Talking to Your Doctor about Deep Vein Thrombosis
What to expect
A cardiologist will ask you questions about your general health and symptoms you are having. They will want to know about any medication you are currently taking so please bring them or a list of them, with you. They will make a full assessment of your condition and explain appropriate treatment options.
You may need further investigations such as:
- Ultrasound: This allows your doctor to watch and monitor the blood flow ensuring there are no blood clots present and the overall flow of the blood is not being constrained or restricted.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will check for the presence of D-Dimer, a small protein fragment that is present in the blood of all DVT sufferers.
- Venography: An X-ray test that involves injecting dye into a vein to show how blood flows through your veins. This will allow your doctor to determine the condition of your veins.
- Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans: Imaging techniques which portray high resolution images of the veins. Your doctor may use these techniques to show if there is a clot present.
MRI scans can be a very useful tool for diagnosing DVT
What questions to ask
What is causing my DVT?
Are there any foods I need to avoid?
Can I still play sports?
What are my chances of having another DVT? Can I prevent it?
Are there any lasting effects after DVT?
How will you treat my DVT?
Is it safe for me to travel?
How you might feel?
If you experience DVT-like symptoms or have recently had a diagnosis of DVT, it is understandable for you to feel anxious, nervous or apprehensive about the condition. A diagnosis of DVT impacts on both you the individual and on your family/carers. Those close to you will naturally be worried about your health and well-being. The risks of DVT on your long-term health are serious; it's important you work with your doctor to optimally manage the condition, this includes taking medicines as prescribed and making the necessary lifestyle changes, to reduce the likelihood of DVT-related complications.
Talking to your doctor about Deep Vein Thrombosis
