I'm not really sure if I should post this; for the most part this site is positive and offers great support for those of us that need it.

Many people on this site have made connections and have talked away from the forum. I am definitely one of them.

With a heavy heart I'm sad to announce that someone that has become a great friend in a short amount if time, livesaveremt, passed away Monday. He had his surgery at the end of February. So far, they are saying he had a blood clot (a known complication from the surgery) that traveled up into his heart and lungs.

Fred, you were a great guy and will be missed. You were always a positive support system and a rock to lean on.

God Speed. We'll take it from here.....

I am still so haunted tonight by his passing. I am sure others feel mixed up, too. He was on my mind a lot today. I go from feeling sad for him, to feeling blessed I am still here, to feeling sick as to what his family is going through.

May he rest in peace

My prayers to his family

I am so sorry to near this.My prayers go out to his family.

So sorry to hear that

Hopefully this will open everyone's eyes to the complications and also signs to look for as far as blood clots. It makes me incredibly nervous and scared but my surgery has been done, now I am

Very aware…. RIP

My prayers are with his family.

Prayers for Fred's family and friends.

Read this last night and could not fall asleep. So terribly sad! Prayers for his family.

Read this last night and could not fall asleep. So terribly sad! Prayers for his family.

It just hits home in all the bad ways. I heard the news while recovering in the hosp. I don't usually cry for strangers, but I cried for him. Just so sad.

So guys, best way to honor him is to do something he can't now...

Take an extra lap at the gym, play with your children, do something nice for your spouse, make a co-worker laugh, stick to your program being thankful you're alive and have this opportunity to do great things with your new healthier you!

Tragic, so young, yes - now rock your sleeve for Fred!

Sad to hear this, sounds like a great guy that saved other people's lives. Thoughts go out to his family.

Great, Kirk. So incredibly true. I will do this.

Rest in peace brother, it's a sad day for me and many more about hearing anyone die from anything. Thank you for serving the public as a fireman and thank you for sharing your stories here.

Watch over us, keep us on track, and enjoy some of AUNT BEE's famous fried chicken.

May you rest in peace Fred! Heaven must have needed you! May God bless your soul and comfort your family.

And while everyone talks about what their doctor does or doesn't do such as TED hose, sequential compression devices, blood thinners or whether you walked and walked right after surgery, this just reduces our chance of developing deep vein thrombosis and does not prevent it 100%. Blood clots can occur hours, days, even MONTHS after surgery. Blood clots are a normal part of the body's repair process and most dissolve on their own. Some cause serious medical complications. Be aware of the signs and symptoms.

MONTHS? Veronica?