Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group
Deep-vein thrombosis, also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein. It can be caused by something preventing blood from circulating or clotting normally. Join the support group if you are coping with DVT and find others who are going through the same challenges.
Hi everybody. Just got off 8+ months of warfarin after a DVT/PE in March. Recent ultrasound shows no evidence of a clot left (never did...but that's another matter). I'm doing a lot of traveling on planes soon and will, of course, get up a lot this time (it's believed that was what cased the DVT as there are no genetic factors).
Anyway, the doctor said to take a baby aspirin before I fly and not worry about stockings. He said that studies show that 81mg is a good defense about clots but I can only find research that says this is true about arterial clots, not DVTs. Anyone know if this is true? I'm concerned about the care I'm getting and wondering if this is valid.
It seems like a good precaution to wear 20-30 stockings, right? He didn't write me a prescription for that but I may just go get them anyway. Is there any reason why I shouldn't wear 20-30 stockings on a plane? I'll go back to my doctor on this but I want to have all my ducks in a row in terms of info. I've frequently found that this group's knowledge regularly exceeds the knowledge of medical professionals so any input would be most welcome.
Thanks,
T.
Anyway, the doctor said to take a baby aspirin before I fly and not worry about stockings. He said that studies show that 81mg is a good defense about clots but I can only find research that says this is true about arterial clots, not DVTs. Anyone know if this is true? I'm concerned about the care I'm getting and wondering if this is valid.
It seems like a good precaution to wear 20-30 stockings, right? He didn't write me a prescription for that but I may just go get them anyway. Is there any reason why I shouldn't wear 20-30 stockings on a plane? I'll go back to my doctor on this but I want to have all my ducks in a row in terms of info. I've frequently found that this group's knowledge regularly exceeds the knowledge of medical professionals so any input would be most welcome.
Thanks,
T.
Still flying eh? One does what one has to do... Glad to hear you are off the meds!!!
But yes, FUGLIES for flying,are recommended, SPECIALLY if you have a history of DVT or ghost DVT like you did. Other things to do while on that flight (as you wear you FUGLIES) are toe curles, walking, drink plenty of WATER(which will force you to walk, having to go the washroom all the time), stay away from the alcohol and coffee(they will only dehydrate you and give you a buzz) and your baby aspirin.
This is mainly for flights over 4 hours call it 3 hours because you have had DVT.
But yes, FUGLIES are good!!!
Love your FUGLIES and they will ... same as your ducks.LOL
Just be sure to walk while on the plane and drink lots of water. Good luck
I've flown a few times since coming off coumadin. I wear my stockings. I'm not a big drinker, but I really REALLY push the water, and it does indeed get you mobile. I start drinking the day before since planes have such dry air. Try to get an aisle seat so you're not climbing over your fellow travellers.
I've only taken flights that are 2 hours or less, but if they exceed three hours, my doctor has no problem with prescribing me a Lovenox shot for the ride there and back. It may be something you want to look into.
An ultrasound diagnosed a superficial clot in a vein in my husband's calf and the doctor put him on 325 mg of aspirin per day as treatment. A week later he was in the ER, getting diagnosed with the DVT. The ER doc about lost her mind when she found out that he had been on aspirin for the superficial clot. She said there is no evidence whatsoever that proves aspirin has any effect at all on venous clots. It's great for arterial clots, she said, but does nothing for venous ones. I read some of the same information you probably read that seemed to agree with this.
BUT, when my husband got out of the hospital, we went to his primary care doc and told him what the ER doc had said about the aspirin. He showed us a medical reference/treatment book that states aspirin as the recommended treatment for a superficial venous clot.
I didn't see any information regarding aspirin and DVTs, though, only the superficial. But I suppose if it really is not effective for superficial clots, then it certainly wouldn't be effective for DVTs.
Clearly, there is some disagreement in the medical field about what aspirin treats.
Happy Holidaze, everyone.
Because arterial clots are due to plateles, anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin, plavix, etc. are use to prevent this type of clot.
Where as veins have a slower moving blood (arteries are fast moving). Clots form in deep veins when clotting proteins are in abundance (not due to platelets sticking). To treat this type of clot, anticoagulation medication is used to prevent the production of clotting factors in the blood stream.
Dr. Stephan Moll a leading thrombophilia specialist discusses this more indepth at the following webpage:
http://www.fvleiden.org/ask/35.html
To reiterate what Dr. Molls states on the bottom of the link:
"Personal comment: If a patient with venous blood clots comes off coumadin and asks whether he/she should take aspirin to prevent further clots I usually tell him/her that aspirin is unlikely going to prevent any venous clots. However, I typically do not strongly advise against them.