- I have a genetic disorder (Factor V Leiden mutation) which causes a resistance to an activated C protien (Activated Protein C Resistance). Which basically means that I clot more than I should and my blood is generally thicker than other peoples. This causes a problem because strokes and embolisms can happen without treatment.
- Currently I suffer from a DVT in my left leg which restricts mobility and activity. Plus I have to remain anti-coagulated (on blood thinners) to keep my blood clot from moving to my lungs and potentially killing me. It's not fun to live with, but I do the best I can. I try and remain as active as possible without causing any problems that may cause another blood clot or the clot that I have to move.
*** What is DVT? ***
- DVT is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. It must be distinguished from blood clots in superficial varicose veins in the legs, called phlebitis, which is much less serious.
- One in every hundred people who develop DVT dies. The cause of death is usually a blood clot, travelling from the legs to the lungs. This is called pulmonary embolus or PE. When PE is severe it causes the lungs to collapse and heart failure.
- Treatment of DVT and PE is with blood-thinning drugs or anticoagulants, including warfarin and heparin. Aspirin in low doses also acts as a blood thinning drug and is used to prevent clotting conditions in the arteries like coronary thrombosis. Its benefit in preventing DVT is debatable. DVT combined with PE or other blood clots is often referred to as Venous Thrombo-Embolism or VTE.