D-Dimer Archives - Blood Clot Recovery Network

Sara March 29, 2017

Patient Story: A Double Whammy by Ruth

This patient story “A Double Whammy” was written by Ruth Work for the Blood Clot Recovery Network Blog.

I am a 51-year-old clinic nurse with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I’m on those nasty meds that keep me moving, but they also make me immune suppressed. At the beginning of August 2016, I was feeling run down, and I thought it was my allergies acting up. I took my RA meds on a Friday night, and I woke up the next morning feeling like I’d been hit with a mac truck, like you do when you have influenza. I went to urgent care, and I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and sent home with an antibiotic. The next morning, I woke up feeling worse, my fever had gone up and the lymph nodes in my neck had blossomed. I called the Urgent Care with this update and was instructed to go to the ER.

After three hours in the ER, I was admitted with pan-sinusitis (all sinus cavities infected) that had gone septic. The next day, I had a CT scan of my neck, which showed one of the lymph nodes suspicious for malignancy. The next day, I had more scans looking for other malignancies. On day three, I had surgery to remove the suspicious lymph node. I finally got to go home on day four to await pathology results.

During this hospitalization, the doctors did everything right. I was on birth control pills for menopausal symptoms, and they took my pills away. I received Lovenox injections, wore the Jobst compression stockings, and had the pressure booties following surgery. They were being proactive which I thought was overkill at the time. The surgeon called me the next day and told me the local pathologist was leaning towards a lymphoma diagnosis but to confirm, they were sending my specimen on for further review. In the meantime, I was instructed to make an appointment with the oncologist so we could get things rolling after the final pathology report came back. I saw the oncologist on August 12, 2016, and I was told I did not have lymphoma! What a blessing! But, four days later, I was huffing and puffing just trying to make my bed.

I called my primary doctor who instructed me to go to the ER to check things out. That day, August 16, 2016, my life changed so drastically! A positive D-Dimer and CT revealed extensive bilateral PEs. I was admitted again, started on Lovenox shots again then started oral Eliquis. I was sent home and told to do nothing. I was terrified! I was afraid to even sneeze for fear I may throw a clot and die. As many others have commented, even getting up to use the restroom was a major feat. As a nurse, I was familiar with DVT and Pes, but I was not aware at how long a recovery it can be. It has been a very slow go for me. I no longer make plans, I make goals. Some days I make my goals, some days I don’t. Little things like walking to the mailbox was a huge accomplishment. I returned to work on a very limited basis last September. My doctor was very protective, which I greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, I was not able to increase my hours to my normal work schedule in November. I was so fatigued, continued to be short of breath, and heart palpitation had also set in. Since I wasn’t getting better fast enough, I was placed on a ‘layoff’ status since I was not at this job a year yet, and I was not protected by Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). I was put on ‘layoff’ for 90 days, and if I was not placed in another position by the end of 90 days, my employment would ‘conclude.’

I just can’t believe everything that has happened these past few months! It was the perfect storm, how one issue led to another issue. Due to the sepsis, I had to go off my RA meds so my RA symptoms returned. Due to the blood thinner, I can’t take any anti-inflammatories. I have recently been able to start a different RA med, which is not helping. I’m trying to be patient and give it time to work, but I’m feeling very down lately. I’m sure it’s a combination of the slow PE recovery and the RA symptoms, a double whammy. I’m not able to do the things I used to, don’t have interest in many of the things I used to, and with anything that takes a lot of energy, count me out. It saddens me to lose my nursing job, but I understand why. How can I take care of my patients when I can barely take care of myself? I feel like I’ve let my co-workers down, and I’ve let my family down. Six months later and there are so many things I just can’t do. I guess I’m not a very patient person, but am trying to be. I’m usually a go getter and this has shaken me to my core.

I’ve learned that PE recovery isn’t just a physically recovery, but an emotional recovery, which I was not expecting. Through it all, I continue to make goals and I keep trying. My husband and I love to travel and being told I couldn’t travel for six months after my PEs has been so hard, especially with most of our family being out of state.

To celebrate making it to my six-month anniversary, we flew to see our kids. I was so scared, but determined. I knew what I needed to do, what not to do, what to watch for, but I was still scared. What if I got sick again? I am happy to share, our short flight to and from our kids and grandkids went great! I was really nervous before we left because I had bronchitis the three weeks prior to our trip. I kept thinking I was going to be fine by the time we left, but I can tell my lungs have changed. The day of our flight, I went to the doctor, the pharmacy, and then the airport. With an antibiotic, steroid and inhaler on board, I made it. We had such a great time! I had the same nap time and bedtime as our grand-daughters, but that was okay. What a blessing to be with family again.

