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| Carolyn’s Story |
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| Use of Low Molecular Weight Heparin: “Peace of Mind Following
My Total Hip Replacement |
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| After much procrastination over the past few years, I finally
decided to schedule my long overdue total hip replacement surgery.
I inherited severe osteoarthritis from both my parents, so it
was a matter of when, not if, this was to occur. As with most
of us, I was not looking forward to either the surgery or the
long post-operative recovery period, but I was also excited
about what the end result would give me back - my ability to
walk and perform normal activities pain free! |
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| In the back of my mind, however, I was also very aware of
several risks associated with the surgery. This is because I
spent over eleven years of my professional career in the field
of hemostasis and thrombosis. I was very fortunate to have had
my surgery at a very reputable institution and have the head
of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery be my surgeon. We discussed
the risks before hand and I was told that I would be put on
Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) twice per day post operatively.
This would significantly reduce my risk of developing DVT (Deep
Vein Thrombosis). According to my physician, most of his THR
(Total Hip Replacement) patients are given LMWH since the body
is immobilized considerably for several days after the procedure.
LMWH is a powerful anticoagulant that works to prevent blood
from clotting during this critical time period. Because of this
I asked if I would be receiving additional anticoagulant therapy
once I was discharged from the hospital. Since I was not on
any other anticoagulants such as Coumadin prior to my surgery,
I was told that I would be taking only one “baby” aspirin once
per day. Knowing that I was going to receive LMWH for my surgery
and afterwards take aspirin, I felt much more relaxed about
my surgery and recovery. |
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| My surgery went as planned. I received my LMWH injections
in the belly area. The injections were given by the shift nurse
two times per day; once in the morning and once at night for
the four and one half days I was in the hospital. At first I
was a little apprehensive about how painful these injections
might be, but there was just a little stinging for a few seconds.
Also, I knew that other anticoagulants such as Coumadin have
some dietary restrictions, so I asked whether LMWH was also
affected by diet. I was told that it was not. Though my appetite,
as a result of the surgery, was still not very good, I was happy
that I did not have to limit the types of foods I ate. |
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| After being discharged from the hospital, I went to a Skilled
Nursing Facility for seven days. There I received special rehabilitation
and occupational therapy for my new hip prior to going home.
During this time I began taking my “baby” aspirin and continued
it at home for a total of one month after my surgery. |
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| I am now entering my fifth month after surgery and should
be able to be back doing all of my normal activities very shortly.
I am very grateful to all of the pharmaceutical manufacturers
who have commercialized Low Molecular Weight Heparin over the
past several years and have made joint replacement surgeries
much safer for patients. |
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| Submitted by Carolyn, February 2004 |
| CLOT-ED, Inc., Copyright 2004. All rights reserved |
| www.CLOT-ED.com. |
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