When does the risk of DVT decrease?

[Quest4TheNewMe 225]

I don't know why, but the risk of DVT really has me nervous. I was sent home with compression stockings and I was given lovenox shots while I was in the hospital. When I'm not walking, I make sure to keep my legs/feet moving, in hopes of keeping the blood moving. It's just something weighing on my mind.

[BitterSweet* 835]

The risk is very real but when it decreases depends on so many things (like your medical history, meds, smoking history etc.) You're doing the right thing by moving constantly. Stay hydrated as much as you can so that your blood flow is not sluggish.

Unilateral swelling, warmth, and pain in the calf are the typical signs of a DVT that has not moved. Sudden chest pains and shortness of breath are signs that a DVT has moved. If that were to happen (God forbid), call 911. You'll be fine. Your awareness will keep you motivated to keep pushing and get healthy. Good luck!

[maxcimax 220]

After I had surgery a few years ago I ended up with a blood clot in my right lung. I thought I was coming down with the flu. Went to the hospital & spent the following week there. This is not a fun thing & is very serious. I was already on a blood thinner but had to stop it for surgery. They did not "bridge" me over or use compression on my legs after surgery, hence the blood clot. When I had my Sleeve surgery everyone was aware of my blot clot experience & this time I had to give myself shots every 12 hours before & after the surgery. After surgery I also went back on my Coumadin along with the shots which I took for 4 days. My surgeon did not send me home with compression socks & I did not have any problems. I am 6 months post op & never had any issues with blood clots.

[macman 603]

I had surgery on 12/23/13. Two weeks later I was back in the hospital with a Pulmonary Embolism. I spent a week in Cardiac Intensive Care and then a week in the Pulmonary unit, followed by six months of Coumadin therapy.

i was a low risk candidate for DVT. I had no indicators and no risk factors to make anyone think it would be an issue. I did have Lovanox in the hospital and wore compression stockings. I did move around quite a bit and actually started walking on day three post surgery. If I had been identified as a possible risk there is a pre surgical therapy that could have been used.

Everyone agreed it was just a luck of the draw, albeit a scary one. It sounds like you are taking the necessary precautions. I do not know how long the potential risk period is, but at this point keep moving as much as you can.

[Quest4TheNewMe 225]

Thanks, that's scary! I've had two c-sections and my gall bladder removed and never had an issue. I also have weight, age, and genetic history in my favor. Good to know that it's still a very real possibility though.