So, you've got a blood clot in your leg. It's a heavy sentence that causes a lot of worry about one's health. Blood clots are nothing to take lightly, but it is important to know that if your doctor indicates that you're dealing with a blood clot in your leg, you need to be focused on hearing what the next steps are in addressing the issue.
Maintaining your focus when you know you're dealing with a blood clot in your leg is easier said than done. Your first inclination will be to get online and look-up something on the more popular medicine sites & see what you've got to look forward to. Unfortunately, you're getting a very incomplete picture. What's more, the levels of misinformation that exist out there can lead you to make poor decisions about your health, and that's never good. Contrary to what you may have heard, a blood clot is not an immediate death sentence.
If you suspect that you have a blood clot in your leg, here's the first thing you should do - go to the emergency room immediately. The emergency department of your local hospital is trained in getting right to work, which means you won't be wasting time in your treatment.
It's important to know that blood clots don't just happen such as what one might experience in a thrombotic storm, a condition in which more than one blood clot occurs in a short period of time. These clots occur in different and sometimes unusual locations. It's aggressive, difficult to treat, and there's not much information out there to go on.
When you head to the emergency room, be sure to have a record of the medicine you take and the reasons why you take it. Physicians will want to know the ins and outs of what you're working with in terms of medication, which can inform them as to the best course of action for your treatment. Also, have a working knowledge of your family medical history. It may seem like overkill, but every bit of information is helpful.
You're going to be dealing with a number of medical professionals in the emergency room. Doctors, nurses, CNAs, and more will be coming in and out of your space. You'll also have a lot of information zipping past you. Do not hesitate in asking as many questions as you want. You have the right to be informed about what is happening and why.
The time will come when it must be determined if you'll be admitted to the hospital for further treatment or sent home. The truth is that every patient is different, which means that there's no real definitive answer. That said, doctors will usually err on the side of caution so that you can receive the "all clear" before heading home. The last thing you'd want is for something potentially dangerous to be missed.
Being told that you have a blood clot in your leg is not something anyone wants to hear, but the best thing you can do is not panic. If you suspect you have a blood clot in your leg, get to the emergency room. Once there, it can be a little scary, but focus & be an active participant in your treatment.