I went off my Eliquis after we returned home, and I have noticed I feel better since going off it. I seem to feel less fatigued. I had my genetic testing labs drawn last week, and I see my hematologist tomorrow to review the results. Due to my latest illness, I had to go off my RA meds again, and I am starting a new injection tomorrow. We will see if this one is more beneficial. Will see what happens next. I am taking it one day at a time!

My journey continues, but I am here for a reason. God has a plan for me and I will continue to take life one day at a time. I’m hoping to look back at this all a year from now and realize how far I’ve come, but right now, it’s still hard.

Reader Writes In: Has anyone else dealt with PE’s and RA? Share in the comments.

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Ruth, for sharing your story with BCRN. Connect with Ruth, or share your thoughts, in the comments below.

Read more Patient Stories from BCRN. Visit How to Share Your Story to share your story with Blood Clot Recovery Network.

Filed Under: Patient Stories Tagged With: blood clot, CT, D-Dimer, Patient Story, pe, pulmonary embolism, RA, rheumatoid arthritis, Ruth Work 12 Comments

Sara July 8, 2015

Surviving Myself by Don

Hello, my name is Don. I am writing you to share my story and to express my sincere appreciation for your efforts with public awareness of clotting disorders. I am a Paramedic employed with a Non-Profit medevac helicopter organization. We transport high acuity patients on a regular basis. These patients range on a very broad spectrum, from multi-system trauma to acute medical emergencies including stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism. Education and clinical experience has informed me of specific manifestations to assess for, when differentiating acute pulmonary embolism (APE) as the causative culprit. A classic text book description of pulmonary embolism is “atypical” chest pain, among many other descriptors. Atypical meaning APE manifests in a way inconsistent from other chest pain causing conditions, hindering diagnosis and impacting prognosis. In my career I have cared for and treated many patients impacted by acute pulmonary embolism.

Prior to my grandmother’s passing, some early childhood memories of mine are visiting her during her many hospitalizations for deep vein thrombosis. Her unfortunate “condition” was passed along to her children, specifically my mother and aunts. All have been plagued with numerous DVT hospitalizations, varicose veins, coumadin life changes, and lovenox shots. Factor V Leiden has been confirmed as the genetic clotting disorder that has been passed down from generation to generation.

I am a relatively healthy 35 year old male that lives an active life with a beautiful wife and two young amazing children. I’ve committed my career to helping others in their most worst times of need. I volunteer a large portion of my free time to our local volunteer fire department and ambulance, serving as the Fire Chief and also a volunteer paramedic.

Just about a week ago, I developed pain and discomfort in my right bicep. The medical side of me dismissed the very “different” pain and discomfort to that of a typical pulled muscle, and life went on. A few days ago, while tapping maple trees with my brother-in-law, one of our snowmobiles became stuck resulting in strenuous lifting. The following day I began experiencing “atypical” chest pain. Yet again, the medical side of me dismissed the chest discomfort and pleuritic pain as that of just another pulled muscle. After all, what else could it be? Following a few sleepless nights racked with severe stabbing pain radiating to my right shoulder, I relented and sought evaluation at my local emergency room.

Personally knowing the majority of the staff on hand, including the physicians and mid-level practitioners, still didn’t preclude my assessment to that of a strained muscle, despite my colleagues thinking differently. During evaluation and initial work up, labs were drawn, and my D- Dimer was found to be elevated. During my contrast CT scan, I was still convinced that I was experiencing a strained muscle, that is until the results came back. Multiple acute pulmonary embolism with pleural effusion. Ultrasound confirmed a large DVT in my right bicep. Not until that point did my years of training, assessments, and experience finally clear up my personal tunnel vision. It was all too clear. Family history of Factor V Leiden, family history of DVT, pain in right bicep, strenuous physical activity and exertion, atypical chest pain and shortness of breath EQUALS pulmonary embolism.

