40
Dizziness, especially when first rising to a standing position. Stand up slowly to be sure
you have your balance.
Constipation (see more information below under "Diets, Fluids and Constipation")
PREVENTION OF BL OOD CLOT S
Blood clots can develop in either leg up to three months after surgery. Blood clots can break
free and travel to the heart and lung, causing life-threatening problems.
There are some things you can do to reduce your risk:
Activity: take frequent walks, gradually increasing your distance. Continue your leg and
ankle exercises and gradually increase your activity. You should try to get up at least
every one to two hours and walk around your home. When you are in bed you should
be doing 10 foot pumps an hour while awake.
Medications: your surgeon will give you a medication to help thin your blood (for
example, Aspirin, Lovenox, Coumadin, Xarelto). It is very important you take this as
directed.
Compression stockings (if applicable): these may help to promote circulation and reduce
swelling. Wear the stockings as directed by your care team.
TIP: To make it easier for you and/or your care coach to put on your stockings, either put
powder on your leg, or put a sandwich bag over your foot and pull the sock over it, rubber
gloves on your hands will help with the pulling. When the stocking is on, pull the sandwich bag
out through the hole in the foot of the stocking.
THE FOL LOW ING MAY BE SIGNS OF A BLOOD CLO T. REPO RT TO YOUR SURGE ON
IMME DIATELY :
Pain and/or cramping in the calf of either leg
Warmth, redness or tenderness of either leg
Increased swelling of either foot and/or leg
Numbness of either leg
Uncontrollable pain
SIDE EFFE CTS AND RIS KS OF ANTICOA GULA NTS
Side effects:
Bleeding gums
Prolonged nose bleeds (greater than 10 minutes)
Excessive bruising
Constipation
