DR. DEVON NELSON’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF BLOOD CLOTS

After surgery you are more at risk of developing a blood clot.

A blood clot that develops in a deep vein is called a Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT. A DVT usually develops in a deep vein in the leg, but can occur elsewhere, such as the arm.

Prevention of Blood Clots after surgery

While you are recovering from surgery, you may be less active and mobile than before. Thus increasing you risk of developing a DVT.

• Be as active as possible while following your Doctor’s activity instructions.
• Walk around your house every hour for 5 – 10 minutes.
• Every tune commercials come on the TV, make circles with your feet, rotating your ankles in a clock wise and counter clock wise rotation. Repeat this 5 times on each leg.
• Flex and point your toes on both feet several times each hour.
• Reposition yourself and your pillows often. If your pillows have been under your leg lengthwise, change them horizontally, thus decreasing the pressure in the same area.
• If instructed by your Doctor and if it does not conflict with any of your other medications, take one 325 mg Aspirin a day for a couple weeks after surgery to keep your blood thinner.

Signs and symptoms of a DVT include:

• Swelling of the calf
• Pain in the calf
• Calf pain that is noticeable or worse when standing or walking
• Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

If you suspect you have a blood clot, contact your Doctor and go to the Emergency Room for an ultrasound and diagnosis.

Progressive shortness of breath is an emergency situation. Call 911 immediately and wait for the ambulance to take you to the hospital. (Don’t drive yourself)