r/Ovariancancer • u/moneytree_bee • 11d ago
family/friend/caregiver Post-op medications
My mom just had a full hysterectomy/debulking and though she had some complications during recovery in the hospital (severe nausea, small bleed in abdomen, high heart rate), she’s finally home!
When I went to pick her up, I was surprised that her discharge papers only had scripts for Eliquis and pain medication. I didn’t realize that she would be asked to take blood thinners for 28 days after surgery - is this normal? Also, there were no prescriptions for antibiotics? Every time I’ve had surgery, I’ve had antibiotics prescribed afterwards, granted they were for different procedures.
I know my medical anxiety for my mom is high right now, especially since she had some post-op complications. Also, I’m nervous about her bleeding coming back with the eliquis. I’m her caregiver during this process and just want to make sure I’m doing everything right! I would appreciate any insights you may have!
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u/Due_Thanks7885 11d ago
Hi! I’m sorry your mother is going through this. But yes, those medications are fairly normal! I had a hysterectomy and debulking about a month ago and I also work in the medical field. I was given Eliquis also, cancer increases your risk of blood clots and then a major surgery does as well since you aren’t ambulating as much as normal. My oncologist said there’s been studies done saying it drops the chance of having a blood clot to 1% or something like that when you get Eliquis for 28 days after when I asked him about it. I was not given any antibiotics either. In my experience they are typically only given postop if there is some symptomatic concern like fever, weird drainage from the incision or like a GI injury during surgery. But if you have concerns I would definitely ask your mom’s oncologist!!
Hope this helps!! Wishing her all the best.
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u/moneytree_bee 11d ago
Thank you for this!! I’ve just been a bit anxious overall and this really helped to read to know it’s standard. These decisions feel super high stakes - I just don’t want to get anything wrong!!
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u/Capable-Matter-5976 11d ago
Yes, blood thinners are given after debulking surgery because blood clots are more likely with cancer surgeries. The antibiotics are given prophylacticly before/during surgery, and won’t be given again unless an actual infection develops. But you should call her surgeon and speak to them if you have questions.
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u/moneytree_bee 11d ago
Thank you for your response! It makes me feel better to know this is standard care!
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u/No-Recover-5181 11d ago
Yes it is normal. A blood clot would kill her. Do what your care team tells you to do. Read Cleveland Clinic and MD Anderson blogs for standards of care to understand more. Dr Block says most cancer patients don't die from the cancer - but they do die from blood clots or sepsis. He is worth the read.
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u/createhomelife 11d ago
I had to inject myself for 30 days as well, it seems common to reduce the chance of blood clots. I got lazy about it I'll admit, being covered in bruises wasn't fun. Antibiotics via IV are given during surgery.
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u/moneytree_bee 11d ago
Oh my! I didn’t realize it could be administered via injection. Hope you are recovered and sending love your way! ❤️❤️
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u/Altan19 11d ago
I just had my ovaries removed and they didn’t give me antibiotics either was wondering the same thing every other surgery I’ve had antibiotics
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u/RemarkableArticle970 11d ago
Judicious use of antibiotics has become more the norm as the years go by. Overuse of antibiotics ( as in giving them with no known infection) has increased drug resistant bacteria to no one’s benefit.
Communication with your mother’s doctor will help.
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u/MizCovfefe 11d ago
Usually, a dose of IV antibiotics during the surgery is sufficient. They'll only send her home with an antibiotic if there's an active infection.