Avoiding Blood Clots After Surgery
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The formation of a serious blood clot is a possibility with any surgery. The risk after joint replacement is low—around 3%.
These 4 preventative measures will lower your risk further:
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Drink an extra 3 glasses of water a day for 3 days before surgery to keep your tissues well hydrated.
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Get up and move around regularly in the hospital and at home after surgery. Do 10 ankle pumps per hour.
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In your hospital bed post-op, you’ll wear special socks attached to an air compressor to stimulate circulation.
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You may be prescribed anticoagulant medication (such as Coumadin) post-op to lower blood clot risk.
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Avoiding Blood Clots Once You’re Back Home
At home, you’ll wear graduated compression stockings during the day, which apply pressure at your ankle and less pressure as they go up your leg. You will wear these for several weeks after your surgery. The fit is very important; we will advise you as to the correct size and fit.
You will also continue to take a blood thinner; your surgeon will determine for how long, but it may be for as long as 4–6 weeks.
For more information on graduated stockings, see the ClotCare website.
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This service is not intended to provide individual medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified physician or healthcare professional. Your personal information will never be used for any purpose other than to help educate and support you. You may opt out at any time with no effect to the delivery of your care or health benefits.
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