Deep Vein Thrombosis

[[old] grams]

Hi folks,<br /><br />Even folks in good shape can have a life-threatening problem. If DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is in your family, get yourself tested.<br /><br />I have just returned from a croos-country trip where I spent 9 days with my older sister. She is 78 years old, and has always been active, although she smoked for most of her life.<br /><br />Anyhow, she got the flu and developed complications which kept her in bed for several weeks. During that time she developed a throbosis behind her knee. Not an obvious thing to look for, so she was diagnosed with bronchitis when in fact it was 3 pulmonary embolisms. She was in the hospital, but getting the wrong treatment.<br /><br />Now our mother died from exactly the same thing when she was 64. Got the flu, no one looked for a thrombosis althogh she was in the hospital. <br /><br />It was only a casual remark by my sister about our mother that alerted the doctors just in time. We nearly lost her.<br /><br />I'm about to do a 15 hour flight to Australia, and I just realized that even though I'm in really good shape I could develop a thrombosis suddenly and no one would know to look for it.<br /><br />Bottom line, there is a DNA test now to look for the gene deficiencies that would make me suscepible. For my own sake and the sake of my children and grandchildren I intend to get tested asap.<br /><br />grams<br />

[[old] Robbo]

Good advice Grams. Where are you off to in Australia? Sounds like you are coming from East Coast North America?<br />Robbo

[[old] grams]

We are starting in Seattle-Los Angeles-Sydney. Then Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Coober Pedy. 5 day camel safari, then Alice Springs. On to Cairns, down the coast, inland at Melbourne to check out the wildlife, and finishing in Sydney. 8 weeks altogether.<br /><br /> My husband is doing a 2 week mountain bike ride from Adelaide to Birdsville. Half way across the continent!! I'm doing camels instead. No way can I do 50-70 miles a day for 2 weeks.<br /><br />grams

[[old] Robbo]

Your trip sounds really great! At the moment we are having unseasonally warm (23c+) weather in Sydney.Hate to imagine what it will be like in Cairns and Kangaroo Island could be cool.<br />Robbo

[[old] Steve G]

Grams<br />Buy some of those DVT stockings for the flight. They gave us all some to wear during my recent hopital stay. Nice fetching white colour too, and full length <br /><br />Steve

[[old] grams]

I'e checked out the DVT info online. I think that flexing my leg muscles frequently while sitting will do the job. And getting up and walking around. Maybe headstands in the lavatory too?<br /><br />Any suggestions on where I can find walk-in health clubs in Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, etc etc?? I will need an erg session occasionally or I will get all depressed. <br /><br />Adelaide will be cool, but Coober Pedy will be perfect. I'm taking layers starting with long silk underwear. I'm an old backpacker here in the Pacific Northwest, so I know cold wet weather.<br /><br />grams

[[old] Robbo]

<!--QuoteBegin--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Any suggestions on where I can find walk-in health clubs in Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, etc etc?? I will need an erg session occasionally or I will get all depressed. <br /> </td></tr></table><br />There are countless fitness clubs and most (probably all) welcome walk ups. Best to find one handy to where you will be.<br />Have a good trip!<br />Robbo

[[old] maf]

Since you're coming to Australia, you should grab some Aussie DVT skins:<br /><br /><a href='http://www.skinsuk.co.uk/HTML/jetskins.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.skinsuk.co.uk/HTML/jetskins.htm</a><br /><br />This mob have been into the sport compression garments for a couple of years now. Their garments have 'progressive' compression, which is supposed to be better. Most of the local football teams use them for training and match day, and for long plane trips.<br /><br />I haven't tried these yet, but I do have some sportskins and some snowskins on order. <br /><br />I'm in Adelaide, but I don't frequent the gym, so I have no idea if there is a gym with a C2 about...<br /><br />Michael

[[old] CAROLE MAC]

Grams having just come bk from Oz and I also was worried about dvt's especially cos of the leg still swelling up(which it did anyway).... I wore the flight socks and did exercises for 10 min in every hour..just twiddling my toes etc ... and I got up as often as I could and drank plenty of water.<br /><br />

[[old] Masonje]

I would also recommend that you stay well hydrated during your plane flight. Bring a few bottles of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine during your flight because of their diuretic effect. As you mentioned, ambulating during the flight is also very important. The genetic testing you mentioned is very important given your family history. If you end up having this mutation check with your doctor; they might want to place you on a blood thinner for the duration of your flight. <br /><br />I am a general surgoen and avoiding blood clots in my post op patients is always a top priority as it is usually preventable and can be a devastating complication.<br /><br />Enjoy your trip; sounds like your in for a great time.<br /><br />John

[[old] AussieTaff]

Hi Grams,<br /><br />Welcome to OZ <br /><br />Healesville Sanctuary on the outskirts of Melbourne (40K East) has a nice natural setting wildlife park, well worth a visit if itinery permits.<br /><br />Local gyms can be found in most suburbs and welcome casual visits (costs vary a bit - YMCA's are pretty reasonable at A$10 - A$15). Not all gyms have C2s though).<br /><br />Husband's epic ride needs to be well managed, it can get pretty hot on the Birdsville track even as winter months approach (2 people died last week in outback Western Australia when their truck broke down crossing an isolated desert area and they were carrying insufficient water).<br /><br />I know you will have a great time here, give me a call on 9438-1605 if in Melbourne and looking for an erg session.<br /><br />Martin

[[old] H_2O]

Why don't you take some aspirin?<br />It's a blood thinner.<br />I always do this when on a long fligth.

[[old] Canoeist]

Ergs should be standard equipment on airplanes to prevent DVT. As far as I know, not a single person that has erged on a 15 hour plane flight has developed DVT during the flight. Some leg exercise standing in the isle is the next best thing if air marshals won't let you take your erg on board.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Paul Flack

[[old] Robbo]

They were talking about putting gyms on the new A380!