BLOOD CLOTS???

I HAD TO GO FOR SPECIAL BLOOD WORK FOR BLOOD CLOTS. AS ITS EXTREMLEY DANGEROUS IN MY FAMILY. THATS THE ONLY THING I'M SCARED OF. I WENT FOR PRE-OPS TODAY 8-19 EVERYTHING ELSE WAS WELL. THEY SAID THEIR GOING TO UP MY DOSE ON A BLOOD THINNER SO THAT HELPED A LITTLE . ANYONE WITH ANY INPUT WOULD BE GREAT. SURGERY IS 8-30

While I was in hospital I was on heparin for blood clots, to thin my blood. Ask your Dr. about leaving you on the blood thinners for awhile after you come home. I have heard of Drs. doing this for a month or so after surgery. Patty

Tracy, I had a blood clot as a child and was considered moderate risk post-op. So before surgery, my surgeon ordered that I get a Greenfield Filter, otherwise known as an IVC Filter. This filter is inserted by a radiologist. He gives some medication through an IV so you don't really care what is going on. Then he numbs the area near your groin. Then, using a catheder (sp?) he threads the filter up your vein until it settles in the vena cava vein. The filter is a device shaped somewhat like an umbrella that catches any clots that try to make their way to your lungs or heart. It is a painless procedure. After it is over, you need to lie flat for a few hours. The filter I have is removable. They will take it out probably next week (I am post-op). They also have filters that are permanant. It would depend on your situation which one your surgeon would suggest. Considering your family history, I would not have the surgery with out one of the filters. They are life saving. Please mention this to your surgeon. If you don't get a filter and still proceed with the surgery, they will give you shots of Heperin. They also place these compression booties on your calfs that circulate blood flow when you are in bed. It is IMPERATIVE to walk, walk, walk! When you don't feel like it, do it anyway. This is key in preventing clots. I am surprised your surgeon didn't mention the filter, especially considering your history. PLease talk to him about it, sweetie. It is an easy as pie procedure with minimal risk. Hugs, Denise

my best advice is to walk as soon as you can after surgery and keep on walking. i was at risk for blood clots also and this is what my cardiologist suggested along with the keds stockings and the air..boots they should put on you after surgery. make sure if they get taken off for you to walk someone puts them back on. best of luck!!