[Exhorter]

In doing some more research on my surgeon and how he does things I have found out from a couple of his patients that he does not use full calf compression boots but uses the ankles instead saying they are more comfortable that the full calf, and that they do the job just as well. Also he does not use medication to combat pulminary annuruseums.

What is your thoughts on this? I know that this may sound kind of foolish as to even care about these two things but I want to make sure I am going to get the very best care that I can get. I have heard that if you ask for those he will give them. But how do you tell the dr you want something that he feels you really do not need. And again do I need them if he feels his way works best?

[fr1endly2]

I guess i would more want to know of his complications rate and death rate of patients and see how that number really fares with doctors that do use those things that concern you. I mean honestly i hated the cuffs and stopped putting them on being i had to pee every hour on the hour it was a pain for me to keep putting them off and on even with there help. I was hot and they bothered me .........so eventually during the day i kept them off out of grumpiness......i couldnt sleep and would pee around the clock every hour cause of the damn IV......
but how is ur surgeons track record on lost patients and complications might answer ur question right there.
just my thought here

[DocSanae]

Um, do you mean pulmonary thrombosis rather than aneurysm? Aneurysms are weakend arteries so medication to lower blood pressure is neccesary.
Thrombosis often happens post op, blood thinners are prescribed to prevent them, but another way to prevent them is to take a number of deep breaths every few hours.
(((((HUGS)))))

[Exhorter]

Yes Doc I think that is what they meant. I just feel that the dr would know what is best for his patients. I guess that is why I have never questioned my doctors in the past.

[LittleLisaMarie]

Yes the ankle boots are good as well as the higher ones. They are used to keep the blood flowing to prevents clots. Deep breathing and use of the spirometer { a plastic toy that has a little ball in it } will keep the oxygen flowing and prevent pneumonia. Your best bet is to get up and get walking right away.That is the number one most important thing you can do . That will do the job of the booties, of the blood thinners etc. Cough and deep breath as much as you can and walk walk walk as much as you can, even getting out of bed and sitting in the chair is important. Just like some leave drains in and some dont. Some use blood thinners and some dont. Also could depend on your labs if he decided to use medication or not. We all are individual and one plan does not go for all. You are going to do amazing. If you are unsure of anything at any time during your procedure , after your procedure always ask the doc or the nurse. Dont be afraid to question any of your care. Hang in there...

LittleLisaMarie