What should I do to prevent DVT or PE after COVID-19 recovery?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been self-isolating for three weeks due to Coronavirus symptoms and spent two nights in the hospital, where I was given oxygen, and a chest X-ray showed typical COVID-19 changes. I was discharged a week ago and told some COVID-19 patients have been coming back with DVT and or PE. I am on Clexane (Heparin) twice a day for two weeks.

My question is,

Is there anything else I can do to prevent blood clots while recovering?
I have been wearing compression stockings that the hospital gave me day and night. Should I be taking these off at night?
I am doing some foot and calf exercises and trying to walk a little in the garden too. Is there anything else I can try?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Kindly answer the following questions to guide you further.

Do you have any risk factors for thrombosis, like family history, smoking history, prolonged bedridden periods, or excess weight?
Does your doctor recommend taking heparin?
Have you confirmed your COVID-19 by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) testing by swab?
Are there any other symptoms?

Kindly revert with the answers to assist further.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for answering my question. The following is my opinion on your question and case.

A chest X-ray is not confirmatory for a COVID-19 diagnosis. The only confirmatory tests are swabbing and PCR testing. If there is a high suspicion, repeat the swab as your doctor suggests. You are right, a few studies show that thrombosis is the reason for death apart from ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). But there is no guideline to use heparin based on that.

You should maintain ambulation and engage in mild exercise, walking every day. Be active. No need for any other medication to prevent clots, in my opinion. Kindly repeat your swab if your symptoms do not improve. I would suggest that you add taking vitamin C-rich foods and warm water daily.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The following is my answer to your question. If you develop deep vein thrombosis, the leg calf becomes red and tender on touch. DVT can be complicated by pulmonary embolism, in which the patient's complaint is mainly difficulty in breathing. and chest pain.

You do not have such symptoms, so you may not need to worry. If you develop such symptoms, then consult your doctor. Meanwhile, get tested for COVID again if your doctor really feels that and symptoms are not improving.

I hope you find this helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Answer 4

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The following is my answer to your question, based on my opinion. Pain or aches on movement, suggestive of muscular pain. To that end, a hot compress can be applied. Kindly avoid movement that causes pain and take rest.

Sometimes exertion or anxiety can elevate the pulse. So you may not need to worry. If your pulse remains above 100, consult your doctor. A mild chestache does not suggest PE.

I hope I have solved your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.