Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I was wondering if I need to be concerned, or what is the probability if any, would I have at developing a blood clot if I have no blood clotting genetic issues (factor V, etc), not on any hormones (was on birth control pills for 12 years but been off for almost four years), no recent surgery, do not and have never smoked. I am just going to be moving 12 hours away, and someone I know developed a blood clot in their leg after a 12-hour drive and did not have any risk factors (smoking, hormones, etc) to their knowledge. I got a little nervous about this possibility because I had a friend who died of a PE. Also, should I take Aspirin before the trip and wear compression socks, or would that help? I am a 31-year-old female who only takes prenatal vitamins, Vitamin B12 1000 mcg chewable, Citalopram 10 mg, and occasional Excedrin as needed. Thanks.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern. Before I can answer your question, you mentioned that you are taking prenatal vitamins. Just curious if you are pregnant or plan to do so? Do you have previous unplanned or accidental abortions? Please let me know.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
No, I am not pregnant and have never been pregnant, but I am planning to try soon, so my gynecologist wanted me to start taking them.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As per your detailed history, I am glad you mentioned all the points that I was supposed to know before answering. I know it is unfortunate to see the dear ones having a clot or PE (pulmonary embolism), but technically, you are at no greater risk than any normal individual. Also, there is no medical literature supporting the use of Aspirin or other blood thinners in cases like yours, so no need for any blood thinners even when you are pregnant.
Also, no need for any tests to find the risk of developing clots, as there is no 100% test that rules out or rules in the chance of developing a clot in normal individuals. Using compression stockings would always be good, especially on a long journey, as they prevent blood pooling in the lower limbs.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I appreciate all the help, but I am trying just to completely understand. You are saying that I have a very low chance of developing a clot and should not be concerned, even with long road trips, due to not having any risk factors? And also, I had all the genetic blood clotting lab work checked, and it was negative. So, don't you need to have one of these plus another risk factor (smoker, recent surgery, prolonged immobilization) to even have a chance for a probable clot?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You need not take any medicines. If you got lab checked, that is fine, but it was not needed, to my understanding.
Risk factors like smoking, recent surgery, and prolonged immobilization are applicable to everyone. It is always better to quit smoking. Recent surgery and immobilization increase the risk; hence, when patients are hospitalized and are bedbound for a long time, they are given blood thinners for the time period of immobilization.
Prolonged traveling is not an indication for blood thinners, but yes, keeping your leg muscles during travel will keep blood circulation flowing and not just stacking at a place to cause a clot. So it is always advised to keep moving even in long-duration flights. Compression stockings should help you during your traveling period.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
So no need to worry about getting a clot "out of nowhere" kind of thing, and when traveling, wearing compression socks and stopping every three hours or so to get out to go to the bathroom or walk around about five to ten minutes would be a good idea, right?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, you got it right. Just move around for a bit during your travel, and for a few minutes, it will be fine. After all, you can only do so up to an extent to prevent things from happening. I am glad that you are proactive in your health care. If you are a smoker, think about quitting or cutting down at least; this will pay you in the long run.
I hope the discussion with me solved your queries.
Thank you.
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Answered by Education: DM Hemato-Oncology Professional Bio: Dr.Kamal Kant Sahu is an expert in the field of InternalMedicine. He is experienced and well-versed in all the treatment modalities in Internal Medicine. This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore. Dr. Kamal Kant Sahu
Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Dr. Kamal Kant Sahu
Hematology
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