Question:
I CAN ONLY WALK A FEW FEET DUE TO BAD KNEES. WHAT WILL I DO TO PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS?

I walk from house to car w/two canes. That's it. Has anyone used an Oxy-Flow machine at home? I have one and it is supposed to put oxygen into your legs. My legs tingle after usage. How will I exercise? Any thoughts?    — Karen H. (posted on December 17, 2002)

December 17, 2002
WIGGLE!~ Yes wiggle your feet and legs. Make snow angels in your hospital bed, just make sure you MOVE!~ It is so important. And BEST of luck!!!!~ 6.5 months post op here and down 120 pounds!!! (40 more to go)
   — Sassy M.

December 17, 2002
Your surgeon can arrange to have a home nurse come and instruct someone or yourself on giving blood thinner injections daily. I had that for 2 weeks after surgery because I couldn't walk to far either.
   — dkinson

December 17, 2002
You could try propping yourself up on pillows to elevate your body. It's uncomfortable but the surgeon had the hospital elevate the head of the bed. Maybe something like that would help. Another thing you could do is to request Physical Therapy to teach you some exercises you could do in advance of your operation. Personally when I had my gall bladder operation, I found I couldn't get up on my exercise bike, but the Physical therapist showed me how to sit in a chair behind the bike and just rock the peddles as far as my knees would allow. No blood clots and it worked on the cramps in my calf muscles too. Never under estimate the miricle of physidal therapy. Good luck. Leigh
   — Leigh P.

December 17, 2002
I am unable to walk with out the help of a walker. I am pre op and doing chair exercises that my doctor told me to do. You can buy tapes on chair exercises. Maybe your doctor has one to lend you. Good Luck!
   — Mae B.

December 17, 2002
They had cuffs on my legs during the hospital stay to prevent clots. I wonder if there is something like that available at a medical supply store for home...?
   — sheltie