Life changing event ...

Elisabethsew · August 25, 2006

Wow, Elisabeth. I am so happy you made it through that nightmare. That is my biggest fear of this surgery, the possiblity of a PE afterwards, but I try not to dwell on it. I, too, learned not to sweat the small stuff after a life-changing event when Lung Cancer came into my life. Not me, my Dad. It consumed my life for 2-1/2 years while he suffered with it, and now 2-1/2 years since he has past. I am finally ready to go foward with my life and get myself together, emotionally and physically. Some people never learn not to sweat the small stuff. We are fortunate to have learned that lesson, although the circumstances in which we did were terrifying. I wish you all the best.

You're going to do great in surgery and afterwards. I came off the coumadin 5 days before and had to give myself Lovinox injections until I could go back on Coumadin. I walked around until it was time to get ready for the OR and then jumped on the stretcher. Once you go into the OR, they place ankle booties on that inflate and deflate all during the surgery and post-op.

I was out of the OR in 90 minutes, in recovery for 90 minutes and then walked from the hallway to my bed. Four hours later, I was up to pee and then they had me walk 2 laps in the hallway. Five hours later I was up getting myself washed, had the barium test, drank some fluids and went home.

Go in with a positive attitude and you'll be fine.

3loves · August 25, 2006

My daddy (yes, I'm a huge daddy's girl) has suffered a heart attack and takes an aspirin daily along with other meds. He is flying out next week to visit family and I will pass this along to him. THANK YOU AGAIN!! I knew about the car thing and did so on my way home from my own surgery since it was a 3 hr drive.

Dody · August 25, 2006

I know aspirin products are supposed to be a no-no amongst bandsters, but in my case I've had 5-way-bypass surgery and must take a baby aspirin a day. I explained this to my lap-banding surgeon and he is more than supportive of it. I have had no problems with taking aspirin since I got banded, and hope I won't after my first fill in a week.

Thanks for sharing Elizabeth. You have endured a lot and I know what that is like...I've been there...not a PE but 5-way-bypass with 98% clogged arteries. My red blood cells went on vacation for close to a year and it seemed like all I did was sleep and eat...and therefore...now I had to look at lap-banding as a means to put a stop to the fact I can't exercise much and cooking for one isn't much fun, and I'm afraid I chose the wrong foods.

I didn't like the idea of using the ignore button, but I've recently decided it is the way to go for me to avoid any conflict, so I'm exercising it and feeling good about it. What you can't see can't possibly hurt you.

You put a lot in perspective for everyone I think.:clap2:

Elisabethsew · August 25, 2006

I'm curious. What causes DVT/PE?

There are many causes of DVT/PE. Since the clot is in a vein (as opposed to an artery), the problem is in the venous system. I had genetic testing after the PEs and came back positive for MTHFR2 gene. This occurs in 12% of the population. 44% do not have the MTHFR gene and 44% have MTHFR1. They are carriers but are not predisposed to clotting problems.

Some of the major causes include venous insufficiency, obesity, congestive heart failure, cancer, smoking, oral contraceptives, immobility, bone fractures, traumas, etc.

What can help is losing weight, stopping smoking, not taking oral contraceptives after 35 years old if you smoke and are obese, elevating your legs, taking diuretics for congestive heart failure, not sitting for prolonged periods of time, flexing and extending your legs while your're sitting, etc. Meds that are helpful include aspirin, folate, and prescribed anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors such as doses of aspirin higher than 81 mg or Plavax.

Great question!

Elisabethsew · August 25, 2006

Dody, you should be fine with the baby aspirin. I take one a day also as well as coumadin (my INR is 2.8 as of yesterday). My cardiologist consulted with the lapband surgeon to make sure the band would not interfere with the meds and I'm nearly 5 months out and doing fine. Because I have to take naprosen as well, I was started on Nexium as a precaution. If you have any problems, you might ask your MD to add an acid blocker as a band protector.

Dody · August 25, 2006

I hope this does the trick because it's a small pill and easy to swallow. I've had no problems at all since being banded...no gas or anything. We shall see after the first fill if this continues though

I'm a retired nurse myself...been for a few years now. I think your last poster was asking the definition of PE and DVT. It is pulmonary embolus and deep venous thrombosis....neither are a good thing to have. You are lucky Elizabeth. At the first sign of heart pain I took a regular aspirin and the dr. said it probably saved my life. You definitely knew the right thing to do.