Question:
Should we insist that our doctors give blood thinners?

Should we insist that our doctors give blood thinners for use after we are released from the hospital or do they usually prescribe them anyway? Right now my only fear is of passing a blood clot to the heart or lungs after I get this surgery. It is so scary and a concern for me and my whole family.    — Vicki R. (posted on April 29, 2003)

April 29, 2003
good question...I wish I had an answer cause I wonder the same thing. I'm so scared of the thought that I could possibly get blot clots. What about before surgery, can't doctor prescribe something for before it? This way the risk is lower?
   — ItsThenewKelley

April 29, 2003
The doctors will not give blood thinners to you. They believe the chances are low of getting blood clots. I myself recieved blood clots in both lungs and was thank ful I had systoms approx two hours after they got to my lungs. I am now on blood thinner pills but had to spend two days on bed rest, no bath room privalages and than was able to be up. First 5 days I got shots in the belly to thin the blood as well as pills. NOw I have my blood drawn at least twice a week and the hospital staff contacts me to tell me how much meds to take. Its a lengthy process so the doctors will only give thinners to high risk or people who had clots before. The shots in the belly alone were 100.00 a shot thats twice a day.
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 29, 2003
My surgeon routinely sends his pts home on injectable blood thinners for 7 days.
   — Catherine H.

April 29, 2003
My pulmonary doctor prescribed 10 days of Lovenox injections after the surgery. After those 10 days I developed pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs.) After going to the ER I was admitted into the hospital. They discovered I have lupus antigoagulant which is genetic so I am taking coumadin for the rest of my life. Small price to pay for losing 100 pounds!! If you are really concerned, you can ask for a blood test that checks your clotting factors. It is expensive but at least you'll know. Also, move around as much as you can after surgery. That's the best prevention of blood closts. Good luck!
   — goldiekratz437

April 29, 2003
I received Heparin injections for the first two days in the hospital. I also wore booties which pump air around your lower legs and feet to prevent clotting. The biggest thing you can do to prevent clots is to walk after surgery. I was able to get my boots off in one day since I was so mobile. I didn't go home with any blood thinners and I had no complications Good luck to you. Wendi Open RNY 9/19/02 down 117lbs
   — lovemonterey

April 29, 2003
Besides early ambulation, it is very helpful, while in bed or seated for long periods of time, to exercise the feet... by alternately pointing the foot out then in, then rotating the foot at the ankle. This exercises the calf muscles and facilitates better circulation from the lower legs, thus, helping to prevent bloodclots.
   — mary P.

April 29, 2003
Well you should only take what you need. My Dr. requires a Greenfield Filter for very Obese Pts. I didn't fall into that catagory. BUT - when I went for my 2 week check-up - I was Short of breath and very tired-- he threw me back into the Hospital - I got that filter ands it was discovered I had Pulmonary Embolis - later Deep Vein Thrombosis in my left leg. I'm on blood thinners now BUT ran into trouble - my blood got too thin and I have to stay off of them till thursday - then get my blood retested. LESSON- you are in charge of your body - you can insist on the Filter. Then keep close tabs on yourself. Thank God someone was watching over me.
   — Sally P.

April 29, 2003
My doctor took every precaution to prevent an Embolysm (sp?) When I was in the pre-op area, he made me walk to the operating room instead of being taken by gurney. Also, every day I was in the hospital I got an injection of Lovenox. I also had to give myself an injection for 10 days after I returned home. Prior to my surgery, I also had a Venus Doplar scan performed. This test checks your circulation in your legs. You may want to ask about this. Good luck!
   — Frank A.