Question:
How do you know if you have a blood clot?

I've been out of a RNY 10 days now and am terrified of throwing a clot. I called the doc because I had/have this pain that feels like a mild muscle strain in my calf but it comes and goes and isn't hot to the touch, nor it is very bad pain and it definately goes away with tylenol. She had me stretch my toes towards my knees and it didn't hurt so she wasn't worried. Could I have one and not know it or am I just freaking out? I live alone and my mind gets awfully scared at night.    — suzannem (posted on December 9, 2007)

December 8, 2007
I think you worry too much, you keep thinking of worst case scenarios. While you were in the hospital after surgery, you probably had those funny looking leggings that pulsed all day. These are designed to eliminate clots. If you were to have a problem with a clot it probably would have been within a day or two of surgery.
   — Dave Chambers

December 9, 2007
Having WLS definately makes you aware of what can go wrong, but rust me, Suzanne, if you had a blood clot you'd know it. I had one and it was the most awful pain - I couldn't put any pressure on the leg to even try to walk, and I'm sure Tylenol wouldn't have helped. And when the doctor stretched the calf as you described it was excruciating! It could be because you're doing more/less exercise, etc. Some electrolyte disorders can also cause this, but the discomfort wouldn't be eased with Tylenol, either. The excerises I use 4 years after the clot help the cramping and swelling I still get: the stretching exercise that your doctor did, but stretch your foot both up and down several times, several times a day. Also, roll your foot around in circles, both clockwise and counter-clockwise, several times daily. Hope this helps!
   — obeseforever

December 9, 2007
I have taken care of people with blood clots while in the hospital. The one thing I do know is that the pain is REALLY painful, and typically tylenol did not help it. Could it be that you are walking differently after surgery? I have a friend who found she was kind of babying her self after surgery and developed a muscle "cramp" in her calf area that was tender for a few days. The more she moved around the better it got. It it seems to get worse, and you are not satisfied with your Dr.s response, go to the ER or urgent care.
   — itsjust4me

December 9, 2007
Being observant of your body post-operatively is a really good thing. And, if you are living alone you only have you to watch out for yourself. Make sure you are up and about often during your waking hours. Physical movement helps the circulation which helps alleviate the possiblities of clots. When I was released my doctor had prescribed a seven day regimen of a blood-thinner injections called Lovenox, my husband had to give them to me each day in my belly... did your doctor do anything like that? good luck to you, Leslie
   — LuvNSummer

December 9, 2007
You may be living alone but you are not alone, as you can tell by all the responses you are getting. I think you are OK, clots usually happen in the first two or three days. Did you leave the hospital with those socks? If so, put them on. It might help you not to worry so much. I really understand what you are going through. I had panic attacks in the hospital. It will get better I promise. Walk and sip and sip and walk. Pat
   — pjennjr

December 31, 2007
I've had blood clots twice now. Clot #1 no symptoms other than extreme shortness of breath when mobile. If I sat down or laid down, breath returned to normal. As soon as I stood up and tried to walk, I couldn't breathe. No soreness in leg(s), no cramping, nothing to indicate clot issue. Ended up with one or more clots in my lungs (PE). Clot #2 started out with an extremely sore calf on one leg. Almost like I had exercised too much and had shin splints or something. Hadn't done anything that would have caused the soreness. Then 3 days later, I started having very slight shortness of breath with little or no exertion. Because of history of clot #1, I went to the ER and sure enough, I had 2 clots in my lungs. Docs were sure clot #1 was surgery related (6 weeks after RNY), that it was a one time occurance, tested me and not clotting disorder, wouldn't happpen again, etc. Then 5 years later WHAM; clot #2.
   — jutymo