Deep vein Thrombosis

[brownknees]

I recently suffered a deep vein thrombosis.I was in England on holiday and it was two months after my flight so not related to flying.Symptons are a pain in the groin(if its a leg one and most are)followed by swelling of the lower leg and foot.I was lucky my daughter new what it was and took me to hospital straight away where I had a blood sample taken and was then given an injection in the stomach and went back the next day for another and a third the following.Had an ultrasound scan and sure enough there was the clot in a deep vein!!I now take blood thinning medicine until my blood tells me otherwise,this may take up to six months.I flew back to Thailand only 4 weeks after  but was told to wear compression stockings ,no alcohol and take excersise on the flight .So I did all this and here I am!The leg is still swollen and will come down slowly .I hope forumites read this and next time you fly ,well its up to you !!

[KittenKong]

I've been taking a low-dose aspirin every day for years to (hopefully) ward off the possibility of this and strokes. I'm still here.

[VocalNeal]

My brother takes Aspirin before/during flights

[alocacoc]

I was in the same situation. You should have taken Clexane injections before the flight. Better you check your leg in a private hosiptal in Thailand.

[Sheryl]

He indicates the original DVT was not flight related and he has been on anticoagulants ever since.

 

I take prophylactic aspirin before long flights and would advise anyone not on anticoagulants or with clear contraindication to aspirin to do the same. Likewise long car or bus ride -- anything that will keep you immobilzed for many hours.

 

 

 

 

[Kadilo]

I was diagnosed with DVT after an Operation around 5 years ago. Was in Warfarin for a year and then scanned as Ok. My lower leg still swell terribly when flying and on other occasions too and my GP in the Uk said it probably always will. I fly a lot over here as well as other destinations and it's always a concern tbh.


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[rodknock]

i had a dvt in 2005, spent 3 weeks in hospital and then 4weeks rehabilitation hospital..

after dvt had vena cava minor filter(greenfield filter) inserted. i was put on disability and told i could not work anymore at my job, automotive technician as too easy to get hurt and have internal bleeding.

am on warfarin for life and test weekly with own tester(rouche), maintain between 2-3 inr.

wearing compression stockings is good and should be worn all the time except night time!!

any questions feel free to ask. 

[brownknees]

I was taking a daily aspirin as part of my blood conditioning regime(stent fitted!!)which I have discontinued .Now taking anticoagulant ,Rivaroxaban which does not need monitoring unlike Warfarin which does.I was in the UK and my local hospital was very good,they had a special clinic for DVT.

[rodknock]

most hospitals have an anticoagulant clinic now as it has become a major issue with stents, bypass and any heart surgery and any one can can geta dvd.

just thought i would pass on MY information and experience.

i find it easy to be on warfarin as i test weekly with my own tester. warfarin, coumadin is super cheap(generic) in thailand and is over the counter.

good luck

[rodknock]

forgot, let me add, have you or your doctor ever mentioned a vena cava minor filter to help stop clots going to your lungs and on? might want to ask your doctor if you are a candidate for one.

they are not 100%, but sure makes you confident.

i have a Green Field Filter in me

[brownknees]

I was never asked about a vena cava filter,I will ask my daughter (surgery secretary)to  make enquiries!!

[dddave]

A friend was recently hospitalized for his 2nd episode of DVT.  He had been on Warafin but the current doctor put him on XERALTO instead which does not require monitoring.  Available in Thailand but damn expensive.  One months supply was about B4500 at the cheapest pharmacy I know in Bangkok. There are no locally available substitutes.

 

Properly fitted "gradient" compression stockings are the first line of prevention for anybody at risk for DVT, especially on long flights or road trips.  Good quality, properly sized stockings can be purchased via Amazon and other online websites.

Proper fit so the compression is as it should be, is important.  The attached short video shows how to measure.

I fly a lot and  swelling in my lower legs and feet is really noticeable if I don't wear the stockings on 8+ hour flights.  With the stockings, there is no swelling at all.  

I find the calf length ones that come up to just below the knee to be the most comfortable, Full length one's, some with separate legs and some one piece like panty-hose can be really uncomfortable and very hot.

 

Edited August 23, 2017 by dddave

[rodknock]

i use compressionstockings.com in the us. they ship world wide and are very reasonable.

i wear medivan assure closed toe 30-40 in large.

these were prescribed for me when i had my dvt,

[cooked]

May I revive the topic? I am definitely NOT a hypochondriac but suspect that I may have mild DVT, several symptoms fit. I'm poverty stricken temporarily but plan to visit the local Bangkok hospital in Korat in two weeks, and assume that if the doctor agrees with me, I will be taking an ultrasound test. This will be covered by my insurance, right? If not, how much is it likely to cost? Taking low doses of Aspirin meanwhile.

Thanks.

[Sheryl]

We have no way of knowing what your insurance covers, check your policy. Most in-patient only policies would not include an outpatient ultrasound.

 

If you have DVT should not delay treatment, can be life threatening.

 

The main government hospital in Korat (Maharat) is quite good, it is a regional level facility and costs there would be minimal.

 

[chubby]

well, if it wasn't flying,  you probably would want them to rule out all other chronic causes,   or  what is the theory how you got it ??

 

PS: compression stockings may be OK for prevention to a point, but in all cases, are often used wrong and likely to do as much harm as good, I wouldn't bother in warm climate, if you are covered by the  anticoag

 

Duration of treatment varies. Patients with transient risk factors for DVT (eg, immobilization, surgery) can usually stop taking warfarin after 3 to 6 mo. Patients with nonmodifiable risk factors (eg, hypercoagulability), idiopathic (or unprovoked) DVT with no known risk factors, or recurrent DVT should take warfarin for at least 6 mo and, in selected patients, probably for life unless complications occur.