Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

Hi Ace,

As far as I know, the phlebotomist is the person who draws blood, usually a nurse.

A haematologist is a doctor specialised in all blood things. I was seen by a haematologist a couple of weeks ago and he was very thorough in looking at my history, my family history and ordering extra scans before deciding on my future treatment plan or whether I can stop the warfarin.

Hope that helps!

When you get your blood drawn, it may be done by a phlebotomist http://healthcareers.about.com/od/... . When the GP refers you to an advanced blood specialist, it may be a hematologist. From my past part-time work in career education for adults, phlebotomy was sometimes a choice for those who were tired of working unskilled jobs and were looking to get into the ground floor of a better career with no more than a few weeks or months of training.

I know what you mean about the feeling that it all could have been prevented. I've stated my own story enough times with the requisite 2 1/2 months from first clot diagnosis to bilateral PE. Educating health professionals to see the light is essentially the mission of NATT, http://www.stoptheclot.org/learn_m... . From what I see of the postings of early-stage cases, some degree of success is in progress.

Gosh, more2, I couldn't be more with you!
I started complaining to the doctors that I couldn't breathe more than three years ago. They dismissed me.
Last year I told my gyno I was potentially FVL positive, he tested and it was true, but he thought the risk with me on a very strong eostrogen pill wasn't so high after six months of taking it.
Just a few months later, in November I couldn't breathe and again I was dismissed. My leg only decided to swell up end January and only then did they finally take notice. I hate to think what could have happened...! Or could still happen if the clots in my lungs become chronic.
Sorry, kjc, we have completely hijacked your conversation! Can't help with your original question much as my stockings are all smooth and tights-like (panty-hose-like) so my trousers (pants ;-P) don't ride up at all. If you have the ribbed stockings, maybe you could try a smooth pair and see how they work for you?

My vascular doctor said the only good brands of compression stockings are Jobst & Sigvaris. Jobst are fairly reasonable at foryourlegs.com.I wear Jobst knee hi's 14 hours daily & will have to wear them the rest of my life.