How to Deal with Blood Clots After Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the second most commonly performed surgery among women in the United States next to the Caesarean section. Hysterectomy is a procedure where the uterus of a woman is removed for the treatment of certain medical conditions such as severe cases of fibroids, endometriosis, bleeding, and cancer among others.

Hysterectomy requires a major operation, which can be highly invasive depending on the technique used. Just as with any surgery, complications can occur after a hysterectomy procedure. One such complication is the formation of blood clots.

Blood Clots After Hysterectomy – What are Blood Clots?

Blood clots after hysterectomy form when red blood cells and platelets group together after a vessel is injured in order for the bleeding to stop. Although most blood clots eventually dissolve, some blood clots continue to retain their form and may eventually block blood flow.

Blood clots after hysterectomy are especially dangerous when they form in an artery. This can lead to stroke or even a heart attack. Even when the blood clot forms in parts such as the legs, it may travel to more life threatening parts of the body such as the lungs, heart, or brain.

Blood Clots After Hysterectomy – What to Look Out For

Blood clots after hysterectomy usually form in the legs; otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is one of the most common complications after a hysterectomy and also one of the most dangerous.

The following are some symptoms of blood clots after hysterectomy:

• Severe pain in the upper back
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Warmth in the leg
• Swelling or redness in the leg
• Pain
• Bloody cough
• Dizziness
• Headache

If the pain persists even after resting or sleeping, make sure that you consult your doctor about it. Not all of these symptoms should be present either, so be on the alert when you get any of these symptoms.

Blood Clots After Hysterectomy – How to Prevent Them

Some preventive measures your doctor might take are injecting you with anti-coagulant medication either before or after the hysterectomy surgery.  Also, you can wear anti-embolism stockings during and after the hysterectomy. You may also be required to wear pneumatic compression boots on your legs.

After the surgery, do not rub or massage the area to prevent the blood clot from traveling to other parts of the body.

Below are some things you can do to prevent blood clots after a hysterectomy:

• Promote blood circulation by walking or changing your position in bed.
• If you are still too weak  to walk around, sit on the edge of your bed and do some leg and feet exercises.
• While lying in bed, try to move your legs and wiggle your toes.
• Drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration.
• You can take blood thinners such as aspirin, heparin, etc in order to prevent blood clots after hysterectomy. However, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication.