Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

Here is some information that may be helpful:

http://www.fvleiden.org/ask/68.html

Regards,
Tom

Thanks Tom. DOes anyone else have any information on DVTs affecting the arm?

Louise

There's lots of info online, and sometimes I feel like I've read all of it! Here's what I've learned:
Arm clots can happen to people who spend much time with their arms in a raised position (think car mechanic, welder, people working with their arms in an overhead position) athletes who use their arms in powerful motion (like in baseball or football, a forceful throwing motion) and ofcourse to people who don't fit that description at all.

Some folks have a narrowing or compression of the artery in the upper chest, and that's called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and that can cause a blood clot in your arm as well. One test your doc can do for Thoracic Outlet is to take the pulse in your arm normally, then move that arm to your back (as if he was going to put you in handcuffs) and take your pulse in the arm again. Many times people with thoracic outlet syndrome will have a very weak or non-existent pulse when the arm is behind the back, that would suggest blood flow is getting cut off. Google it, and also ask your doc about it.
And to ease your fears a bit - arm clots are the least likely to cause PE, as far as I've read. You're more likely to have a PE with clots that occure above the knee and in the pelvic region.
And I know you'll ask your doc about exercise - with my leg clot I was moving around pretty well right away. Since arm clots can be CAUSED by motion and force, it would be wise to discuss it with your doc before doing anything super physical, like weight lifting, or pulling a freight train (a la Jack Lalane...)
Hope this gives you some ideas to discuss with Doc, and puts your mind at ease a bit.