About this topic
A blood clot in a vein deep inside your leg is a deep vein thrombosis. It is also called a DVT. You may have pain, redness, or swelling along the vein. A DVT can affect the large veins in your lower leg and thigh. The blood clot can travel to other parts of your body and cause serious problems. If a clot travels to the lungs, it will be hard for you to breathe. It can also lead to death. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Ask your doctor about how long to rest your leg and when to start getting more active.
- Prop your leg on a pillow when in bed and on a chair or footstool when you sit.
- Your doctor may advise you to wear pressure stockings to help with blood flow. Pressure stockings may not be ordered until this clot goes away fully.
- Wear loose clothing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may have to get lab work done to make sure the drugs are working as they should. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Be sure to follow your doctors orders closely. The doctor may order drugs called blood thinners. Some blood thinners are taken as a pill and some are taken as a shot into your stomach area. Blood thinners decrease the ability of the blood to clot. Too much of this drug may cause bleeding. Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take. This includes over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal products or supplements. ‚
- Your doctor will tell you if you have to make any changes in your diet while taking these drugs.
- Blow your nose gently. You might have some nosebleeds while taking these drugs.
- You will bruise easier while taking blood thinning drugs. Be careful not to cut yourself or bang into objects.
- Tell all healthcare providers, including dentists, that you are taking blood thinners.
- Get a medical alert tag to let people know you are taking blood thinners.
Will physical activity be limited?
Moving around and exercise are important for you. Talk to your doctor about what activities are safe for you to do. Avoid any activity that may result in injury. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do not sit for long periods of time. Get up and move around every 1 to 2 hours, unless you are sleeping.
- Stretch your legs or wiggle your toes during long trips and change position often.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Do not smoke.
- If you are overweight, you should lose weight.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pale skin or your skin feels cold to touch
- Swelling of legs or change in size of one leg
- No feeling in your leg or foot
- Tingling sensation in your leg or foot that does not go away
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Pain when walking
- Blood in your stool or urine
- Bleeding from anywhere in your body that will not stop
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you the best position for my leg.
- I can tell you what I will do if my leg is pale or cool to the touch.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Deep_vein_thrombosis ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dvt/ ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