Blood clots during crash recovery: prevention and warning signs
A vascular medicine specialist and a pharmacist on preventing clots and spotting trouble early
A broken leg, surgery or days of moving less can raise your risk of a clot in a deep vein. That kind of clot can travel to the lungs. The risk varies with the injury and with the person. A vascular medicine specialist looks at both. A pharmacist checks whether your prevention plan is safe with your other medicines. [1, 2]
Get a clot prevention plan made for you
Before you leave the hospital or surgery center, ask what you need to do. You may need to move at set times, wear a compression device or take a prescribed blood thinner. Some people need a mix of these. Ask when to start, how long to keep going and what to do if you miss a dose. [1, 2]
Tell the team about any past clot or a family history of clots. Also mention pregnancy, hormone medicines or a cancer diagnosis. Your team has to weigh your clot risk against your risk of bleeding from your injuries. [1, 2]
A cast or activity limit may restrict which exercises are safe. Ask what movement is allowed so you don’t have to guess. If you’re prescribed a medicine, confirm its name, dose, schedule and interactions. Find out who to call about bleeding. Don’t stop it early because you feel fine. Never start aspirin or another drug in its place without advice. [1, 2]
Two sets of warning signs
A clot in a deep vein may cause new swelling, pain or tenderness in one leg or arm. Warmth or a change in skin color can also be signs. Contact a doctor as soon as you can if you notice these. [2]
A clot in the lung can cause sudden trouble breathing or chest pain that gets worse when you breathe. Other signs include coughing up blood, a fast or uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness or fainting. Get emergency care right away for any of these. A lung clot can happen without clear leg symptoms. [2]
Don’t assume new leg pain is just part of the injury. Pay special attention when the swelling or pain feels different from before. Don’t rub a sore, swollen arm or leg while you wait for advice. Finding a clot takes medical testing. [2]
Mark your clot risk on the calendar
Your clot risk may last after you go home. Ask when it should be checked again if you’re still in a cast, can’t walk normally or need another procedure. Get the planned stop date for any preventive medicine in writing, along with your follow up contact. [1]
- What is my risk of a clot, and what is my risk of bleeding?
- What movement is safe with my injury?
- What exactly is my medicine and follow up plan?
Check your discharge papers today
Sources and further reading
Shared as general education from vascular medicine and pharmacy experts. Don’t start or stop a blood thinner because of anything you read here. Signs of a possible lung clot call for emergency care.
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