Symptoms of DVT
Notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Soreness or pain in your arm or leg
- New swelling and/or redness in your arm or leg
- Tenderness along a vein path
- Leg feels warmer than the other leg
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is when a blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs. It can block blood flow and can be life-threatening.
Call 911 or an ambulance immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sharp or stabbing pain in your side, back or chest that may worsen with deep breaths
- Fast heart beat
- Fast breathing
- Sudden, unexplained cough (may have bloody mucus)
Prevention of DVT/PE
Before surgery
Your doctor will assess your risk of DVT and order a treatment plan that may include:
- Prescribed medications before or after surgery, or when you go home, to prevent blood clots.
- Stopping certain medications before surgery.
In the hospital:
- You may wear elastic stockings or inflatable boots to squeeze the leg muscles.
- The nursing staff will assist you to walk around soon after your surgery.
After you go home:
- Do not sit or lie in bed for long periods of time during the day.
- Continue walking around your home and changing positions frequently.
- If you are on bed rest, exercise your legs every hour and change positions at least every 2 hours.
- Stretch your legs with “heel to toe” movements and move feet in circles.