Hey, obliske!
You've come to a GREAT place!
Wanted to check in with you because I, too, was on blood thinners prior to my surgery. Didn't have the p.e. but had a stroke 6 months ago. I was a bit freaked out about having the surgery - temp stopping the blood thinners, bleeding during surgery, etc. I'm happy to say that in my case, everything worked out just fine (TAH/BSO was last Thursday).
The big thing for me was to make sure that I didn't take my oral blood thinners again until I was able to get up and walk as I couldn't lay down for 1/2 hour after taking the med. They did give me 3 shots of heparin while I was still stuck in bed after the surgery. That eased my mind. I was surprised though - the heparin shots were in the belly. If you have them, don't be surprised if yours are too. There I was, offering up my hip again (that's where the pain and the phenegren shots were) only to be told to lay back flat.
The belly sounds worse than it was - it didn't hurt any more than the shots in the hips.
Since you had a p.e., they will be absolutely adamant that you use your breathing 'thing' while in the hospital. I did this too - it keeps your lungs clear and makes sure that the oxygen saturation is at a good level while you're in bed. Again, I was used to the little things where you blow out when you are using the thing...this one I had to breathe in to get deep, deep breaths...the register moved up with the harder the I took in the air. Do it as often as they tell you. It may make you a bit dizzy but it's worth it. My lungs stayed clear without any problems.
The best thing to do is to stay positive even though you may have some fears niggling at the back of your mind. I think my positive attitude had a lot to do with my recovery in the hospital - and the nurses seemed to appreciate it too.
Hello everyone
obliske 
