A question about DVT

[Ciaran]

I recently fractured my ankle and yesterday got my cast off after 7 weeks in plaster. I'm going to Portugal on Friday and one of my work colleagues suggested I take asprin to thin my blood before I set off in order to avoid DVT. My foot is swollen after getting the cast off, not too sure why.

Anyway, is this person right in what they are saying?

[Lois]

Yes. Take a 75mg tablet once a day for 3 days prior to travel, drink plenty of water and mobilise regularly.

[Ciaran]

Thanks Lois, as you can imagine moving the ankle about at the minute is agony!

[SGirl]

You could even go to your GP and have a chat about being prescribed some heparin for the outbound and return journeys, given the fcircumstances. The lower the risk of DVT, the better.

Edited by SGirl on Tuesday 4th August 13:38

[Ciaran]

I'm actually quite worried now, is DVT going to be that much of an issue?

[SGirl]

Ciaran said:

I'm actually quite worried now, is DVT going to be that much of an issue?

Well, you could die from it. Said she cheerfully.

Can you wear pressure socks on the flight as well? Or would that be too painful? Personally, I'd be doing everything to minimise the risk if I were you. Definitely worth a chat with your GP at the very least. If nothing else, s/he'll be able to set your mind at ease. DVT is fairly rare, but it can kill you so no point in faffing about!

[Ciaran]

SGirl said:

Ciaran said:

I'm actually quite worried now, is DVT going to be that much of an issue?

Well, you could die from it. Said she cheerfully.

Can you wear pressure socks on the flight as well? Or would that be too painful? Personally, I'd be doing everything to minimise the risk if I were you. Definitely worth a chat with your GP at the very least. If nothing else, s/he'll be able to set your mind at ease. DVT is fairly rare, but it can kill you so no point in faffing about!

My mum has some pressure socks that I can wear. I started the asprin yesterday - 75mg. I go on Friday morning.

[CHIEF]

Just do everything to minimize it, wear pressure socks take asprin or an equivalent from your GP and just move as much as possible during the flight. i wouldnlt worry too much as your only going to Portugal and not some far flung destination, whats the flight time, and hour and a half tops?

I wouldn't worry too much mate *

• Unless you drop dead, dont come running to me lol.

Seriously though i think you'll be fine - speak to your GP.

[Ciaran]

CHIEF said:

Just do everything to minimize it, wear pressure socks take asprin or an equivalent from your GP and just move as much as possible during the flight. i wouldnlt worry too much as your only going to Portugal and not some far flung destination, whats the flight time, and hour and a half tops?

I wouldn't worry too much mate *

• Unless you drop dead, dont come running to me lol.

Seriously though i think you'll be fine - speak to your GP.

I'm in Belfast so the flight time is 3 hours.

If I don't post here from 16th August you know I've not made it!

[drjazz]

This is an often asked question. The following will demonstrate the difficutly in providing specific evidence based advice in your situation;


http://www.tripanswers.org/answer.aspx?criteria=&a... - states that aspirin is of no proven benefit" , and that "For journeys up to 6 hours, no special precautions are needed" .. this is from 2006, from a very well researched source, i.e. Prodigy


http://smj.org.uk/1202/dvt.htm - implies aspirin might be of benefit, but skimming throught the paper it relates to studies in preventing dvt for hip patients prior to surgery. The 2nd table in the paper neatly summerizes some sensible advice. Aspirin proably won't do you any harm, so take if you like, but I reckon staying well hydrated ( ie minimal booze 24hours prior and during the flight) and keeping mobile are just as important.

any questions just ask

Edited by drjazz on Wednesday 5th August 17:12

[996 sps]

SGirl said:

You could even go to your GP and have a chat about being prescribed some heparin for the outbound and return journeys, given the fcircumstances. The lower the risk of DVT, the better.

Edited by SGirl on Tuesday 4th August 13:38

Agree