Blood clots?!?

Hey y'all! I have been thinking about all the things that could go wrong (AND RIGHT!) during and after surgery.  The thing that scares me the most is blood clots.  My mom died at 39 becuase of a massive pulmonary embolism, so this freaks me out the most.  What do the surgeons do to help prevent this?  I have read on the net that they use heparin and walking right after surgery helps.  Anything else that you have heard of or read that I can ask my surgeon about? Thanks for your help!!!    Jeanne

The heparin and walking helps A LOT!!!  Plus, the first day, Methodist had automatic leg pumps on my legs.  They would inflate and deflate on a timer to keep the leg flow going.  When you aren't walking, the inflaters were working. And because someone in your family has died of something, doesn't mean it will happen to you.  Medical technology improves everyday!!!  When I had my hysterectomy 11 years ago, no heparin or leg stimulators for the 5 days I was there.  Just fluids and walking and lef stockings (which kept my legs warm but I don't thing they stimulated them much..... And the surgery you are having is the specialty for your doctor and they have worked with all types of problems and have strived to perfect your surgery and recovery.  Don't get me wrong, sometimes sh** happens, but the odds of being injured in a car accident on the way to the hospital are greater than stuff happening to you because of the surgery. So breathe GF and think happy thoughts of your new lifestyle and health!!! XXOO

I am going to have to remember to breathe!  :)  The closer it gets, the more things run through my head.  Just covering all my bases.  Thanks for the info!!!  J

You want to know about blood clots you can read my post on page  8 severe complacations do happen.  inga2979 about Jan 2 or so. I guess it was not to comman but it happend to me. Best of luck

Wow - I can totally understand why you would be concerned! Yesterday at Maple Grove coffee, Lucy shared a story with me that had to do with the pulmonary embolisms also. I believe she said there is a screen the docs can insert to trap the clot, if this should happen. You would definitely want to mention the history and concern to your surgeon, if you haven't already, and see what his plan of action would be - just my initial thought anyhow.

I am seeing the surgeon on Friday and this is one of the things I am planning on discussing.  Thanks for the info...it will be on my list! Jeanne

Jeanne   I understand your concern about blood clots. I have had a huge issue with them in the past. I had a pulmonary embolism and DVT's in my left leg. I am on Coumadin, probably for the rest of my life. Blood Clots were one of the issues that stopped me from having surgery sooner. Talk to both your primary care doc and your surgeon about this issue. Park Nicolet has the Anti coagulation Cinic where I have had all my questions answered concerning this issue. I asked about screens and other options. I think this is a medical issue where each person needs to be evaluated differently. The docs do understand this issue and can discuss it with you.  I made it through the process without any blood clot issues.   good luck

I'll see what my surgeon has to say and contact PN if I have more questions....Thanks!  J

Hey there!  Yes, I just talked to Amy this past weekend about this.  My sister in law is considering this surgery, but almost died the last time she had knee surgery from a blood clot in her lung.  So she is very scared to have ANY surgery.  There have been others on the main board and RNY board that said they had greenfilters (there is another name for it too) placed (either in the groin or neck) to trap any blood clots should they form.  This can be left in permanently, most leave it in for a year or so.  However, not sure they would place this if you actually haven't had a blood clot!  I would definitely share your mom's history with the surgeon.  Also they can give you heparin and yes they MAKE you walk soon after surgery, like 3-4 times that day of surgery.  THIS helps alot!!!  So express your concerns to your surgeon! Let us know what happens!

Greenfilters?  I'll have to looki nto that too.  Thanks for your help!!!