Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I had a provoked DVT in my right leg from a gunshot. The gunshot went clean through my leg. I developed a blood clot in my calf and upper thigh. The clot, however, left a scar on my vein.
My doctor highly recommended taking a low dose of 81 mg (milligram) of Aspirin daily to prevent platelets from sticking and possibly forming a clot in the future. I was told this was a precautionary measure, though I am at a very low risk of getting another clot. I have been taking Aspirin, and it has caused GERD, which I had never had before until I started taking the Aspirin.
I asked to stop taking Aspirin or to take something else, but my doctor said no, just take the Aspirin and go get treated for the GERD. I was given Omeprazole again, and it helps. But I do not want to take it, and I would rather take something else other than Aspirin as an antiplatelet because I am afraid of the long-term effects of GERD. I do not know what to do; I need a second opinion. Is Aspirin the right treatment, or should I stop? I do not know. Is one issue beneficial to the other?
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I just went through your medical details. Hope you are doing well. Since your DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is resolved, being on Aspirin is just a prophylactic measure. Approximately a 30 percent chance of having recurrent DVT. So it is better to be on Aspirin to prevent clot. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and gastritis are common side effects of Aspirin. So being on plain Omeprazole will not help you heal the inflammation. Ideally, you may need to undergo an upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy and understand the extent of the problem. And then, they need to go for medical management as per the doctor's advice. There are remedies for GERD if you treat it properly. I suggest you follow some of the home remedies.
Go for short, frequent meals.
Take Aspirin between your meals.
Taking PPI (proton pump inhibitors) with prokinetics will be helpful after proper evaluation.
Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I am going to get the upper GI endoscopy in the next couple of weeks as requested by my primary care doctor. But I have a question about the Aspirin. I cannot find any Aspirin lower than 81 mg.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Alternate-day dosing has been advised for atrial fibrillation, not for DVT. There is no proper evidence for the same in DVT, but still, you can try it, or lowering the dose is a better alternative. Yet still, there is a chance for gastritis and GERD with low doses too. Better will treat it and follow the ways for preventing GERD.
I hope this helped.
Thank you.
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