Is It Necessary to Get Medical Help?
At the beginning of December, I underwent a partial meniscal removal surgery on my left knee. Up to now, my recovery has been progressing well, but I encountered a troubling issue this evening. Not thinking twice, I attempted to kneel down, and as soon as I felt discomfort, I adjusted my position. Almost instantly, one of my surgical incisions became swollen, red, and warm to the touch. I began to feel extremely nauseous and lightheaded, prompting me to grab an ice pack and lie down, hoping it would alleviate the discomfort. However, I’m concerned that I may have injured something beneath the skin. Despite icing for about ten minutes, the swelling persists and the area remains painful; this sensation is reminiscent of the days right after my surgery. Should I consider visiting the emergency department to get it examined? I would prefer not to spend time there only to find out my worries are unfounded. For context, I’m located in Canada. Not sure if that’s relevant.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 5:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about changes in your recovery process, especially after surgery. The swelling, redness, and warmth around the incision site, combined with your symptoms of nausea and lightheadedness, suggest that something may need closer examination. Although it’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort during recovery, these new symptoms could indicate an infection or other complications.
Explanation: After surgery, it's normal for the body to react to changes in movement, but swelling, redness, and warmth—especially if accompanied by nausea—can indicate that something may not be right. These signs suggest that there might be an issue such as an infection or inflammation around your incision. The nausea and lightheadedness you experienced could have been a response to pain or discomfort.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the swelling, pain level, or new symptoms like fever, increased redness, or discharge from the incision. This will help provide clear information if you seek further help.
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Rest and Care: Continue to rest the knee and avoid putting weight on it. Ice packs can help reduce swelling; apply them for 15-20 minutes several times a day, but don't ice for too long to avoid skin injury.
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Consider Medical Attention: Given the persistence of the swelling and the combination of your symptoms, I strongly recommend seeking medical attention sooner rather than later. If symptoms worsen or if you develop a fever, you should seek emergency care immediately.
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Pre-Visit Preparation: If you decide to go to a healthcare provider, consider bringing a detailed list of your symptoms and any changes since your surgery. This will help them assess your situation more effectively.
While it’s difficult to predict the outcome without an examination, it’s always better to err on the side of caution with surgical recovery concerns. Your health and peace of mind are important, so don’t hesitate to seek care.
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