They gave me one injection after surgery that is all I had.

I have to be on blood thinners for a month after my surgery. I have had 2 episodes of blood clots. I also have to give my self the shots. My PCP said that is the norm to put you on blood thinners.

I used to work for a company that sold blood thinners and had a lot of clinical data on it. If you have a tendency to clot, or take medications or have taken blood clotting medications in the past you may be more prone to developing clots after surgery. Blood thinners prohibit the blood from clotting. After surgery, if you don't walk every couple hours your body has a tendency to move those clots through your system, causing potentially serious issues. Therefore thinning the blood will reduce the ability for the blood to clot in the first place.

From a clinical standpoint, make sure you are giving or getting the right dosage, and take care with your skin and avoid bumping and bruising -- blood thinners will make you bleed and bruise a little easier for a period of time.

There are also pressure garments they may put on your legs for after surgery. These are little squeezers that prevent clots from forming in your legs after surgery. Same purpose just immediate post op.

Heparin is the most common anti coagulent (clotter) in the US. It is highly regulated and used by millions. I've put a link to the site below for you to look at: (kind of technical but you will get a lot out of it)

Celsus Laboratories

You will do great! Thank goodness for thorough surgeons, huh? Best of luck to you.....

sandra...but i wonder why they want me to? i ve never had problems with clottin..infact i've had bleeding ulcers so i was surprised..i might call the doc again just to double check. i don't know if they just do it across the board..

papoose...wow a whole month?

sunflower..i wish mine was only once..

I, too, was given heparin post-op, as a precaution. If you are concerned about it, talk to your doctor.

Wishing you well!

Definitely talk to your doctor. It is a valid concern. Good luck..........

I am on blood thinners and will be for life..for a totally different reason. If I recall when the topic came up it was going to be a shot prior to surgery and then one shot afterwards.

I know even with me taking warafin (blood thinner) they did give me a shot of heparin right as they were giving me the anesthesia.

Regardless any questions or concerns that you have..make sure you thoroughly discuss them with your doctor. You should have no questions when you have your surgery. I wish you the very best on your journey.