Should I be worried about a blood clot?

[Tsarevna]

I have a swelling on the ankle for over a year, first diagnosed as shin splints, then GP not really sure and messed up referrals, months of delay. Saw orthopaedic specialist yesterday, now referred for MRI to diagnose. As I do exercises a bit, I went to physio on another subject today and mentioned the ankle. He did say MRI needs to be done and it looks like either something to do with muscle compartments or possibly DVT.

I have read up about DVT just now and freaking out, the pain and hot sensation feel exactly as described. I also had sclerotherapy last year in August, so the timing works if it has set something off. MRI will probably be in new year, the issue has been on for a year and from 4 medical professionals only one mentioned DVT (also the only one that went with GB athletes to Paris (and many other) Olympics, so he knows his stuff and treated me successfully over years. Should I be ringing GP to ask about blood thinners or don’t fret, its been a bother for a year?

If it was a DVT I think you’d know about it by now, it would have worsened

Did the physio suspect the blood clot could be a DVT? This is a bit odd because if they suspected a DVT, they should have directed you to get medical assessment of this immediately (probably through A+ E depending on arrangements in your area)

But it’s odd if no one else has picked up on this.

Suggest that you ring NHS 111 or go through the 111 triage online and follow the directions as to what to do next. IF it is a DVT, it’s an emergency and you need to get onto it straight away. You don’t just get blood thinners because you might have one, if it’s suspected you need the full assessment through a blood test, possibly a scan, etc.