My grandmother is in her 80s and has been on Coumadin for awhile but developed some bleeding at the stem of her brain. she is prone to blood clots so they put a vena cava filter in her leg since she can no longer be on Coumadin. She spent nearly 3 months in the hospital and rehabilitation facility. In that time none of her swelling has gone down in her right leg. She came home yesterday and is in pain. What can I do to reduce the swelling and reduce the pain?
2007-03-15 02:55:57 · 4 answers · asked by Nic 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I had deep vein thrombosis from a leg injury that lead to pulmonary embolisms. I was hospitalized in the ICU unit for weeks. They kept my legs elevated and I was on a Heparin drip with Coumadin. Whenever I go into the hospital now, they put these pumps on my legs to help with circulation. The pain is quite intense with this condition. The biggest concern is dissolving the clots and not dislodging the clots!
I would say call the doctor as that would be your best option at this time. Generally speaking, most of us are lay people with no formal medical training! We can only relay our own personal experiences but every case has it's own merits and requires the expertise of a personal physician.
2007-03-15 03:04:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Elevating your leg or wearing compression stockings may also help reduce the pain and swelling that can occur with deep vein thrombosis.
Use a heating pad on the affected leg for 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times daily. Your doctor may recommend that you take walks 5 or 6 times a day, if possible. These measures may help reduce the pain and swelling that can occur with deep vein thrombosis.
2007-03-15 03:05:32 · answer #2 · answered by Krystal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your poor grandmother! I hope they gave her pressure stockings to wear?
Are you aware that certain foods can thin the blood? A friend developed blood clots in her lungs and was put on warfarin. She did a lot of research, and it amazed me at how much different foods affect your clotting factor.
The link below has information about dvt which may be helpful.
Gentle massage can help, remembering that too vigorous a massage can dislodge the clots.
A compress could help. I think that chamomile is helpful, but can't remember the source. The second link I listed recommends horse chestnut.
A naturopath should be able to recommend safe, topical treatments.
Always remember that herbs are medicine, and you should check with her doctor before using them.
Blessings, Gypsy Queen
2007-03-15 03:10:28 · answer #3 · answered by Gypsy_Queen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she is in pain in that leg with the swelling you need to call the doc as soon as you read this and report this to the doc. Call the doc and find out what he wants you to do for her right away as she should NOT have pain in that leg.
2007-03-15 02:59:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