Vim & Vigor - Fall 2010 - (Page 49)

Vein Pain Deep trouble in your veins? W By Suzy DeverS Brooke Spencer, M.D., interventional radiologist with Littleton and Porter Adventist Hospitals Dietrich W. Schultze, M.D., interventional radiologist with Parker Adventist Hospital hat do frequent fliers, the bedridden and passengers on road trips have in common? They’re all at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a common but serious condition. Although DVT can occur in almost anyone, it’s most common in people who are immobile for long stretches, along with those suffering from cancer, obesity, congestive heart failure, or a recent trauma or surgery. Brooke Spencer, M.D., an interventional radiologist with Littleton and Porter Adventist Hospitals, explains that DVT occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a large, deep vein, usually in a lower leg, thigh or pelvis. Danger SignS The condition often sneaks up on you, as many people are asymptomatic, Spencer says. Initially, you may notice mild swelling and discomfort in one or both legs that gradually increases over a couple of days along with warmer skin in the affected area. In rare cases, DVT completely cuts off blood flow, resulting in excruciating pain accompanied by a blue or white discoloration of the leg. Dietrich W. Schultze, M.D., an interventional radiologist with Parker Adventist Hospital, warns that DVT can also lead to a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that breaks free and travels through the heart to lodge in your lungs. He says this can be life threatening, so call 911 if you experience sudden chest pain or unexplained shortness of breath. thinners) delivered via an IV drip, shots or oral medication. “We can break up the clot in two hours, or overnight if it’s more complex,” says Spencer. In the most severe cases, an interventional radiologist will remove the clot with a minimally invasive procedure called “percutaneous thrombolysis or thrombectomy.” Guided by advanced X-ray imaging technology (a fluoroscope), the interventional radiologist maneuvers a tiny catheter from its entry point, behind the knee, through the clot. The doctor then uses one of several devices to break up and dissolve the clot. Suction aspiration can also be used to remove the clot and special filtering devices can be inserted to protect against pulmonary embolism until the risk is over. exerciSe cauTion To prevent DVT, Schultze says it’s important to get out of your seat and move if you’re sedentary for long periods (more than two hours). He also points out that some airlines now offer a list of recommended exercises you can perform while sitting, which you’ll find in the seat pocket in front of you. caLL The Breakup DVT is diagnosed with an ultrasound and is usually treated with anticoagulation medication (blood If you have pain or swelling in the legs, talk to your doctor about deep vein thrombosis. Need an interventional radiologist? Call ASK-A-NURSE® at 303-777-6877. Do You Have DVT? Vim & Vigor • FAl l 2010 49 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2010

Vim &_Vigor - Fall 2010
Contents
Nurturing Health
For Your Health
Network of Care
Study Skills
What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?
See the Future
The Female Factor
Take a Bite Out of Stress
Starring Role
Shouldering the Pain
Train Your Brain
What Now?
Choose Your Own Adventure
Vein Pain
The Ultimate Gift
Better Bones
Relatively Speaking
Joint Ventures

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2010

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