what can one do to prevent getting thrombosis?

Question

After giving birth i had to have injections every day for 6 weeks because i had a lack of protein S and protien C. I was told that this puts me at risk of getting thrombosis.

Answer 1

By the sound of it, you have a vitamin deficiency and to avoid (in your case) a thrombosis - that is what they did to avoid the danger.

Essentially, a thrombosis occurs because a blood clot forms either in the lower leg (a deep vein thrombosis - DVT) or in the lungs (Pulmonary Embolism - PE). A DVT is bad becuase the thrombosis can break free and travel to the lungs to cause a PE. A PE is just plain bad because it can cause you to become critically ill.

For people who suffer recurrent problems with blood clots, they are prescribed Warfarin - a blood thining agent. Warfarin dosing needs to be carefully monitored to ensure that you blood does not become too thin and then cuts etc will not stop bleeding and you bruise easily etc etc. Blood tests are carried out periodically to test you INR (International Normalised Ratio). Normal blood is 1.0. Those on Warfarin are prescribed a therapeutic INR of 2.5. Go above 3.0 and you're in danger of bleeding, go below 2.0 and the therapetic affect is severely diminished. All this is a lot of trouble to monitor.

Some people take aspirin to prevent clots. Aspirin thins the blood, too. Indeed, somebody having a heart attack can be given an aspirin as 'first aid'. Some people take an aspirin a day as 'prevention'.

Aspirin can only be taken if you have no problems with stomach. Check packaging to see if you are ok or ask a pharamcist.

And finally, there is Heparin - which is injected and does the same job in thinning blood but needs to be done at a GP practice or hospital. Heparin is given to people who are on warfarin and are about to undergo surgery or (for example) to go to the dentist. It takes about 2 weeks to 'come off' warfarin and 'go on to' Heparin.

Lifestyle plays a part too. Keep active, do not smoke, keep well hydrated, do not sit with your legs in one position for too long (Eg. On an airplane).

If you get a throbbing warm hard calf muscle when you walk that feels better when you stop walking and sit down, you *could* have a DVT. Call a Doctor *immediately*. A DVT is VERY dangerous.

A PE will put you on the ground. Call an ambulance.

But, it looks like they've got their eye on you and all will be well. So - do not worry!!!!

Answer 2

walk around move legs don't eat fry ups eat healthy see if you can take half aspirin a day by Dr

Answer 3

your doctor is the person to confide in I'm sure he will put your mind at rest

Answer 4

ask ur doc.