Following your Procedure 

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Pain Relief and Other Medication

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• It is important that you take pain killers following your procedure as it will help you to be able to mobilise sooner and reduce the risk of having blood clots. 

• You may take pain relievers as soon as you arrive home from surgery.

• Post-operative pain is usually relieved while you are in hospital.

• The level of pain and its tolerance varies from person to person. Even if you think you will not need pain killers, please take the prescription so that you are prepared, just in case.

• Using pain relievers regularly may lead to constipation. To prevent this, you may take an high fiber diet.

• Medication Refills: If you are already low on a certain medication, please let your doctor (GP) or one of our team know. 

• During your visit, we will provide you with prescriptions for the medications that you may need to take after surgery.

• Follow all the instructions on the label, ask the pharmacist for more clarification if you need.

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Please notice that we advise that you always discuss with your doctor (GP) of any medications you are currently taking.

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Post Operative Blood Clots and How to Reduce the Risks

 

  

What is DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)?

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is when the blood thickens, producing a blood clot. It is associated with the deep veins in your legs.

DVT can occur after surgery for a number of reasons:

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• Lack of, or reduction in, mobility

• Your breathing is more shallow due to the anaesthetic

• Your body’s natural response to the trauma of having an operation 

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Certain lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of developing DVT, including:

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• Obesity

• Contraceptive pill

• Smoking

• Sedentary lifestyle

• You are also at greater risk as you get older.

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DVT is potentially dangerous, as a section of the clot can break off, travel through your bloodstream, and could block an artery in your lungs.

The risk of this is very small, but significant enough for us to recommend some precautionary action.

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Deep Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are important in preventing DVT as anaesthetic can cause a reduction in the depth of your breathing.

Every 5 - 10 minutes, take deep breaths, filling your lungs as much as possible. As well as helping blood return to your heart, this will also help to remove phlegm, which can build up following anesthetic. 

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"Should experience a sudden shortness of breath or chest pain when breathing in, please tell a member of staff looking after you immediately!"

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TED anti-embolic stockings

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TED stockings provide graduated pressure to your calf muscles and lower legs, squeezing the blood back to your heart.

If you need TED stockings, these will be provided for you. Your legs will be measured by a trained member of staff, so that you are given the correct size. The stockings will feel tight, but they should also be comfortable. They should be kept wrinkle-free and all times. Do not turn down the top of your sticking or turn back the toes as this will make the stockings too tight.

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The stockings should be removed for up to 30 minutes each day so that you can shower / bathe, and to check the skin beneath. If you notice a rash or a change in skin colour please tell the nurse. If you have any difficulty putting your stockings on, or you have an abdominal wound, please ask a nurse for help. Putting your

stockings back on after about 30 minutes, when your legs are cooler, can be easier. You will be told when you should stop wearing the stockings. This

may not be until after you go home, as you are still at risk of developing DVT until you are back to full mobility.

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Things you can do to help prevent DVT are:

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• Do not cross your legs or ankles

• Start to walk around as soon as possible after your operation

• Flex your feet backward and forward regularly when you are in bed or sitting in a chair

• Rest your feet on a stool when sitting in a chair

• Stop smoking, or reduce the amount you smoke

• Drink plenty of fluids (when your nurse tells you that it is safe to do so following surgery)

• Wear your TED stockings properly

• Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any pain, swelling or a burning sensation in your legs following surgery

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Anticoagulant - Clexane

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In certain occasions you may be prescribed extra medications that will help to reduce the risk of developing a blood clot in your veins. Clexane is the anticoagulant which prevents the blood from thickening and clotting. It is not used routinely following spinal procedures. However, should you are prescribed Clexane, please tell the doctor of nurse if you:

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• Are allergic or sensitive to any anticoagulants

• Have a stomach or duodenal ulcer

• Have an infection in your heart

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Bleed or bruise easily, or have any kind of blood disorder e.g. Von Willebrands disease

• Normally take other anticoagulation medication, including Aspirin.

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Clexane is given once a day during your stay in hospital, or until your doctor or nurse feels it is necessary. Clexane is given as an injection just below the surface of the skin, preferably in your abdomen. As this is an anticoagulant you may find that you bruise more easily than normal. To avoid this do not rub the injection site and try to avoid further injections into this area (please tell a nurse where previous injections have been given).

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Please notice that we advise that you always discuss with your doctor (GP) of any medications you are currently taking.

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Antibiotics

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• Only when prescribed, start taking antibiotics when you are discharged from the hospital.

• These medications prevent post-operative infection. Follow the instructions and take the antibiotics as per the prescription.

• Taking the full prescription is important not only for effective treatment, but also to decrease the chances of developing resistance to the antibiotic later on.

• Antibiotics may remove both good and bad bacteria from your stomach, changing the stomach’s normal balance and causing diarrhea. To restore good bacteria in the stomach, we recommend that you eat yogurt.

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