Blood clots

Bones, joints and muscles
1

5 weeks po PKR and still using the compression hose.  I hate them and was wondering if anyone knows when I'm past the blood clot issue post surgery.  I've had no issues and just want to stop using these hose!

2

Hi,RethaT. I'm also 5weeks post TKR (my 2nd) and only wore the stockings in hospital. However,after my first in 2013,I was told to wear them for 6 weeks! I don't know which is right but I'm glad I didn't have to wear them this time round. Regards

3

Thanks Nicky.  I had first knee done Sept and second one done in Dec.  With first one I wore them the whole 6 weeks, per docs instructions but I think he is really conservative.  Was wondering what everyone else does.

4

Hi Retha!

I had my first TKR last June. Wore ace bandages until the two week mark when my staples came out.

My second TKR was this past October. Was given compression hose on left leg prior to surgery then compression hose on Surgical leg which I wore 24/7 until the two week mark when my staples came out.

The two weeks of continuous compression on my right leg (stockings that were thigh high) seemed to do a SUPERB job of keeping swelling down.

I never needed to put them on again after my staples came out.

5

thanks!

6

Hi Retha, I also had a PKR and I hated those stockings, but I contacted the hospital ward after I left, to check how long I had to wear them and they said it varies from surgeon to surgeon and mine said the full 6 weeks. To be honest I didn't want to take the risk of getting a blood clot so I did what I was told. Just think only one week to go and then , what a relief. Susan x.

7

Hi Retha. I'm 4 months past my left TKR and 2 weeks past my right. Both times my PA was fine with taking them off for blood clots but recomended them if I had swelling. I also took 10 days of blood thinning shots right from post op to prevent blood clots.

8

I wore the compression hose for the one day I was in the hospital (left knee TKR), then for two weeks at home I slept with an automatic compression device that constantly squeezed and released the lower legs.  After staples were removed I was able to discontinue that also.

9

I had a TKR in Octber and was told to wear them for 6 weeks.  The last week I stopped wearing them overnight.

liz

10

My instructions were always, 6 weeks. I was always allowed to take them off a t night. When you hear the difference in protocols from Dr to Dr you have to wonder which is correct. However; at the risk of a bloodclot, one of the two worst possible side effects, its a small price to pay for protection. Protection from something that can be fatal.

11

I only wore mine during the day when I was up for three weeks. I'm sure you have been given blood thinners to take to prevent any clots.

12

Hi Retha T.  I had TKR, November, had to wear the anti -clotting socks for 6 weeks , only one more to go lol 👍

13

Hi Retha T.  I had TKR, November, had to wear the anti -clotting socks for 6 weeks , only one more to go lol 👍

14

I was never given them Retha. I am now 9 weeks post TKR so touch wood.

15

Hi, I'm 10 months post op on right and 11 weeks post op on left and my surgeon told me I didn't need them at all.

Lucky me, I know 😀

16

You're right. I can stick it out one more week! Thanks!

17

Hi RethaT.  I am 9 weeks post op PKR.  My doctor let me stop using them at 4 weeks.  I like you was so ready to get them off.  But swelling increased in my leg so they thought I might have a blood clot.  That was at 6 weeks post op.  Had a doppler ultra sound done and all was good.  There wasn't a clot so did not have to put them back on. Check with your surgeon though. Each of them is different in their opinion.

.  

18

Hi RethaT,

im at almost 4 months after my bilateral TKR's.  I have a history of blood clots and what's known as " post thrombotic syndrome".  I didn't wear stockings at all before or after the operation and didn't suffer any blood clots.  I once wore the thigh high stocking for 9 months but that was after my first DVT in 1991.  I am on warfarin for life but in 2011, after an arthroscopy, I got another clot so go figure.  I'm in Australia by the way. Different countries, different surgeons, different rules.  

Good on luck with everything.

Sue x

19

The purpose of compression hose is to improve blood flow in the legs. It's during the immediate post operative period when a person is less active and is in bed for long periods of time that embolisms are more likely to occur. Following major surgery, you'll probably be on bed rest. You won't be using your leg muscles, and that slows your blood flow. Once a person becomes active and walking and exercising freely, the likelihood of embolism decreases dramatically. Physical therapy and increased physical activity naturally decreases the risk of blood clots. Anti-clotting drugs like Lovenox, Heparin or Eliquis are usually given for 14 days following TKR to prevent a deep vein thrombosis (blood clots). Of course, it's always good to know the signs and symptoms of a DVT such as increased swelling, pain, fever, cough, shortness of breath and lightheadedness are all signs of a DVT to watch for. The likelihood of DVT decrease as activities are resumed.

20

My dr didn't do soxs. I am four months pluses and still taking baby aspirin which I guess I should stop. Still have swelling never has left..