How did I miss this? The answer is evident among the medical community as a whole. One out of every three pulmonary embolism patients presenting to the ER are misdiagnosed, according to a recent retrospective observational study. Education and awareness to the community, healthcare workers, and first responders is paramount. This disease is quickly overlooked, and can be so very debilitating or even fatal. So again, I express my appreciation for your commitment to public awareness and education, which unquestionably will save many lives. God willing, I will continue my passion and save many more future lives. If I could ever be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thank you, Don, for sharing your story with the BCRN community. Be sure to connect with Don in the comments below!

Filed Under: Patient Stories Tagged With: Coumadin, D-Dimer, deep vein thrombosis, dvt, Factor V Leiden, Lovenox, paramedic, pe, pulmonary embolism, Survivor Speaks, Survivor Story 5 Comments

Sara February 26, 2014

March: Blood Clot Awareness Month

I seem to have always known blood clots were a serious health concern – especially if you had one in your heart, lungs or brain. I heard about them in the general sense; for example, when discussing the elderly who had passed away or when talking about recovery from a major surgery or hospitalization. I didn’t know the signs or symptoms; that fatality from a blood clot could happen within moments of the first symptoms; or that it would ever happen to me at 29 years old and as an active runner. I thought I had a simple running injury and if I had known the symptoms, it may have made the difference between a treatable Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), behind my left knee, and the Pulmonary Embolism (PE) that went to my lung and almost killed me. It was nearly two days since my calf started to hurt until I went to the Emergency Room, breathless and in excruciating pain, both in my leg and side. I couldn’t believe the extent of the injury to my body, mind and emotions. It completely changed my life – no aspect was left untouched. And the thing is, other people – like me and unlike me – don’t know or don’t think it can happen to them. March is Blood Clot Awareness Month and as a blood clot survivor, I am doing everything I can to spread awareness about this deadly and often treatable injury.

I know they majority of people I know do not understand what I went through during my PE and recovery. They do not understand my physical pain and how I could look okay in spite of it. They do not understand that I took almost a month before I could even breathe without the assistance of an oxygen tank and how I went from running several times a week to not even being able to walk from one room to another. They do not understand how I could not use the bathroom by myself in the hospital, that I was in a hospital room well-equipped for medical personnel to take life-saving measures at a moment’s notice or that I couldn’t even sit up for days on end. They do not understand how my personal relationships, professional life and self-confidence suffered, some to irrevocable ends.

I attribute most of this to the fact that many people simply do not understand blood clots and the damage they cause to the body. People understand what it means to have a heart attack, stroke or cancer, but they do not often understand what it means to have a blood clot. They also do not understand that it could happen to them. I am trying to change that and help spread awareness not only for Blood Clot Awareness Month, but always. Consider this post a crash-course in blood clots and while it is in no way all-inclusive, I hope to present to some useful information for you or others you may know who don’t understand what happens when a person has a blood clot. Share it, print it or post it! Let’s get the word out about this silent killer.

Just the Stats

Blood clots (DVT and PE) affect am estimated 900,000 Americans each year (Source).
Blood clots (DVT and PE) kill an estimated 300,000 Americans each year. The number of deaths from blood clots exceeds those from breast cancer, AIDS,and motor vehicle accidents combined (Source).
Blood clots are a leading cause of preventable hospital deaths in the United States (Source).
Blood clots are the leading cause of maternal deaths in the United States (Source).
1 in 3 people who are diagnosed with PE will die.
In 25 percent of people who experience a PE, the first symptom is sudden death.
One person every minute will be diagnosed with DVT in the U.S. One person every six minutes will die from a PE in the U.S. (Source)
10 to 30 percent of people affected by DVT/PE will die within one month of diagnosis.

The Facts

Who…

Can get a blood clot? Anyone can develop a blood clot for a variety of reasons. There are many risk factors that increase your risk for a blood clot (see below for more detail). In a nutshell, you are at increased risk if you or a close family member have had a blood clot before; you have had recent major surgery; you have an inherited clotting condition; have cancer; are immobile for a long time (confined to bed, long-duration plane or car trip, etc.), or use birth control pills. It’s important to understand your own personal risk and also that anyone can develop a DVT at any time.
Most commonly treats a blood clot? Patients commonly see their general practitioner for treatment of a blood clot, but can also see a pulmonologist, cardiologist or hematologist. A hematologist is best equipped to handle ongoing care particularly if the patient has a clotting factor or other blood condition/disease contributing to the blood clot.

