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TO PREVENT BLOOD CLO TS:
You may be given an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medicine to keep your blood from
clotting.
You may wear elastic stockings to promote blood circulation in your legs.
You may have "compression sleeves" applied to your legs/calves to help with
circulation.
Exercise frequently or at least every two hours. Start by wiggling your toes and then
pumping your feet up and down.
Ankle Pumps:
Bend and straighten ankle through full range. Repeat with
opposite ankle. Perform 10 times every waking hour.
Quadriceps Sets:
Tighten your thigh muscles (quad sets).
Isometric Gluteals:
Tighten buttocks muscle. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat 10
times.
To keep your bowels working avoid constipation and promote healing:
It is normal for your bowels to slow down in response to anesthesia, pain medication and
decreased mobility. It is very important to jump start your bowels after surgery.
Select whole grains, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, pitted fruits, dairy products and
lean meat.
Drink at least six glasses of liquid each day.
Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners may be taken if needed (e.g. Colace,Smooth
move tea, Miralax, Senekot).
Take frequent short walks; exercise with Rehab staff, nurses or your family when you are
ready.
If you have not had a bowel movement in 3 days, try a Dulcolax suppository or an enema.
