Just diagnosed with superficial blood clot in my inner thigh. The pain is awful! I am on day number 7 with no relief. Best way to get rid of it?
I am 39 and an overweight smoker. My clot came on very suddenly. It hurts to touch it, or to walk. I have been given a prescription for blood thinners, but they are very expensive. How long before the pain will subside? The swelling has gotten worse almost every day, and I can see and feel that the clot has moved down by my knee now. According to my ultrasound, the clot is approx 8cm in size. I have been told by one doctor that it can't break off into my lungs, but others disagree.
Answers from doctors (2)
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis
You are at high risk for clotting because of your weight and smoking. For superficial clots I usually treat with hose, aspirin 325mg once or twice a day. I do keep an eye on them because they can extend upward toward the femoral vein. However, risks for contained superficial clots breaking off is low with hose and some sort of blood thinner, drinking lots fluids and remaining active. Low heat applied often can also improve comfort.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM
It would be very rare for a superficial blood clot to break off and got to the lungs. Very, very rare. It could happen but is not the normal course. If you are very symptomatic sometimes a short course of a blood thinner will help the pain and inflammation. Other options are topical NSAIDS, warm heat, compression hose, oral anti-inflammatories and speaking to your physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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