What…

Is a DVT? DVT (short for Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a type of clot that forms in a major vein of the leg or, less commonly, in the arms, pelvis, or other large veins in the body.
Is a PE? DVT can develop into PE (short for Pulmonary Embolism), a dangerous condition in which the clot detaches from its point of origin and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it becomes stuck and prevents blood flow.
Causes a blood clot? Blood clots may form when either the flow of blood in a vein slows, damage to a vein occurs, or the blood is more clottable (such as with a genetic or autoimmune factor already in the body/blood).
Is a blood thinner? Also called an anticoagulant, a blood thinner helps to prevent clots from forming in the blood. They include medicines like aspirin, clopidogrel or Plavix, Warfarin — more commonly known as coumadin — and a variety of other medications that are used in the hospital setting, including injections like Heparin and Lovenox.
Happens after someone is diagnosed with a PE/DVT? Often times, a person is admitted to the hospital, especially if he or she is experiencing a PE. They are usually put through a variety of blood and imaging tests to check for high blood clotting factors in the blood (D-Dimer) and actual blood clots (Dopplar Imaging scan). Patients are usually put on blood thinners of some sort as soon as possible. Patients are often treated with pain reliving drugs and sometimes surgery is performed to remove the clot or place a filter to stop the clot from moving (usually in the groin), but these procedures are not always performed.
Does it mean if someone has a clotting factor? If someone says they have a clotting factor, it usually means they have a genetic (an example would be Factor V Leiden ) or autoimmune (an example would be Antiphospholipid Syndrome) mutation or condition that causes their blood to clot when it should not.

Where…

Can you develop a blood clot? You can develop a blood clot anywhere you have veins, but they are most commonly in the leg and less commonly in the arms, pelvis or other large veins of the body.

Why…

Is a blood clot so damaging? A blood clot is damaging because, depending on it’s path, it can cause great trauma to the body’s circulatory system, including the heart. It takes time and energy for the body to heal damage done to the heart and lungs, even if it is micro-damage. A PE is consider a traumatic event for a person’s body to go through.
Isn’t there more public awareness about DVT/PE? A lot of times blood clots are not named as the cause of death because a person may have also suffered from underlying conditions, such as cancer. There seems to be more public energy focused on educating people about heart disease, diabetes and cancer, yet organizations like the National Blood Clot Alliance (Stop the Clot) and Clot Connect are making great strides to raise awareness. More recently celebrities such as NACAR’S Champion Driver Brian Vickers, 2010 Olympian, and two time US Sprint Champion, and a Master Sprint World Champion in Speed Skating Rebekah Bradford and Reality TV Star NeNe Leakes have spoken out about their personal encounters with blood clots to help bring awareness to the public.

How…

Long does it take for someone to recover from a DVT/PE? Recovery from a DVT and/or PE varies greatly from individual to individual and can take anywhere from several weeks to a year or more. Some people will face complications from DVT, including Postthrombotic Syndrome (PTS) for the rest of their lives.
Can I prevent a blood clot? The good news is, yes, there are many things you can do to help prevent a blood clot. Stay active. Immobility increases the risk of developing clots. If you’ve been sitting for a long period of time (such as at your desk or while traveling) stretch your legs often; Maintain an ideal body weight; Know your risk factors for developing a clot (see below) and discuss with your doctor; Know your family medical history; If you are hospitalized or planning for surgery, ask your about what will be done to prevent blood clots (such as being placed on blood thinners or wearing anti-embolism, also called compression, stockings).

Did you know?

One-half of clot patients will have long-term complications and one-third will have a recurrence within 10 years (Source).
An estimated $10 billion in medical costs in the US each year can be attributed to DVT and PE (Source).
Blood clots are a treatable condition and often preventable condition.

You may want to know

A PE is sometimes called a “heart-attack of the lungs.”
Deep red is the awareness ribbon color for blood clots, including DVT.
Red and white (together) is the awareness ribbon color for PE.
Burgundy is the awareness ribbon color for clotting disorders.

