Superficial Thrombophlebitis and treatment options Posted: 03-19-08 06:37am
I had my tonsils out 26 days ago (I am 30)
and was told I have Thrombophlebitis, the
situation is not improving and one of the
clots is slowly moving up my arm. I can
feel and see the the clots when swelling
goes down some after applying heat.
The IV was put in my left hand and
resulted in the Thrombophlebitis with an
infection just above my wrist area. The
red streaks have gone away with
antibiotics but the swelling, heat,
bluish/purple area is still present. I can
feel at least 3 areas in different
directions where the vien has corded. I
have been taking 325 mg of aspirin daily
for 16 days now and the only change is
pain now without having to touch the
affected area.
I will be flying this Friday and am
curious if I should be concerned with the
clots moving or in general.
My doctor is on vacation and I am
concerned this is not getting better since
2 different doctors told me it would
resolve itself in a week and it has been
over 3 weeks now.
What should my next move be?
It is likely you are probably experiencing
superficial thrombophebitis caused by the
infection. Bacterial infection causes
inflammation that provokes blood clotting
in the superficial vein. The vein become
hard, painful and there is redness and
increased local temperature on the skin
above the vein. The patient may even
experience a fever. Superficial
thrombophebitis (ST) is not that serious
like deep thrombophebitis (also called
deep vein thrombosis - DVT). In ST there
is a very small risk (1%) for
thromboembolia unlike in the case of deep
vein thrombosis. Thromboembolia is when a
piece of clot separates from the main
clot, gets into the circulation and sticks
in the lungs causing lung infarct.
Sometimes superficial thrombophlebitis can
be complicated with deep vein thrombosis
after a delay. Ultrasound examination can
exclude deep vein thrombosis.
Superficial thrombophlebitis is mainly
treated with antibiotics, non-steroid
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like
aspirin, local anticoagulants, elastic
bandages and cold compresses.
Recovery usually lasts 2-6 weeks but the
obstructed vein may give you symptoms for
months.
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