In 2010 I developed a hospital-associated thrombosis following a routine operation. I was well informed of the risks and both the hospital and I had taken preventative action. Yet it still happened.   

This was my second VTE. My first one followed long-haul flights and a driving holiday in Canada in 2002. Despite family history, my GP at the time failed to recognise my symptoms, and my diagnosis was delayed until a scan resulting from me seeking a second opinion found a 5cm blood clot deep in my left knee.  

 

The relevant family history in my case was that my mother, Pamela, who had suffered 3 PEs*, was taking lifetime Warfarin to prevent clotting when she died of a brain haemorrhage, the most common cause of death for patients taking long-term anticoagulants.

 

Both incidents showed classic causes of DVT* - reduced mobility on a long haul flight, and then again following surgery. I have been lucky that the clots have been diagnosed before breaking off or moving to the lungs, which has devastating consequences for far too many people. 

 

Thrombosis can happen to anybody, at any age, any fitness level.  It is known as a ‘silent’ medical condition and, as my first experience illustrated, is often missed by the medical profession or misdiagnosed, often as a muscle strain. 

 

Lifeblood, The Thrombosis Charity, is working hard to improve the education of health professionals to reduce the incidence of blood clots being missed by health professionals both in the community and in hospitals. They are also raising awareness in the general public about blood clots. This can happen to anyone, at any time.

 

In 2010 Lifeblood’s work was recognised by the National Charity Awards when they won the Healthcare and Medical Research Category - a fantastic achievement for a small charity doing such valuable work with limited funds, and a clear signal of the importance of their work for all of us.

 

But there is still so much to do. So please dig deep and donate now - every penny counts, and your support would be truly appreciated.  Thank you.  Alyson x

 

* VTE: Venuous thromboembolism – a collective term for blood clots - DVT or PE.

* DVT: Deep vein thrombosis – a blood clot that forms in the deep veins in your legs, blocking the flow of blood back to your heart (they can extend throughout your body).

* PE: Pulmonary embolism –  a piece of a DVT that breaks off and travels through the heart and lodges in your lung. This is a medical emergency and can quickly cause death, or long term health problems in survivors.