How real is the worry for a pulmonary embolism?!?

[Kari Anhorn 0]

I am 3 weeks preop and very excited but also super nervous esp due to the risk for a PE. I'm wondering if anyone experienced this and what the real risk is. I've already cancelled surgery once due to this fear I have. For some reason I can't get past this.

[SugarFreeMe 293]

Kari, I was semi concerned but I was given a scrip for Lovenox injections to help to avoid blood clots. They gave me 2 injections a day in the hospital, once home I now to give myself 1 shot a day for 10 days. At first when they told my I had to give myself injections I was a little freaked out because I HATE needles, but you don't even feel them. The actual needle is only about 1 inch long and you inject into your tummy fat (imagine a smiley face pattern going from left to right under your belly button). It doesn't hurt going in, it only burns a tiny bit for about 10 seconds once your done - I promise you, you can do this - It's really not a big deal.

[Amyllf2 206]

I went to my cardiologist today for clearance. His one piece of advise was: MOVE. Move a lot. Move more than you think you need to in order to avoid the blood clots. I got the same advice from my surgeon in February when I had my gall bladder removed. Keep moving.

What did your surgeon and/or PCP say when you asked them about the risk?

I'm also 3 weeks out. I know there is a risk of blood clots but there was a risk when I had my gall bladder out. When both my parents had knee replacements. When my grandmother had a hip replacement. When my friend had her double mastectomy. So many people have surgeries of different kinds. All of those instances used those leg constrictors in order to keep blood flowing threw the legs. I gotta believe if the risk was super high, people would not have surgery.

[BKR 13]

Had surgery May 2013. Had my PE June 4th...5 days after surgery. Feel very lucky to be alive. It is a risk we all know prior to surgery and is a very personal decision. I was severely depressed before surgery...not really living any sort of healthy life. My highest weight was 316 lbs. I am now 180 lbs. 10 months later. I am finally living life every day. Thankful to be truly alive and appreciating every moment, taking nothing for granted!

[ChristyAZ 87]

This scares me too ... but I plan to move my a$$ off after the surgery. In the hospital and when I get home. Walk walk walk! I may not feel like it but I will feel like developing a PE even less. I have no idea if I will be given the Lovenox as my pre op appointment is still 6 weeks away but I will ask for it if its not standard. My life is full and I have a wonderful family so I can't say I don't lead a good life even at 325lbs however I NEED to feel better physically and I want to have energy and a desire to get out and do things. I am going to go into this with a positive attitude and do everything the surgeon tells me to and just KNOW that it will all work out .... I hope you manage to have your surgery and feel good about your choice ....... good luck on your "journey" to a healthier fitter you!