OK, I'm new around here, and haven't even posted anything about my situation yet.  Basically, I am considering hip resurfacing, and may do it on one side as soon as this January.  Right now I am just trying to inform myself.  I have noticed that in a lot of the posts here, people are talking about having to give themselves blood thinner shots!  To be honest -- to me that almost seems like the worst part.  Waah, I hate shots.  Does everybody have to do this, or is it an unusual thing?

Oh well, I will post more about myself later.  This is a very informative website! -- EM

I certainly never had to inject myself with blood thinner, however I was told that if I wanted to fly within 6 weeks of the surgery then I would have to inject the blood thinner to prevent blood clots from forming.
best
Sharleen

I think blood thinner shots are rare. Coumadin or aspirin much more common. I was on coumadin for six weeks, not a big deal.

I would think that you'd have to take some blood thinner after surgery to prevent clots.  I took the Lovenox injections for 17 days, and I'd hardly even call it an injection.  It's the tiniest needle that you stick into your stomach.  Pretty much a pin prick, and no need for blood testing, as is needed with Coumadin.

I had to do the shots, but since then Dr. Gross only uses aspirin now <arghhhh!>.


Chuck

The blood thinner shots are really no big deal.  They are subcutaneous â€" meaning the needle only goes right below the surface of the skin (much less painful than an intramuscular injection such as the flu shot).  Most of the time you feel a little prick, but the whole routine takes less than 10 seconds. The needle is small, and the whole procedure is really simple.  After my first HSR, under doctor’s orders, I was on aspirin to prevent blood clots, and I ended up with a DVT anyway. I had to do 14 days of Lovenox (comes in a pre-filled syringe) followed by six months of Coumadin.   After my second HSR, I went on Lovenox immediately for the first 30 days (one shot per day) followed by 30 days of aspirin.  I didn’t like injecting myself either, but since the medication potentially saved me from experiencing another DVT, I gladly took it for as long as my doctor wanted me to be on it.  In fact, my doctor gave me a choice of whether I wanted to do the Lovenox for 30 days or Coumadin for 6 months after my second HSR.  His preference was the Lovenox.  When I was on the Coumadin after my first surgery, I had to have my blood drawn every 2-3 weeks to make sure that my clotting times were where they should be.  Also, during that 6 month period, I was at increased risk for bleeding, so that not only did I bruise very easily, but even when I had a minor cut, I bled rather profusely. 

Hi

I took shots for 14 days.  Small needle in my tummy.  Not a problem at all.  I am not one that likes shots either, but managed.  It is a small price to have a great new hip and be out of pain.  I had to take 2 shots before I flew home from Belgium to Ohio.  An 8 1/2 hour flight. 

Major surgery is no picnic, but most of us got thru it without too many problems.

Pat

I wasn't even given blood thinners.... I took some aspirin on my own just in case. Ask the doctors that you are planning on using what their protocol's are.

Like Pat said, the needles are small and they are VERY sharp, you really don't suffer much, still a pain in the arse..... or belly?


Chuck

Quote from: Pat Walter on July 26, 2010, 08:45:47 PMAn 8 1/2 hour flight.

I have got a thirteen hour flight ahead of me. I wonder how many shots I will have to take.

Never had to do shots... just two aspirin per day, then reduced to one.

Quote from: lopsided on July 26, 2010, 10:28:25 PM

Quote from: Pat Walter on July 26, 2010, 08:45:47 PMAn 8 1/2 hour flight.

I have got a thirteen hour flight ahead of me. I wonder how many shots I will have to take.

When I had to do it I gave myself a shot once a day in the evening.

Check with your doc, but it may be zero times.


Chuck

I just had HR surgery last week and I am taking asprin 2x/day for 14 days.  Individual cases would certainly vary based upon your age/weight and history/risk of clotting.  I would check with your dr. to ask what his typical protocol is for an individual in your situation.

I made my wife give them to me while I didn't look. They did not hurt but I also did not like the idea of giving them to myself.  I hope I never become diabetic. 

Bill

Aspirin for six weeks..

Mr McMinn has both legs scanned before you leave the hospital !!

Best Terry

Its no big deal,  it doesn't hurt . My nurse told be to let the rubbing alcohol dry before injecting, or it makes it sting a little when you push the needle in, I was on the arixtra for 17 days, then 2 asprin a day for 4 weeks after that.

I too am terrified of needles and was worried about the Lovenux injections.  Luckily my surgeon (Dr. Peter Brooks) switched to compression stockings for a total of 14 days post-op, aspirin 2x day for 30 days post-op and ultra sound before you leave the hospital and at the 2 week visit.  I was delighted to hear that!  He has found the outcomes to be as good with this method as they were with Lovenux injections.  I was ready to rip the compression stockings off by the last couple of days, but I kept telling myself it was better than an injection!  However, I guess if he hadn't switched, I would have done it or had someone else stick me!  My 14 year old niece had eagerly volunteered!! :)  Good luck with your surgery!  It was the best thing I ever did - I feel like a new person now that I'm out of pain!