Blood Clots,Recognize,Symptoms, What to Expect-Clip 1

Learn how to recognize Deep vein and Superficial vein thrombosis and what to expect.BLOOD CLOTS -- HOW TO RECOGNIZE

1)Superficial-reddness, mild burning if along the Saphenous vein. Other surface veins may have a
visible or palpable lump usually feels like a hard cord or pencil under the skin.
Could continue into a DVT
You can expect to be put on coumadin and will have only minor impairment if at all. It can be deceptively symptom free until the entire Saphenous vein becomes like a cord most of the way from your thigh down to the ankle. You most likely will not experience any leg swelling but you should see the vein become more prominent and then become hardened.

2)Deep vein-If in calf, dorsa flex the foot. If sharp pain then suspect thrombosis.
3)Deep vein- If between the thigh and knee-Femoral vein Can be difficult to detect at first because it tends to become established before symptoms develop. Symptoms may present as a lower muscle pain or pulled groin muscle. Further these pains may not always be present. They can be intermittent at first misleading you into thinking it's just a pulled muscle.Experience feelings of fluid build up upon standing and weakness in Quads at first . Later a feeling of dizzyness AFTER mild exertion. A craving for sweets for energy.

DO NOT attempt to treat with anti-inflammatory NSAIDs like Aleve or Ibuprofen. Tylenol okay to use.
Take a couple of aspirin a day until you have a chance to get to a doctor's offc.

Do the pinch test to see if you are dehydrated...if skin does not snap back immediately start drinking fluids now. One you first feeling fluid building up and/or dizzyness upon standing you are probably within three days of requiring admission to the ER at the hospital.

You will know you have reached a critical stage when your thigh muscles become weak, feel more and more pressure each time you stand and you feel dizzy after walking just a few yards.

At this point you must go to the ER but try to have a bowel movement and pee before you go....you probably won't be able to for the next week or so. Just the physical swelling will cause that.DO THESE THINGS RIGHT NOW (TODAY) BEFORE GOING TO THE HOSPITAL

FIRST THING: Laxative-If you even think you may have a thrombosis-Start immediately on either All-Bran cereal or Mira-Lax with each meal
SECOND THING: Plan ahead-Transport (911=$900)/meals, grocery shopping, business now
SECOND THING: Buy a pair of thigh high compression stockings 20-30mm Hg-no Rx nec.



WHAT TO EXPECT:
At the ER they will put an IV line in you to keep fluids going into your body. Your leg diameter will continue to swell for the next few days. Be sure you ask for a doppler to confirm thrombosis. Your pain levels will increase...you won't be able to walk but a few meters without passing out from orthostatic hypotension. If you are on diuretics for BP CONTINUE THEM.
ASK THE HOSPITAL DOC (DAY 1) IF YOU CAN HAVE SOMEONE BRING YOU 20-30 mm thigh high COMPRESSION STOCKINGS FOR IMMEDIATE USE. You will need measurements of your ankle, calf, and thigh at the widest part. You will only use these until about two or three weeks after you get home then order some stockings at 30-40mm for the next 4-6weeks and then go to 40-50mm. As soon as you can (when the 30-40mm began to stretch and lose compression.The hospital may give you some short knee high compression socks which are useless and just slow your progress or they may use a machine with a pressure cuff to stimulate circulation---they usually don't get the cuff adjusted tight enough to do any good....take some control here and do it yourself.

Each day, Ask your hospital doc if your vital signs have returned to normal (such as kidney function). If so then don't let the hospital keep putting IV fluid into your body...that just makes your leg feel like it is going to burst plus it makes it almost physically impossible for you to use the toilet in your room no matter where it is. They will argue the IV is for your benefit. Tolerate what you can but take control.

You will also feel your upper body begin to retain fluid as well. This will also make going to the toilet a lot more difficult. Until you can get the fluid in your body down (ask doc to use lasix for that) you will be in great pain and pretty immobile and severely constipated and unable to pee.

You will be put on Coumadin or Warfarin accompanied with a few shots of Lovenox injections for about ten days. The Coumadin you may be on forever. You will also be given medication for pain.