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Is it Possible for a Minor Blood Clot to Dissolve Without Surgery?

6/25/2025, 12:40:36 AMMale25-34

Having spent a significant portion of my life in sedentary jobs and facing health challenges for a couple of years, I've recently noticed my legs feeling stiff, and the area around my genitals has started to develop a grayish hue. Currently, I lack health insurance and did not receive much assistance when I visited the emergency room, especially given the sensitive nature of the symptoms. This morning, I decided to take a therapeutic soak in the tub, using a mixture of rosemary and ginger, and again just a couple of hours ago, I took turmeric and ginger supplements, along with Alka-Seltzer, coumarin (derived from cinnamon), and Ginkgo Biloba. I've begun to feel a significant warmth in both my legs and the genital area, and I find it easier to move around than before. Could this warming sensation indicate that the blood clot is dissolving? In addition to these remedies, I have made substantial changes to my dietary habits over the past ten months. I've cut out trans fats, switched to using olive oil for all my cooking, and have reduced my consumption of red meat, among various other lifestyle modifications.

Thyroid DisordersInternal MedicineRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

6/25/2025, 12:40:53 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's encouraging to hear that you’re making positive lifestyle changes and noticing improvements in your mobility. To address your main concern regarding minor blood clots, it’s important to understand that small blood clots can indeed dissolve on their own, a process known as thrombolysis. However, the perception of warmth and improved movement might not necessarily indicate that a clot is dissolving; they could also be signs of increased blood flow or inflammation.

Explanation:

  • Blood Clots: Minor clots can dissolve naturally in some cases, especially if they are small and the factors that led to their formation, such as immobility or dehydration, are addressed.
  • Symptoms: The grayish hue and stiffness in your legs could be related to blood flow issues, but they might also signify other vascular concerns that need careful evaluation.

Next Steps:

  1. Stay Active: Continue to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Gentle exercises like walking or stretching can promote circulation.
  2. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water, which can help your blood flow and overall vascular health.
  3. Diet: Your dietary changes are beneficial. Additionally, consider foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish) and fiber (such as fruits and vegetables) to support cardiovascular health.
  4. Self-Monitoring: Track your symptoms, noting any changes in color, swelling, or other sensations in your legs and genital area. This helps identify patterns over time.
  5. Avoid Certain Supplements: While ginger and turmeric can have anti-inflammatory properties, be cautious with herbs and supplements without professional guidance, especially if combining multiple products.

If your symptoms worsen, particularly if you experience increased swelling, pain, or changes in sensation, seeking medical advice will be crucial, even if options seem limited at the moment. Your health is important, and there are usually programs or community clinics that can provide assistance.

Feel free to reach out for more specific support or clarification on any part of this guidance.

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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). 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We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. 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