Concern About DVT Before Upcoming Flights
Statistics: Female, 27 years old, slightly overweight (not classified as obese), with no known family history of DVT or blood clotting disorders. Recent blood pressure reading of 110/80, alongside other vital signs within normal ranges. Hello all, I have an extensive travel schedule ahead, involving two flights of approximately five hours each, one tomorrow and another on Friday. I find myself quite anxious about the risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). I had a consultation with my physician yesterday, who reassured me, but I’m seeking additional peace of mind. Recent Symptoms: About two weeks ago, I began experiencing pain in my calf, rated around 5 to 6 on a scale of 10. The discomfort reminded me of post-exercise soreness, despite not having engaged in any physical activity. The pain has also been present in my buttock, shin, and ankle, albeit to a lesser degree, which made me question whether it could be DVT. I noticed that the discomfort alleviated when I stood or walked around. Over the last fortnight, the pain has gradually diminished and is now barely noticeable unless I am in a stationary position for too long, such as while driving. Slight swelling occurred in both legs at times during these two weeks; however, it subsided by the following day. I’ve dealt with leg swelling previously and ruled out diabetes with my 5.1 A1C level. There has been no noticeable redness (although, with my darker skin, identifying this might be challenging), and I have not experienced any fever or localized warmth in my skin. Yesterday, I visited my primary care physician, who performed a physical examination. She checked for swelling through measurements and looked for signs of varicose veins. After consulting with her supervisors and taking my information into account, she indicated that my Wells Score (for assessing DVT risk) was zero, leading her to conclude that DVT was unlikely. She mentioned that my symptoms improving independently over time was a key indicator, as DVT usually takes months to develop significant changes. Given this assessment, am I safe to proceed with my flights, or should I consider an emergency room visit for further evaluation?
Answers (1)
8/12/2025, 9:10:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) before your upcoming flights, especially considering your recent calf pain and swelling. However, based on the information you've shared and your physician's reassuring assessment, it seems that your risk for DVT is low.
Key Points:
- Your Wells Score indicates a low risk for DVT.
- The improvement of your symptoms over time is a positive sign.
- Hydrating and moving during flights can further reduce any potential risk.
Explanation: DVT can occur when blood clots form in deep veins, often related to prolonged periods of immobility, among other factors. You have carried out appropriate measures by consulting your physician, and her physical examination and assessment have provided reassurance. The absence of significant symptoms like warmth, redness, or persistent swelling, along with your improving condition, suggests that DVT is unlikely in your case.
Next Steps:
- Stay Active During Flights: Make it a point to stand up, stretch, and walk around during your flights. Aim to do this every hour if possible.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during your flights to help maintain good circulation.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose-fitting clothes can promote better blood flow. If you have travel compression socks, wearing them can provide added support.
- Monitoring: Pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms, such as increased pain or swelling in your legs. If anything concerning arises, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional, but based on your assessment, immediate concern is not necessary.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure a safe travel experience while also alleviating some of your anxiety. Safe travels, and don’t hesitate to let me know if you have further questions!
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