DVT (and subsequently PE) risk factors include

Hospital stay
Major surgery such as abdominal or pelvic surgery
Knee or hip replacement
Major trauma such as an auto accident or fall
Nursing home living
Leg paralysis
Older than 65 years
Trips over four hours by plane, car, train or bus
Active cancer or chemotherapy treatment
Bone fracture or cast
Birth control pills, patch or ring
Hormone replacement therapy
Pregnancy or a recent birth
Prior blood clot or family history of blood clots
Heart failure
Bed rest over three days
Obesity
Genetic/hereditary or acquired blood clotting disorder

Symptoms of a DVT

Swelling in the affected leg, including swelling in your ankle and foot.
Pain in your leg; this can include pain in your ankle and foot. The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or a charley horse. It won’t go away with regular stretching, massaging or rest.
Warmth over the affected area.
Changes in your skin color, such as turning pale, red or blue or purple.
You need to know in about half of all cases, deep vein thrombosis occurs without any noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms of a PE

Unexplained sudden onset of shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath, cough or even lie down
Feeling light headed or dizzy, or fainting
Rapid pulse
Sweating
Coughing up blood
A sense of anxiety, nervousness or impending doom

What to do if you think you have a DVT

If you are at all concerned or have any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment with your primary care physician or visit your local emergency room.

What to do if you think you have a PE

PE is life-threatening, seek emergency medical care immediately or call 9-1-1.

Also visit

What Everyone Should Know About Blood Clots Quick Reference Guide for important information you can access in a hurry.
Blood Clot Recovery Network on Facebook throughout March for support, awareness facts and images (including a Facebook Cover and Profile Image picture) to share!

There is hope for healing and you are not alone,

Filed Under: Educate Tagged With: Antiphospholipid Syndrome, blood clot, Blood Clot Awareness Month, blood clot awareness ribbons, blood clot statistics, blood clot treatment, blood thinners, Brian Vickers, D-Dimer, deep vein thrombosis, dvt, DVT Awareness Month, Factor V Leiden, how many people die of a blood clot, illness, injury, March, NeNe Leakes, pe, pulmonary embolism, Rebekah Bradford, recovery, Signs, symptoms, Warfarin 8 Comments

Sara July 31, 2013

How To Talk to Your Doctor about a Possible Blood Clot

Once in a while I get an email from acquaintances – or even strangers– describing what they fear is a symptom(s) of a blood clot in their legs. More often than not, the individual tells me they have already scheduled an appointment with their Primary Care Physician (PCP) and are waiting – and worrying – to find out what might be wrong. For many of these individuals, they have never had a blood clot before, and they want to approach their doctors with specific questions pertaining to testing and determining if in fact they do have a blood clot. And, many of these emails have concluded with, “What did you tell your doctor because I am worried he/she might not think to look for a blood clot?” I have found it is often difficult to decide how to talk to your doctor about a possible blood clot either because we don’t know what to say or are embarrassed to do so.

I always respond to these inquiries with the same information (starting with I am glad to hear you are listening to what your body is telling you) and explain that in my situation there was no time to contact a physician because by the time I realized something was wrong, I was struggling not only to walk, but breathe because the blood clot had traveled from my leg and lodged in my lung as a pulmonary embolism (PE) escalating from a manageable situation to a critical one. There was no time for preliminary discussions because I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for immediate care and observation.

Still, I believe many blood clots – especially blood clots in the limbs (DVT) – are treatable before they dislodge and cause major problems to the heart, lungs or brain. If I had identified the pain in my calf as a serious and needing medical attention, I would have wondered what to ask my PCP when I was there. I would have gone in and said, “It hurts and I don’t know why,” and would still be hoping for the best possible outcome. Still, it is not always easy to say ‘It hurts’ because we often feel like we have to have something visibly or horribly wrong to see a doctor or fear being labeled a hypochondriac later – when something really might be wrong. Before my PE, I often felt like I had some sort of limit placed on the amount of times I could see a doctor with unfounded complaints before I would be hesitant to go back in.

I’ve thought a lot about what I would have said to a doctor before my situation evolved into an emergency and after doing some reading and discussing options with other survivors, I have come up with some guidelines for how to talk to your doctor about a possible blood clot. First and foremost, one should have an understanding of the symptoms of a DVT, which can be read here. It is important to note if you are experiencing symptoms of a PE, heart attack, stroke, having shortness of breath, chest pains or lost consciousness, please seek emergency medical help or call 9-1-1.

How to Talk to Your Doctor about a Possible Blood Clot

Before Your Appointment:

Call your PCP/Sports Physician/Specialist/etc. and request the next available appointment. It may be beneficial to say on the phone “I am concerned about symptoms A, B, C being a possible blood clot and would like the next available appointment.” If your doctor cannot work you in within the next couple of days and your symptoms do not subside or if they get worse, skip your physician’s office and head to an Urgent Care instead. You could also ask to be put on a cancellation list if you have to wait a couple of days.
If you have redness or swelling that is coming and going in, for example, your leg take a picture with your phone or camera to take with you in case your leg does not look the same the day of your appointment.
Write down symptoms you have that you are worried you may not remember on the day of your appointment.

