WEBVTT FILE

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After joint replacement
surgery, you are at an increased

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risk of developing a blood clot.
Blood clots are dangerous

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because they can lead to heart
attack and stroke. You can

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reduce your risk of developing a
blood clot by getting active.

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Moving, even a little bit, will
prevent swelling and help to

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circulate your blood. Before you
leave the hospital, you will be

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prescribed blood-thinning
medication to prevent blood

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clots. Some people may take this
type of medication for a few

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weeks, while others may take it
longer. Take your anticoagulant

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prescription or over the counter
medication exactly as directed

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at the same time each day. Make
it a part of your daily routine

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so you don't forget. If you do
happen to forget a dose, contact

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your healthcare provider. It may
be best to wait until your next

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scheduled dose, so you don't
double up on your medication.

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When taking an anticoagulant or
blood thinner, tell your doctor

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or dentist before scheduling an
appointment. Talk to your

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healthcare provider before
starting a new medication; some

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medications may interfere with
the effectiveness of your

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anticoagulant. Do your best to
prevent bleeding because

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medications work to control your
blood clotting ability. Anytime

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you bleed can be dangerous. Use
an electric razor when you

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shave, instead of a blade. Be
careful when cutting food or

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have someone else do it for you.
Always wear shoes or protective

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footwear. If you do cut
yourself, apply pressure until

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the bleeding stops. If it
doesn't stop after ten minutes,

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keep applying pressure to the
injury and go to the emergency

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room. Even though you are at an
increased risk of developing a

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blood clot after joint
replacement surgery, there are

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things you can do to reduce your
risk. Start to move around, and

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take your medication as
prescribed.