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Post-operative DVT

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User
Posted 09 Sep 2023 at 15:23

So I had a robotic prostatectomy with lymph node removal on 4th July. Recovery generally going to plan, so far so good. However, over the weekend I notice a sore vein in my lower left leg. Nothing too painful, just mildly annoying. After a few days I notice a slight redness in the area and a little more discomfort. Saw the GP and she took a blood test (D Dimer) used to check for coagulation problems which came back positive. I have an ultrasound follow up and am now on blood thinners as a precaution. Leg pain is now pretty much gone tbh. The word seems to be "not necessarily a DVT, but worth taking precautionary action". I've read that the risk of blood coagulation issues following a major operation continues for up to three months post-op. This would explain things I guess, so in many ways I hope this is the case.

Anyone had a similar experience or knowledge?

User
Posted 09 Sep 2023 at 21:32
Hi DevonJohn, well done for getting through the surgery…another hurdle over in this journey! It could have been a DVT, as you say a possibility post surgery, which is why keeping mobile straight away is important, and anticoagulants would clear it, obviously the greater risk is clots blocking main vessels. Just out of interest my OH is awaiting the op and at his pre-op he was told he would have anticoagulant injections each day for 30 days post surgery, which seems extreme, but I guess different policies for different health authorities.

Hope the remainder of your recovery is trouble free!

User
Posted 09 Sep 2023 at 23:58

I thought it is standard practice to be discharged home (after surgery) with a 21-day supply of blood thinners injection. I was given a 21 day dose, I had to inject myself on the thigh with this blood thinner.

User
Posted 10 Sep 2023 at 09:56

Thanks DJC44, funnily enough immediately after surgery in July I also had a 28 day course of injected blood thinners (Fragmin) which seems (from conversations I've had elsewhere) that it's becoming the norm in major operations. Doctor Google 😄 informs me that a very small % of people develop a temporary reaction to Fragmin which throws the D-Dimer blood test. I'm hoping that's it and the course of tablets I'm on now will fix it.

Your OH's pathway so far sounds very similar to mine, I wish you and your OH all the very best with his forthcoming surgery and recovery.

 

 

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User
Posted 09 Sep 2023 at 21:32
Hi DevonJohn, well done for getting through the surgery…another hurdle over in this journey! It could have been a DVT, as you say a possibility post surgery, which is why keeping mobile straight away is important, and anticoagulants would clear it, obviously the greater risk is clots blocking main vessels. Just out of interest my OH is awaiting the op and at his pre-op he was told he would have anticoagulant injections each day for 30 days post surgery, which seems extreme, but I guess different policies for different health authorities.

Hope the remainder of your recovery is trouble free!

User
Posted 09 Sep 2023 at 23:58

I thought it is standard practice to be discharged home (after surgery) with a 21-day supply of blood thinners injection. I was given a 21 day dose, I had to inject myself on the thigh with this blood thinner.

User
Posted 10 Sep 2023 at 09:56

Thanks DJC44, funnily enough immediately after surgery in July I also had a 28 day course of injected blood thinners (Fragmin) which seems (from conversations I've had elsewhere) that it's becoming the norm in major operations. Doctor Google 😄 informs me that a very small % of people develop a temporary reaction to Fragmin which throws the D-Dimer blood test. I'm hoping that's it and the course of tablets I'm on now will fix it.

Your OH's pathway so far sounds very similar to mine, I wish you and your OH all the very best with his forthcoming surgery and recovery.

 

 

User
Posted 10 Sep 2023 at 10:08
There's a bit of a story in my profile, however after RARP I had quite severe leg/groin pain and also had a very high blood test result that put me in for an emergency consult with a vascular specialist who echoed both legs and groin. I didn't have a sore vein but did have small areas of burst blood vessels on the surface.

Anyway, the echo was clear of thrombosis and so after a CT scan they discovered a large lymphocele from where the surgeon had removed a lymph node - in hospital that weekend and they drained 160ml of lymph fluid from it. It was pressing on the leg vein/artery restricting blood flow to the leg and hence the pain/discomfort.

 
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