LSH and blood clots after surgery

This is my first post. I have large fibroids, my uterus is the size of a 5-month pregnancy and I'm having very heavy, painful periods. My dr. has suggested a hysterectomy, and even though I know I need this surgery, I'm afraid of it because I have a genetic blood-clotting disorder.

I know that there is a laparoscopic procedure that requires less cutting and stitching. Would that procedure eliminate the risk of blood clots after surgery? Has anyone with a clotting disorder also had LSH?

Hi Connie,

I really don't know if the risk of blood clots is less with an LSH versus a vaginal or abdominal incision. What type of incision is your doc recommending? Often when women have fibroids as large as yours, they are not good candidates for vaginal incisions. Have you asked your doc this question about blood clots?

Although I do not have a clotting disorder, my older sister does. She had an abdominal incision during her hyst a year ago and has done very well with no complications. Hopefully others will be along who can share their experiences. You might try doing a keyword search (use Search button at top of screen) to find other threads that discuss blood clotting disorders. You could try searching on "blood clotting" or "clotting disorder" Then, a list of threads where this is mentioned will be displayed and you can read through them for details.

Please keep us posted on what you decide. Sending hugs your way.

Beth

I also have a genetic predisposition to blood clots. Do you by any chance have Factor V Leiden? You are fortunate that you and your doctor are aware of this before your surgery. This way, the doctors can take extra precautions so that you won't experience a blood clot.

I had a TAH/BSO a little over 5 years ago. I was admitted to the hospital with a DVT when I was 3 weeks post op. I wish I had known ahead of time that I had Factor V Leiden. If I had known, my clot could most likely have been avoided. Let me assure you that my clot was not a direct complication from the hysterectomy. It could have been avoided if I had known about my predisposition to clots.

I'm assuming you have a hematologist. Talk to him/her about being anticoagulated before surgery. My sister had a hysterectomy Sept. 1 with an abdominal incision. She also has Factor V Leiden, and was anticoagulated before surgery and placed on coumadin afterwards. She's doing just fine.

I'm not sure whether or not LSH will eliminate the risk of a blood clot. It may lessen the risk, but I doubt it will prevent it. Talk to your gyn and your hematologist.

It's frightening, I know. I'm facing gallbladder surgery, and I too worry about another clot. I've already talked with my hematologist about this and he'll make sure that I'm anticoagulated before surgery and will work with me after surgery.

I wish you the very best.