I have deep vein thrombosis but have to work continuously. How should I treat it?

(Ms. Thu Ha, residing in Long Thanh town, Long Thanh district)

Doctor replied:

Hello Ms. Ha!

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which the veins deep in the body are dilated and weakened, causing poor blood circulation, leading to stagnation in the lower limbs. In the early stages, the disease is often treated with internal medicine such as: wearing compression stockings to support blood circulation; taking medication to increase the strength of the vascular wall and improve venous circulation; practicing specialized exercises for patients with venous insufficiency, ankle stretching exercises, cycling...

However, in her case, the disease was detected 5 years ago but had not been treated continuously, and now the pain symptoms are more severe, it is very likely that the disease has progressed more severely, affecting the quality of life and the risk of complications such as leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis.

Therefore, the doctor recommends that you schedule a follow-up visit soon at a medical facility with a vascular specialist. The doctor will order a Doppler ultrasound of the veins of both legs to assess the degree of varicose veins, the degree of circulatory congestion and the condition of the venous valves. Based on the ultrasound results, the doctor will advise on appropriate treatment:

- If the condition is mild to moderate, you can still continue with aggressive medical treatment.

- If the disease has progressed severely, accompanied by large and small saphenous vein insufficiency, it may be necessary to intervene with modern methods such as sclerotherapy, endovascular intervention, or surgery depending on each case.

Regardless of the severity, it is important that you persevere with treatment, change your lifestyle habits such as limiting standing for long periods, elevating your legs when resting, and controlling your weight to help improve the condition.

I wish you soon be examined and treated effectively!

Master - Doctor Quan Minh Tri,

Department of Thoracic and Vascular Medicine, Shing Mark University Hospital