During Your Appointment:

Explain your symptoms in as much detail as you can. This is where it would be helpful to pull out your picture or written note.
Explain why you think it may be a blood clot (especially if the doctor asks). For example, I recently had a friend say, “One of my friends had a blood clot in her lung that almost killed her and she didn’t know what it was ahead of time so I am here as a precaution.” Or you could say, “I have been reading about blood clots and a lot of my symptoms seem to fit, I would like to rule it out.” Or, “I have a history of blood clots in my family and am concerned.”
If you have a history of blood clots (yourself or family members), please inform your doctor. If you are taking medications that may increase your chance of blood clotting (i.e. oral contraceptives), please inform your doctor. Even if this information has previously been noted in your medical charts, be sure to remind your doctor during your exam.

If Your Doctor Does Not Agree:

I have learned that we must be an advocate for our own health and have read countless stories where someone approaches medical staff with a concern and it is dismissed as something not to worry about. If you believe you are suffering from a blood clot (DVT) and your doctor does not agree, be sure to find out why he or she does not agree. If you are uncomfortable with the explanation, you are entitled to ask for a second opinion! If you do not want to wait to seek an additional opinion, there are specific tests you can request to rule out the possibility of a blood clot. This information is also helpful to have so you can understand if your doctor is considering the possibility of a blood clot by ordering these tests.

Request a Doppler Ultrasound (Also called a Doppler, a scan, an ultrasound, an image). A Doppler ultrasound test uses reflected sound waves to see how blood flows through a blood vessel and is the most common method of diagnosing DVT. It helps doctors evaluate blood flow through major arteries and veins, such as those of the arms, legs, and neck. It can show blocked or reduced blood flow through narrowing in the major arteries of the neck that could cause a stroke. It also can reveal blood clots in leg veins that could break loose and block blood flow to the lungs (Web MD). This test is simple and may be scheduled at your doctor’s office or walk-in hospital lab. It should only take a few minutes to complete a Doppler and the results are available immediately. It does not hurt (unless you have pain in your limb, because they will push firmly on it to get a clear image). Do not be alarmed if your doctor orders more than once Doppler a couple of weeks a part to monitor your situation.

Although less common and sometimes unnecessary depending on your situation, you may also request or your physician may order if imaging results are unclear (test descriptions compiled from Web MD):

A D-Dimer Test is a blood test that measures a substance released as a blood clot breaks up. D-dimer levels are often higher than normal in people who have a blood clot. A low d-dimer test result may mean that a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is less likely. A high d-dimer test result may not always be caused by a blood clot in the leg or lung. This is completed by a intravenous blood draw, so please note it you have a sensitivity to needles.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an ultrasound. MRI also may show problems that cannot be seen with other imaging methods. Using MRI to look at blood vessels and the flow of blood through them is called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). It can find problems of the arteries and veins, such as a blocked blood vessel. Sometimes contrast material is used to see the blood vessels more clearly. This test is non-invasive, but requires you to sit or lay still for a period of time as the images are taken. Some people find this test uncomfortable if you do not like small spaces
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. During the test, you will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The CT scanner sends X-rays through the body area being studied. In some cases, a dye called contrast material may be used. It may be put in a vein (IV) in your arm, or you may drink it in some cases.
A venogram is an X-ray test that takes pictures of blood flow through the veins in a certain area of the body. During a venogram, a special dye (contrast material) is put into your veins so they can be seen clearly on an X-ray picture. A venogram looks at the condition of your veins and the valves in your veins. It shows the veins in your body and whether or not they may be blocked. This test requires some preparation ahead of time and should be discussed in detail with your doctor.

After Your Appointment:

Follow up with any tests your doctor has ordered. If you have been instructed to seek further testing at a walk-in lab or hospital testing facility, call right away to get the hours of operation and do not delay further testing.
Follow up with your doctor regarding treatment if a blood clot is discovered.
If you are unhappy with your diagnosis, seek an additional opinion or if your condition worsens, seek urgent medical care.

Share your story. Did you request an additional test from your doctor and if so, what was it? How was your blood clot diagnosed initially? Did you visit your doctor with any concerns? What did you say to your doctor? Have you been an advocate for yourself in diagnosing a blood clot?