Possible blood clot

[tina679]

Hi everyone. I've got myself in such a state and I'm just after some advice....I'll start from the beginning....
About 4 weeks ago I started getting pain on the inside and bottom of my foot (around the arch) with a thick red band/streak running from the arch down to the sole which has progressively got worse as time has gone on. 2 weeks ago I went to the gp who sent me for an X-ray which just showed some soft tissue damage but nothing significant. I was then sent for blood tests which showed elevated white blood cell count and also I have a low grade fever and elevated heart rate but that could just be a result of my current pregnancy (27weeks). The gp this morning then mentioned that it could be a blood clot and has referred me for an urgent ultrasound but I am now panicking so much as I feel unwell, sleep deprived and in quite a lot of pain and so worried that I may have a blood clot I just don't know what to do. Should I ring nhs direct, go to a and e or just wait for the referral that will probably be next week! Please share any of your own experiences or advice. Thank you x

[AllMimsey]

Honestly? I couldn't cope with the worry. I'd go to A&E and exaggerate my symptoms to get seen to quickly.

[tina679]

I just feel a bit stupid because I saw the doctor this morning and I just feel like I didn't get my point across about how worried I am about it 😬 do you think a and e would be annoyed that I saw the gp already today? Thanks xx

[Wellonlyifihaveto]

I got a dvt at 8wks preg in my thigh, was extremely painful, I wouldn’t wait, go to a&e because if it goes to your lungs that’s when it gets very serious

[tina679]

Ive added a couple of photos of the lump on my foot (ignore the scar above it as that's from surgery 6 years ago!) what do you think? Thanks for your replies xx

[tina679]

I'm still really worried and I've done nothing as I don't want to waste anyone's time. Still hoping for some advice xx

[Walkingthroughawall]

Any chance you trod on something but didn't notice a few weeks ago when this started? An ultrasound sounds like a good idea - will suggest if there's a pocket of infection//haematoma (suspect that's what your GP means by 'blood clot'...this is very likely to be different to the sort of clot mentioned above).

If it were me I'd probably call the GP/radiology dept & see if I could get an update about when the scan will be. Obviously if you're feeling more systemically unwell (not just freaking out) then it's best to get back to the GP.

[lostfrequencies]

How are you today OP? If you are still worried then seek some advice today, perhaps give 111 a call or go back to your GP. Did they tell you how long to expect to wait for the urgent scan?

[frogsoup]

If you go to a&e there may be a dvt pathway - my local hospital has one but I'm not sure if it's a national thing. Basically they do a d-dimer blood test and get you in for an ultrasound immediately, then into clinic the same day! I has this in my last pregnancy (luckily a false alarm), I was mighty impressed at how organised it all was.

[tina679]

Thank you for your replies. I'm still worried but have calmed down thankfully! I just think if the doctors were that concerned wouldn't they have sent me to a&e themselves? I have called the gp today and waiting for a call back as they are really busy so will see what that brings! I would really like my mind to be put at ease before the weekend starts and there isn't any gp's open! I really appreciate your replies as I'm sure I'm doing my husbands head in stressing so much!

[DBoo]

My dp had a suspected clot was referred to hospital the same day both times. Our hospital has an a&e department and an assessment clinic. Gps can refer you to the assessment clinic where you are seen quicker. Dp went here. They can do a blood test and ultrasound.

If you do have a clot from dps experience one calf will be a different size to the other. You will be in constant pain partivularly when walking and the area will be hot to touch.

All that being said it is not something i would take a chance with and would make sure i was seen today. I dont want to scare you so wont go into horror stories but they are very serious.

[Walkingthroughawall]

Dvt doesn't present as being localised swelling in a superficial bit of body.

D-dimer testing isn't helpful here as it's raised by pregnancy, any sort of clot (including localised haematoma), and infection.

Hope they're able to reassure you that the scan is coming up soon.

[tina679]

Well I have been reassured by the doctors this morning! They said it's more than likely phlebitis/thrombophlebitis (I had to google what it was 😂)

Phlebitis (fle-BYE-tis) is a condition in which a vein becomes inflamed (phleb=vein + it is=inflammation). The inflammation may cause pain and swelling. When the inflammation is caused by a blood clot or thrombus, it is called thrombophlebitis.

Which doesn't need any immediate attention, so I'm very pleased to hear that and I can get on with my weekend without worry now!

[frogsoup]

Great, you must be v relieved! Walkingthroughawall that's weird about the d-dimer test not being helpful in pregnancy - they did one for me both times in two different scares during pregnancy (family history)

[Walkingthroughawall]

The value of the d-dimer is in having a negative result - if it's negative there's no clot. If it's positive however you can't exclude a clot and therefore have to do the ultrasound scan. Unfortunately there are quite a few things that can cause the value to be raised without there being a DVT and, disappointingly, some of the things that are risk factors for having DVT can also cause the d-dimer to be raised without there being a DVT present (for example pregnancy). So it isn't as simple as just getting the test done & Bob's your uncle. This is why it's important to be seen by someone who understands the physiology & can make a clinical assessment of how likely DVT is.

[frogsoup]

Ah I see! Thanks for explaining.