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Superficial Thrombophlebitis and treatment options

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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?


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Blood Disorders Answer A3875
Posted: 04-04-08 17:50pm

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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