Question:
I often get leg cramps pre-op, does that make me more susceptible to blood clots?
I have been reading up in the library on blood clots (open rny scheduled for June 10th). I read that one of the symptoms of a blood clot are cramps in your calves. I get bad cramps in my calve at least once a week,does this make me more susceptible to clots? Is this something I should mention to my surgeon? — Janine S. (posted on May 20, 2002)
May 19, 2002
Hi. I also had leg cramps after surgery. Yes, I would recommend that you
mention it to your Dr. (he of course needs to be kept informed of your
condition). However, in my case my surgeon said it was probably from not
stretching (mine were mainly when I started walking). I have also heard
that it can be from lack of water and potassium . Hope everything turns
out for you!
— Daphne S.
May 19, 2002
I suffer from fibromyalsia and before i went for surgery i was on nurontine
for this . My legs and feet were cramping all the time . To make it
worse I was not able to walk as much as i should due to a foot that has had
alot of surgery and I can not walk on for more then 10 min . I
informormed the surgion about this but he did not seem to feel it was a
problem . I am now into my 7th week post ob and I did not have any
problems. I am also 54 so i really did expect a problem . They did put
wraps on my legs when i was laying in bed that helps prevent blood clots .
So just talk to your dr and move the legs around as much as u can ok and
have a happy and safe jouney -- put your faith in God
— sallie P.
May 19, 2002
I suffer from fibromyalsia and before i went for surgery i was on nurontine
for this . My legs and feet were cramping all the time . To make it
worse I was not able to walk as much as i should due to a foot that has had
alot of surgery and I can not walk on for more then 10 min . I
informormed the surgion about this but he did not seem to feel it was a
problem . I am now into my 7th week post ob and I did not have any
problems. I am also 54 so i really did expect a problem . They did put
wraps on my legs when i was laying in bed that helps prevent blood clots .
So just talk to your dr and move the legs around as much as u can ok and
have a happy and safe jouney -- put your faith in God
— sallie P.
May 20, 2002
I suffered from leg cramps pre-op 3-4 times a week. I also suffered from
severe leg spasms and jerking daily due to a leg condition I have. I had a
very high bmi, well over 60 and my doctor was aware of the cramps and such
and didnt seemed worried about them. I suffered no blot clots or
complications afterwards. the leg cramps and spasms are still with me
though at a year post -op. Just make sure your doctor knows of the problem
and let him worry about it
— C. L.
May 20, 2002
I suffered from extreme leg cramps pre-op and on my final pre-op visit, I
discussed it with the surgeon because the pains were becoming almost
unbearable and I was very concerned about blood clots. They sent me for
ultrasounds and determined that I did not have clots, but the blood work up
did indicate that my potassium levels were low. I started eating a few
bananas and have not had the leg cramps since. They can also give you a
potassium supplement. Good Luck.
— Maria A. M.
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