Post-operative swelling tracking journal

Swelling can be a normal part of post-operative care, but its extent and progression depend on the area operated on, the procedure performed, and your discharge instructions. A single photograph, a limb measurement, or a timeframe found online is not sufficient to conclude that swelling is normal.

This log helps you record comparable facts and generate a clear summary for the department, surgeon, or physician. It does not calculate any scores, make any diagnoses, or recommend any treatments.

A personal diary of postoperative swelling

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OBSERVATION LOG, WITHOUT DIAGNOSIS

Describe what is changing, without interpreting on behalf of the team.

Complete one sheet per observation period. To compare several days, copy or print each summary before reloading the page.

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01Time and area observed

Choose a simple reference point and, if possible, observe the same area under comparable conditions.

Time of observation Time of observation: not specified Morning Midday Evening After an authorized activity At rest

Foot or ankle Calf or leg Knee or thigh Hand, wrist or forearm Arm or shoulder Area operated or other region

02Change since the last comparable benchmark

An impression of progress is useful to convey, but it does not replace examination.

The swelling appears to be decreasing The swelling appears stable The swelling appears to be increasing gradually Sudden onset or increase One side is noticeably more swollen The functional impairment appears to be more significant

03Signs to report

Select only the signs that are currently present. The tool will then display the corresponding safe driving guidelines.

Heaviness or tension New or more intense pain Red, hot or very painful area Fever, chills or malaise Drainage, bleeding or opening of the wound Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain or significant discomfort

04Context to be communicated to the team

Include only what is relevant to the comparison. Exit instructions remain the priority.

Positioning or mobilization instructions followed Device requested by the team carried The device causes pain, tourniquet effect, numbness, or color change. Private photograph taken under comparable conditions

Details to be passed on to the team

Generate the summary Clear the answers

What a newspaper can actually contribute

Follow-up becomes more useful when observations are described in the same way: area, side, time, evolution, and associated symptoms. This helps the team understand what has changed since the initial discharge. It is not a way to delay a call while waiting for multiple records.

A photograph can supplement the description if the healthcare professional has requested it or agrees to receive it. Keep it on a private device, avoid any identifiable elements in the frame, and use comparable lighting conditions. An image alone cannot diagnose phlebitis, infection, or lymphedema.

To put the observation in context, read the guide on postoperative edema . Measures such as cold, elevation, mobilization, or compression are not interchangeable and must remain consistent with the discharge summary.

Why asymmetry and speed matter

A limb that swells suddenly or much more than the other warrants prompt medical attention, especially after surgery or a period of immobilization. Calf pain, warmth, or unusual discoloration may suggest phlebitis, but these signs are inconsistent. Only a professional can assess the situation and determine the necessary tests.

Sudden breathing difficulties, chest pain, significant discomfort or loss of consciousness require calling 15 or 112. In this context, do not fill out the log before calling and do not drive yourself to the emergency room without instructions from the emergency service.

Compression, cold, and mobilization: note it down without improvising

If a stocking, sleeve, girdle, or bandage has been prescribed, you can indicate whether it was worn as directed and if any new discomfort arises. Pain, a tourniquet effect, numbness, a cold extremity, or a change in color warrants prompt medical attention. Do not add more compression or layer two devices on your own.

The information sheet on compression stockings after surgery explains why the model, size, and wearing instructions must be individualized. Similarly, do not alter the permitted range of motion and do not apply cold to insensitive skin, a wound, or any unauthorized area.

To whom should the summary be sent?

First, use the contact information provided upon discharge: department, secretary, nurse, or other designated professional. Clearly state the procedure performed, when the change occurred, and any associated symptoms. The summary can then help structure the discussion, but do not send medical data through any channel not designated by the facility.

The home return checklist helps ensure that all necessary contact information, documents, and support are ready. For new or increasing pain, consult the postoperative pain guide and do not delay contacting the team.

When to stop filling out the journal and call

• Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, significant discomfort or loss of consciousness: call 15 or 112 immediately.
• Sudden or distinctly asymmetrical swelling, painful calf, red or hot limb: seek medical advice without delay.
• Fever, chills, discharge, bleeding or open wound: contact the service or a doctor immediately.
• Pain, tourniquet effect, numbness, cold extremity or color change with a device: seek advice quickly.

After an operation, the instructions of the team familiar with your case always take precedence over this log and any general information. If you are unsure of the urgency of the situation, call 15 (the French emergency number) for guidance.

Institutional sources

• Health insurance, symptoms and diagnosis of phlebitis.
• Health insurance, pulmonary embolism and what to do.
• French National Authority for Health, medical compression and lymphedema.
• National Cancer Institute, Prevention and Treatment of Lymphedema After Cancer.
• French National Authority for Health, improved recovery after surgery.

General information tool, verified on July 18, 2026. It does not replace an examination, discharge instructions, or calling the service in case of worrying developments.