Question:
I'm paranoid about blood clots and embolisms at 6 days post op

Hi Everyone! I am 6 days post op and I'm just driving myself and everyone in my household insane about embolisms and blood clots. I'm so paranoid I'm going to get one. I did wear the stockings before , during and after surgery for a few days, walked in the hospital and was given heparin shots everyday while I was there and have been walking at home. I just am freaking out that I may die. Can anyone tell me the symptoms of blood clots or embolisms, I would feel much better knowing in case I get one. Funny that I researched all this before going in, and now after the fact it's bothering me. Thanks!!    — Carey N. (posted on August 4, 2001)

August 4, 2001
You need to chill out, you are more likly to get hit by a car, than to have a blood clot or embolism.
   — blank first name B.

August 4, 2001
Blood clots can occur anywhere in the body but generally occur in the legs. Your leg most likely would become red, warm to the touch and painful in the place where the clot has formed. If you are up and about, walking regularly, and not wearing restrictive clothing (no knee highs.....those are the WORST) then you are probably at lower risk for developing a clot, I would think. <P> Embolism is a little harder to describe; you wouldn't know you had one until your breathing became difficult. As a previous poster stated (rather abruptly, I might add), it is unlikely that you would develop these at home; the biggest time you are at risk is while on bedrest in the hospital. Hope this helps......and if you are ever in doubt about your condition, call your doctor!
   — MarilynT

August 4, 2001
As far as embolism go, lets just say I am an expert,,I has surgery April 9th, 2001,,,,On the 10th I got an embolism to the lung,,,,Thank God I was in the hospital, I survied! I think if you were going to get an embolism, it would have happed right away,,,,,As far as the blood clots go, you are walking around, so I wouldn't worry!
   — Marie B.

August 5, 2001
I have had 3 episodes of DVT (deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots in the legs) and 2 cases of pulminary embolism. I have NOT had my surgery yet. If you are predisposed to clotting because of a genetic disorder such as Factor V Leiden or Protein C and S Deficiency, you would have cause to be concerned. However, since you are post-op and have not had any cloting up to this point you are probably not going to. Blood clots that form in your legs can be accompainied by light to mild cramping at the clot sight. If the clot is moving up your leg, the cramping will move with it. As previously stated, the area around the clot can also be warm or feverish, red and tender, and swollen. Empolisms can sneak up on you. The first time I had pulmonary embolism my chest hurt like hell and I felt as if I were drowning if I laid down. I did not cough much. The second time, it started out with a slight, nagging cough that just wouldn't go away. It took 4 trips to the doctors and several misdiagnoses (asthma, pneumonia, etc.) before my breathing had gotten bad enough to send up a red flag. I was extremely tired and easily winded. So, the symptoms can vary. If you are interested in more info about blood clotting, there are several web sites that cover it. www.fvleiden.org is a good one and provides links to other sites as well. If you are still concerned and experience any of the symptoms listed here, then you should see your doctor asap. Good luck!
   — Susan M.

August 5, 2001
My Mom got one from a cross country train ride that almost killed her. She now has pulmonary hypertension from it. You are right to be concerned. I sure was when I had the surgery! However you say you are up walking around. I think the chances of this happening now, especially now that you are up and walking would be almost zero. Don't let it worry you at this point. Don't slack off and not walk, but don't be overly concerned! I like to flex my legs alot (calf muscles) and if you walk and do that too, I don't see how you would get one at this point. As the old song goes, "Don't Worry, Be Happy".
   — Danmark