Blood Clots

[leighx 12]

I don't know why but I am very worried about the possibility of blood clots after surgery. It's very scary to me. Other then the given of walking and constant motion of your body, does anyone know of any natural supplements or something that could help to prevent blood clots? I want to be as prepared and ready as possible for all curve balls and obstacles.

[bean406 15]

I personally wouldn't self-medicate or take anything that your surgeon isn't ok with. Prior to surgery they don't want you taking anything that will thin out your blood. After surgery they will encourage you to walk. I also had cuffs around my calves that would squeeze every so often; they actually put those on when I was getting prepped for surgery. I was also given medicine for blood clots during my 2-day stay in the hospital. It is a valid concern that I would suggest talking with your surgeon about .

[Back~To~Amy 307]

Yeah, I agree with not self-medicating. I also had the cuffs on from right before surgery until I was discharged. I also had meds in the hospital to thin my blood. And finally, because is had another surgery 8 weeks prior, I had to give myself shots in my tummy for 10 days after I got out of the hospital. That pretty much cured me of my needle phobia. Anyway, I digress. Talk to your surgeon. Blood clots are a risk, but not a huge one unless you have other things like I did that make you a higher risk. If you are, there are things your doctor can do.

[Kiloalphatango 13]

I'm at home (day 6) and have been told to wear the super sexy compression socks.

They should be very easy to get hold of as older people tend to wear them often, and people wear them for flights and post surgery all the time. I have to wear for 2 weeks at minimum while I sleep

Also shots every day for 2 weeks.

[Nate 292]

I'm in the hospital right now with a clot in my wrist that was caused by the I.V. when I was in for surgery. I guess sometimes its going to happen no matter what. Just be vigilant and see a Doctor if you suspect a problem.

[Wheetsin 714]

You will probably be a given a blood thinner as part of your pre-op preparation at the hospital. Many surgeons also require a blood thinner Rx such as Arixtra for after you go home. You'll probably also be dressed (pre-op prep) in compression leggings, and be put into these little velcro boots that alternate air pressure on your feet. All of that does quite a bit to keep blood clots away. They happen sometimes, but it is fairly rare.

All of the above should be sufficient in terms of actually thinning your blood. You do not want any homepathic products ON TOP of that. Plus your pre-op instructions should ban all non-approved supplements about 2 weeks before surgery. This is to help make sure that you don't take anything contraindicative to anything else you'll be given.

I don't know why but I am very worried about the possibility of blood clots after surgery. It's very scary to me. Other then the given of walking and constant motion of your body, does anyone know of any natural supplements or something that could help to prevent blood clots? I want to be as prepared and ready as possible for all curve balls and obstacles.

[leighx 12]

I'm in the hospital right now with a clot in my wrist that was caused by the I.V. when I was in for surgery. I guess sometimes its going to happen no matter what. Just be vigilant and see a Doctor if you suspect a problem.

That is really scary. And frankly makes me very afraid for this surgery. But thank you for your advice. I hope everything is well!

[leighx 12]

You will probably be a given a blood thinner as part of your pre-op preparation at the hospital. Many surgeons also require a blood thinner Rx such as Arixtra for after you go home. You'll probably also be dressed (pre-op prep) in compression leggings' date=' and be put into these little velcro boots that alternate air pressure on your feet. All of that does quite a bit to keep blood clots away. They happen sometimes, but it is fairly rare.

All of the above should be sufficient in terms of actually thinning your blood. You do not want any homepathic products ON TOP of that. Plus your pre-op instructions should ban all non-approved supplements about 2 weeks before surgery. This is to help make sure that you don't take anything contraindicative to anything else you'll be given.

[/quote']

I was told that you absolutely do not take blood thinners before surgery as it could complicate things and you could lose more blood. Afterwards, I see where you're coming from. I am just all around worried about it. I guess it's normal.

[Wheetsin 714]

You don't take blood thinners. The pre-op team does it. Usually it's Heparin (injection), sometimes Lovenox. Self-administered anticoagulants like aspirin, Coumadin, Warfarin, etc. will virtually always be stopped.

I've had 4 surgerues in recent years and I've been given Heparin shots before each of them. Kind of depends on surgeon/hospital, but it's fairly common procedure. I'm not at special risk for DVT or SVT and if anything tend to be a "bleeder."

I was told that you absolutely do not take blood thinners before surgery as it could complicate things and you could lose more blood. Afterwards, I see where you're coming from. I am just all around worried about it. I guess it's normal.

[leighx 12]

You don't take blood thinners. The pre-op team does it. Usually it's Heparin (injection)' date=' sometimes Lovenox. Self-administered anticoagulants like aspirin, Coumadin, Warfarin, etc. will virtually always be stopped.

I've had 4 surgerues in recent years and I've been given Heparin shots before each of them. Kind of depends on surgeon/hospital, but it's fairly common procedure. I'm not at special risk for DVT or SVT and if anything tend to be a "bleeder."

[/quote']

Gotcha! Thank you for your advice!

[Jack Fabulous 35]

Blood clots was a fear of mine as well. My dr prescribed blood thinners for 1 month after surgery. Thankfully, I had no issues. I think you should discuss your concerns with your doctor and see what he says.