Why do I continue to develop external vein blood clots?

I had an ablation on both legs--one 5 years ago, and one 4 years ago. A year ago, I developed 5 blood clots in the span of one month. They were red and painful and swollen, just like the ones before I had surgery. An ultrasound confirmed that the saphenous vein in both legs was completely closed. No blood was flowing through. Now, I am again getting blood clots--three in the past month. The most recent is swollen and very painful. Any thoughts as to why this could be happening?

Answers from doctors (2)


VeinsPlus - Grand Ledge

Published on Jul 06, 2016

Without the ability to physically examine and ultrasound your legs and the specific veins that are developing clots, this is a very difficult question to answer.

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Answered by VeinsPlus - Grand Ledge

Without the ability to physically examine and ultrasound your legs and the specific veins that are developing clots, this is a very difficult question to answer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Jul 06, 2016

You need to be seen by a hematologist to see if you have a propensity to form superficial and deep vein blood clots. It is called a "thrombophilia work-up." Make your appointment and get evaluated.

The most likely cause in Caucasians is a Factor V Leiden mutation. There are other genes, like prothrombin II, that are routinely checked as well as common aquired or genetic protein abnormalities like protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin III deficiency etc.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7743_1538076833.jpg
Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

You need to be seen by a hematologist to see if you have a propensity to form superficial and deep vein blood clots. It is called a "thrombophilia work-up." Make your appointment and get evaluated.

The most likely cause in Caucasians is a Factor V Leiden mutation. There are other genes, like prothrombin II, that are routinely checked as well as common aquired or genetic protein abnormalities like protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin III deficiency etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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