Clots - how will I know?

[sue943]

A few days ago I got a sharp pain in my leg whilst in bed, a real OUCH', and it wasn't cramp. I still have residue of this pain, it is at the top of my calf just below the knee.

How will I know if it is a blot clot?

I have left a message for my GP to phone me to see what he says.

 

[Ross]

Doppler echo of the veins.

 

[sue943]

Blast - I will speak to my doctor when he phones. I really don't want to have to go INTO hospital as my friend/neighbour is away and the cat will need to be fed!

I was just wondering syptom wise. There is no swelling but my left foot is cooler than the right one - but that is my stroke side.

 

[sue943]

I just spoke to my doctor and he said as it is sudden onset it is unlikely to be a clot but he will see me between patients tomorrow morning to check it out. He says it is more likely to be a muscle spasm especially as it is my weak side.

 

[Ross]

It's possible. I could tell you exactly the symptoms had I been conscience when I had mine. Sorry I'm no help there.

 

[catwoman]

Sue:

If you have to have a doppler scan, it can be done without going into the hospital.

Our family doctor ordered a scan on John's left leg after his MV repair last month. He developed lymphedema and said he had some pain in the leg. Our doctor wanted to rule out a clot, since John had developed an arrhythmia after his surgery and was put on warfarin.

Our family doctor's office is on the campus of Baylor All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth, so we only had to walk across a small parking lot into the hospital for the doppler. Didn't take very long, other than the paperwork at the hospital desk. Could probably have been done at his cardiologist's office, but the hospital was closer.

 

[sue943]

Main problem is that it is Friday, therefore tomorrow is Saturday. If he really thinks it could be a clot then he would be forced to have me admitted rather than take a risk of me having a clot and it travelling. The only scans at weekends would be emergencies only. This is a VERY small hospital and at weekends they reduce staff where possible.

 

[sue943]

I saw my doctor this morning, he fit me in before his other patients. He examined me and measured my legs and is quite confident that I don't have a problem. I must admit the pain has just about gone, a huge improvement over yesterday. He felt that he needed to see me to put HIS mind at rest.

He didn't care for my knees however and I now have to have them x-rayed!

 

[EireCara]

*Glad to hear all is well Sue.

 

[WayneGM]

Great news!

 

[sue943]

I am still bemused about having to have my knees x-rayed. They have given me problems on and off for almost 35 years so I don't know why he is fussing now.