Question:
How long after surgery is there a danger for getting a pulmonary embolus?

   — Cherri S. (posted on June 27, 1999)

June 27, 1999
This problem affects the lungs and the heart, but it usually starts in the legs, with the formation of blood clots. Although it can occur at any time, and is more likely in overweight patients, it is especially likely at the time of and soon after surgery, because people who have an operation don't like to move around, or exercise their legs. The blood becomes stagnant and clots in the leg veins, and if a clot breaks off and floats through the veins to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism. It can be prevented by thinning the blood with heparin, elastic stockings during surgery, and walking as soon as possible after surgery. The heparin shots I got were into my stomach and very painful. The eslastic stockings were left on too long and I still have bruising behind my knees where they were applied too tightly (this is six months post- op). And I had to request to get up a walk. Remember to take some responsibility for what is happening to you in the hospital.
   — dboat