What's New-Wednesday!

Kathi, Your mention of twice a day shots after surgery certainly got my attention!  May I ask why?  Are you having Lapband or does that have anything to do with it?  Or do you want to PM me? Marti in San Jose

Hi Marti, Debbie G. responded with all the information.  Lovenox and it's to prevent blood clots and this surgeon says it's the most effective way to prevent that problem following surgery.  I'm having laparoscopic RNY for my surgery.  Imagine 5 holes in your stomach and then they want you to take 14 injections!  Alrighty then! Kathi

You know, I had to do lovenox injections after my knee surgery but not after lap rny. Do you have a history of blood clots?  The injections weren't difficult. I live alone and did them myself. They showed us how to do them at our knee surgery orientation. Then they showed me again after knee surgery. Really not a difficult thing at all unless you have a problem with needles (which I don't). I sure wasn't going to ask my brother to do it for, and then he wasn't here more than four days anyway.

Thanks Eileen! Nice to know you did them and did fine with them.  I have varicose veins in my legs and I'm sure it's a precaution.  She said it's standard for all her patients.  I'll do whatever will help to prevent problems after surgery. Take care and I hope you get your computer back soon! Kathi

Kathy, I had to do the shots in the tummy too.  It's called lovenox (I imagine that is what they will use for you too) it's an anticoagulant to help prevent blood clots.  I have had clots before including one in the lung (not good) and they had me on that while I was getting back onto my coumadin.  They are not the worst thing in the world.  Not the most plesant either but do-able, Many surgeons have added these to their protocols to help prevent the complications of DVT. 

Phew!~  Thanks, Debbie, for letting me know someone who did this and survived to tell the story! Not crazy about this but I do have confidence in this surgeon and trust her judgement..... Kathi

Kathi I remember having them, too.  It was precautionary, as I'd never had any clots.  The needle is really fine and tiny.   I hardly felt it at all. You'll do great! Candy

There's my voice of reason!  Thanks, Candy, It's so nice to have such support.  I am truly blessed!  I will do what I have to do.  If that's what she wants, then that's what I will do.  I want the best outcome I can have..... Hugs, Kathi

Kathi:
I did the lovenox injections for two weeks too. It was easy, but made more black and blue spots on my belly.
My surgeon said it was to prevent blood clots and I even had a vena cava filter put in (it was taken out 2 weeks later). You'll do fine.
Pat

Thanks, Pat, It's nice to know other people did this and how well they did.  I will, too.  I have a best friend who is a nurse if I get into trouble with it.  My hubby is a retired medic as well so I'm not too concerned.  I know I can do it myself, too.  I'm willing to do whatever it takes! Kathi