over did it. Stretching is getting easier, but still hurts a little. Legs get stiff if I sit for awhile. Still walking funny but I can definitely walk better after stretching. Had leg cramps for the first time today, not sure if it's related to the activities yesterday so I took it easy and stayed in. The shape of my legs are improving, dr park said they are just very swollen and it's totally normal, not to worry.
Btw, I want to take a tour, any suggestions?
 
#2,396
Beryltran04 said:
Hi guys,

I'm going to Korea this December (20th). Anyone else going there that time? I might be able to stay in Korea for less than a week. Will that be a big problem?
Also, I've been following the forum and one issue remains scaring me is the potential of having a scar tissue :( did anyone talk to Dr. Park about that?
Click to expand...

Hi Berytran04

I think to stay for less than 1 week for the calf reduction surgery may be too short. I recall vaguely that someone went to Jong in Taiwan n stayed for around 8 days.

I think it's best to check with the surgeon whom you intend to do the surgery with but from what i went thru i would think less than 1 week is not ideal.

Hope this helps.

cheers
 
#2,398
Hi Madison

I never have pain around my thighs so I'm not sure if that's related to inactivities. No matter how hard, it is very important u stretch the first 10 days every 30 mins. Stretching can help to reduce discomfort or pain.
 
#2,400
vanitygirl09 said:
Honestly I think you need at least 2 weeks for calf surgery. Maybe a bit less but less than a week for recovery is a little too risky for my taste as its a huge surgery, you might not be able to walk easily by that stage and need more supervision. Also what if something goes wrong?
That's just my opinion x
Click to expand...
Hi vanitygirl09... I will have around 3 weeks not working. It's just that I can't be in Korea too long cuz I'm coming back home to visit my family as well. So you're saying that 2 weeks staying in Korean is necessary?
 
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