Question:
I know that blood clots are a possibility following surgery. I am two weeks post op

today. Do I still need to be worried about these? Does anyone know what the signs of one are? Thanks in advance, Lisa    — Lisa D. (posted on September 24, 2003)

September 24, 2003
Hi Lisa. I had a blood clot to the lung (pulmonary embolism) at 12 days post op. The symptoms for me were mainly shortness of breath. If you have a blood clot in your legs you might see redness or swelling. I believe the most dangerous period of developing a blood clot is in the first month after surgery. Take care and listen to your body!
   — Sasha A.

September 24, 2003
There have been people several months out that have had a blood clot. The best prevention is to walk, walk, walk. One of the symptoms is shortness of breath. Don't be scared. You can't live in fear. Walk, walk, walk.
   — Delores S.

September 24, 2003
Hi Lisa. I'm pre-op still, and the blood clot thing almost threw me into a full blown panic attack. Until I talked to someone about it. These blood clots while a possiblity after surgery, are also a posibility to anyone at any time. People can get them riding in air planes, or watching tv. Just walk it off. haha.. this answer might not have helped you, but just sayin' it again helped me! I'm nervous! Ahhhhh!
   — Michelle J.

September 24, 2003
I was so paranoid about blood clots. I even had myself convinced I had one. LOL I went to a support group at 2.5 weeks, my surgeons partner was there to answer questions. I asked her how long before we could stop worrying about them. She stated that I was in no more danger of a clot now then I was 3 months previous. The most dangerous time had passed. This isnt to say I could not have one, its just that my chances were the same as they had been before surgery. It was after this that I had a lump on the back of my knee that was sore. I was so paranoid that I went to my PCP she said it was vericose veins and a lymph node. Funny the pain and lump went away the next day and I havent really thought about it since. Good luck to you!
   — TheresaC

September 25, 2003
Blood clots can occur in any vein/artery in your body. The reason there is a concern about blood clots in the legs following ANY surgery or extended period of time in bed is that you are not moving (think walking, etc). Blood will pool in your legs because you are not using your muscles to pump the blood back to your heart as efficiently. Some of the posters mentioned that they got a blood clot to the lung, called a pulmonary embolism. You can get a blood clot anywhere in your body potentially and it can stay there or travel somewhere and give you problems there. Symptoms are based on its final resting place and how blocked the area is where it is stuck. The main thing to remember is that the best prevention for blood clots is to MOVE!! Most surgeons put their patients in some type of anti-embolism stockings/boots, etc, that helps prevent this when you've just had surgery; then you need to start walking around as soon as possible. Also some surgeons give a med like lovenox sub q or other blood thinner to discourage blood clots. You shouldn't get freaked about this. It is one of many risks; and they are that, just risks, just because you are aware of them doesn't mean you'll automatically have one!! And once you are up and moving around each day, your chances decrease back to normal. I made sure I was up and walking/walking/walking 3-4 times per day while in hosp after open rny. I didn't want one those myself! best wishes!!
   — Karen M.