DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

What is it?

A deep vein thrombosis is a clot in the veins away from the surface of the skin-usually deep inside the calf.

What causes it?

Everyone's blood clots, or becomes solid, at some times-scabs, for instance, form as your blood clots on the surface of the skin when you have a cut. Otherwise cuts would never stop bleeding. A deep vein thrombosis is caused if the blood in one of your veins clots when it is not supposed to.

Who gets it?

You are much more likely to get a deep vein thrombosis if you have not been moving around for a long time-such as if you are confined to bed. You are also more at risk if you are laid up after an operation-especially an operation on your leg or groin or if you are pregnant. Certain contraceptive pills and hormone treatments may make you more prone to a thrombosis, too. If you also smoke, your risk is much higher, especially as you get older.

What are the symptoms?

You may get severe pain and swelling in your calf, and you may find that your leg turns red or bluish. The danger of deep vein thrombosis is that a small piece of clot can break off and get lodged in your lung. Sometimes the first sign you have of a deep vein thrombosis is very bad pain in the chest and shortness of breath. This is called a pulmonary embolus-or clot on the lung.

When should I go to my GP?

If you get sudden unexplained pain and swelling in your calf, you should see a doctor immediately, This will mean going to the surgery as soon as it is open or if necessary, calling for a visit or even going to your nearest casualty department. The same applies if you get severe sharp pains in your chest with shortness of breath or you cough up blood.

What tests will my Doctor want to do?

If your GP thinks you might have a deep vein thrombosis, he will send you straight into hospital for tests.

What is the short-term treatment?

You will need to stay in hospital for a few days, with a drip in a vein in an arm. You will be given a medicine through the drip which will stop your blood from clotting too much. During this time you will have to have regular blood tests.

Will I need long-term treatment?

You will be started on tablets while you are in hospital-you will be told how long you need to take them. Like the medicine you get in hospital, these will stop your blood from clotting too much.

How can I stop it getting worse?

The most important way to stop yourself getting another deep vein thrombosis is to keep mobile. You should exercise regularly, or at least keep as active as you can. If you are given special stockings to wear, you should remember to wear them every day. If your thrombosis was thought to be caused by the contraceptive pill, you should not take it again. And if you smoke stop.

Will I need regular check ups?

While you are taking tablets you will need to have regular blood tests, either at the hospital out patients' department or at your GP's surgery. At first these will need to be every week or two, but you will gradually be allowed to go longer between tests.