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BLOOD CLOT RISK Are You At Risk What Can You Do? At Home Your Pain Level Rate Your Pain On YOUR PAIN LEVEL
For A Blood Clot?
This Scale
Your pain matters when you
If you have been prescribed
• BE AWARE of any changes in how
are healing. Speak Up about
blood-thinners (such as Heparin
Deep-vein thrombosis or DVT,
you feel while you are recovering
your pain and tell your
or Warfarin) or compression
is a blood clot that forms in a
in the hospital.
healthcare team:
stockings to take home, be sure
vein, often in the lower leg or
thigh. If the blood clot breaks
away and travels through the
doctor says it's okay. Moving
pain, where and how much.
• HOW, WHY and WHEN to take
blood stream to an artery, • GET MOVING as soon as your you understand: • How long you’ve been feeling
increases your blood's circulation.
blocking blood flow, it can cause your blood-thinner, its RISKS Controlling
death or damage to the brain, • TELL your nurse or doctor if and SIDE-EFFECTS • What kind of pain—dull,
heart or lungs. you notice any of the following • If you are taking over-the- aching, throbbing, sharp, Your Pain Can
symptoms: counter medicines, vitamins or stabbing, burning or tingling, Help You:
Your risk of developing DVT suppliments that may interfere constant or irregular.
(a blood clot) is greater - Swelling, pain, tenderness with your blood-thinner
if you don't move or discoloration in legs, • If there is anything that makes Heal More Comfortably
for long periods, arm or neck • Food or drinks to AVOID or your pain feel better or worse.
such as during a whether to take with meals Get Well Faster & Return
hospital stay. - Sudden coughing that • The importance • How much, if any, relief you are To Daily Life
brings up blood getting from your medicine and
of FOLLOW-UP
Hospital Acquired - Sharp or stabbing chest pain MONITORING how long you feel relief. Reduce Anxiety & Stress
Thrombosis (HAT) while taking
is prevented/treated with - Rapid breathing or sudden blood-thinners Ask about managing your pain Sleep Better
anticoagulant (prevent blood clot) shortness of breath, even at rest with other treatment options.
therapy drugs or compression - Severe light-headedness • The CORRECT Reduce Risk Of Medical
stockings. Talk to your doctor way to put on and wear Complications & Chronic Pain
about your risk of developing HAT. compression stockings
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