Sign out
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
- Try to do low-impact exercise each day. This includes walking and bicycle riding.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
- Do not stand or sit for long periods.
Medicine
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. Your doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
Other instructions
- Wear compression bandages or stockings if your doctor recommends it. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear them.
- You may shower after 48 hours after the procedure. Don't swim or take a bath until your doctor tells you it is okay.
- Avoid exposing your legs to the sun for at least the first 2 weeks after the procedure.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You get open sores on your legs where the chemical was injected.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Swelling in the leg or groin.
- A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish, depending on your usual skin color.
- You have problems with your vision or balance.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area of injection.
- Pus draining from the area of injection.
- A fever.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
