Recovery Setback

I am 16 days post op and really feeling down, discouraged and helpless. In no way do I regret having my surgery. I knew all of the aspects of the surgery going in and the post op change in lifestyle. I was released from the hospital on Saturday the 28th and felt good but little did I realize what was going on inside of me. Over the next few days I was able to drink my liquids, my protein and take all necessary supplements. I began to realize late Sunday night, that I was loosing the strength and feeling in my legs. By Monday night I could hardly move them or walk a few steps without becoming extremely fatigued and gasping for air. I was immediately rushed back to the emergency room and placed on oxygen. The doctors diagnosed me with massive rampant blood clots throughout both of my legs. I was admitted back into the hospital, placed on an IV heperin drip to thin my blood and placed in ICU. I spent the next 8 days bedridden, medicated with heperin and finally moved over to Cumadin by mouth. I was released on Wednesday the 8th with about 30% use of my legs and on cumadin for the next 6 months. I have been doing all I can to get my legs stronger but it has been difficult. I will be receiving physical therapy at home but I feel like I could be doing more. I have not been weighed so I do not how much I have lost. Both of my feet are swollen and my calves. In the past this board has been such a great resource of information and help o I am asking again. Does anyone know I can bring down the swelling in my ankles and calves? What can I do to stimulate my legs? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Hi jamie: Iam sorry to hear what happed to you. I hope you are feeling better and find something to help you with you legs. cynthia c.

Jamie, i am so sorry to hear this news. I have had blood clots and hospitalized for it a few times in the past as well as after my WLS including a PE which ended up with me in ICU and on a ventilator. Follow your drs advice to a T. It is imperative! They do get better if you keep on the coumadin in the proper doses. I get my blood checked weekly ot bi-weekly depending on how my levels are. During one of my episodes in the 80's I even had to use a walker briefly. The strength does come back with proper care in a fairly short period of time once the levels get good. Sweetie, Please keep your thoughts positive and keep us posted on your progress. HUGS Mary

Dear Jamie, I can't help with any advice, but I can help to tell you that I care and that you were right to come to the board. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this. I sure hope they find something to help with your legs and that you get better really soon. Hugs - Robin

Hi, I am very sorry to hear that you are having a really hard time. I can relate very much. I never had this complication but I can understand the suffering involved. I loss a lot of muscle after my initial surgery and had a hard time moving/walking etc. I would just try to go to the bathroom by myself and I would fall onto the floor. I also recieved physical therapy and it was really hard in the beginning. Try not to get too frustrated b/c it really doesnt help at all and I know this. What I can tell you is it does get easier, one day at a time. I know that sounds like bs but it is honestly true. I am living proof of it. Good luck and take care. Tavia

OH JAMIE i didnt have such a complication but i did want to offer you (((HUG)))) and know your in my prayers! BE well, follow the doctors instructions! TAKE good care lisa

Jamie, I'm sorry to hear that you are going through all this right now, but it will get better. I had a really serious DVT (blood clot) in my right leg about 8 years ago while I was pregnant and I was in the hospital for 3 weeks. My leg swelled up so much that I couldn't put any pressure on it. When I finally went home I could hardly walk and was using a walker around the house just to get to the bathroom and the kitchen. I was very weak and tired easily. The only thing you can do right now is keep taking the coumadin and drink as much fluid as you can. I know that's going to be hard for you right now, but do your best. The only thing that will help tha****er retention is taking in more fluids! Also keep your legs moving as much as possible, even if it's jusst flexing your toes when you're laying in bed and keep your legs elevated as much as possible!