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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to go to A and E - think i have a dvt

30 replies

stigofthelump · 30/07/2012 13:51

I started getting right leg pain a few days ago in the back of my calf, it was localised and didn't feel muscular. This has carried on and today it feels more achy and sort of numb all over my lower leg. I have been taking ibuprofen and paracetamol for last 2 days for a painful period but wonder if this was masking leg pain too as its more achy today.
My leg is not swollen or red, I can walk ok but wouldn't want to walk too far.
I'm at home with 3dc's (who are going stir crazy) and don't know whether I should get an emergency appointment at doctors tomorrow (they are full today) or ring dh and go to hosp.
Am I over reacting? I tried nhs direct but they haven't ring back yet.
I'm just sitting here stressing about it and I am generally quite chilled out!

OP posts:
DontEatTheVolesKids · 30/07/2012 13:52

NHS Direct will talk you thru it. Why would you be at risk for DVT?
Could a neighbour sit in with your DC?

lovebunny · 30/07/2012 13:54

i hope you've phoned nhs direct.

LoopyLoopsHasAnAdventure · 30/07/2012 13:55

Do you have your primary care service number?

EightiesOlympicGolds · 30/07/2012 13:56

I have had several. They can have no symptoms, but DETVK is right to ask why you think it's a DVT. Have you a family history of it? I do - because of a clotting disorder, I found. Have you been travelling recently or immobile?

If your DH will be home later, is there a walk-in centre near you that will be open this evening that you can go to? One on the same premises as a GP surgery is ideal as they tend to have doctors on hand.

Viewofthehills · 30/07/2012 13:57

A DVT is generally swollen and red, plus very painful.
Pain with numbness could be potentially coming from your back?
Have you had any incident leading to this or has it started on it's own?
From the information you have given, i would say GP, not A and E. It does sound like the ibuprofen may have been masking it.

Flojo1979 · 30/07/2012 14:00

If there's no appointments left and u r still worried later when dh gets home then ring gp and get an out of hrs appointment at the walk in centre.
Unless there is a specific reason u think it might be a dvt chances r its something else.

WelshMaenad · 30/07/2012 14:04

Nhs direct are beyond fucking useless ime.

I would get seen by some kind of medical professional ASAP. I have had a suspected DVT and nobody made me feel silly or guilty for getting seen quickly. I'd start with your Gp and work your way up, starting now.

fluffydressinggown · 30/07/2012 14:04

Do you have a local minor injuries unit, ours is rarely busy and they can assess and signpost on or treat (if appropriate).

Original poster
stigofthelump · 30/07/2012 14:05

Thanks everyone, I feel better just seeing your replies.
Risk factors, not immobile or sedentary, I have been dehydrated recently (just not drinking enough) I smoke 3 or 4 cigarettes a day but am not overweight and generally well. No flights but have been driving long distances recently.

OP posts:
Original poster
stigofthelump · 30/07/2012 14:11

Think I will ring gp and see if they can talk to me or tell me about walk in centre. Thank you all, I feel much better and more relaxed and ready to deal with it, i'll keep you updated :)

OP posts:
Viewofthehills · 30/07/2012 14:11

Have you had any back pain or pain down your leg?
What makes it better/worse?

MyDogShitsMoney · 30/07/2012 14:18

Don't bother with NHS direct, every medical health professional I have ever met has been very scathing about them.

One of the paramedics who treated DS said they're nicknamed "NHS Neglect".

Best is to go to A&E if you're really worried, if not, get an emergency GP appt tomorrow.

Good luck, sounds miserable, hope it gets sorted soon.

Original poster
stigofthelump · 30/07/2012 14:18

No back pain and tingling numbness is constant from knee down, the achyness is worse when moving around better when still. I have add sciatica before and don't have shooting pains like that. Also when it started it was very localised in back calf.....?

OP posts:
maddening · 30/07/2012 14:20

or wait till dh is home and drs is shut and call out of hours doctor?

Viewofthehills · 30/07/2012 14:25

Sounds odd. Still think GP. It sounds mad that you can't get a GP appointment today.

Chocamochalatte · 30/07/2012 14:32

Actually I don't think you need to ask the question why do you think it's a DVT, I have had two DVTs once while on medication for the first. There was absolutely no reason for me to have a DVT, no family history of blood clots, not overweight, not smoking etc etc. Ten years later they put a name to what was wrong, I have a blood clotting disorder, but noone in my family had ever had blood clots before... Family history has to start somewhere though I guess and it started with me then my little sister was effected by it a couple of years ago.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you think it's a blood clot get it seen asap, time is of the essence... Because doctors messed around and didn't take mine seriously (because there was no family history!) I almost died. And now my leg is a right state. I have many problems from it. CVI, constant aches, Phlebitis regularly, varicose veins every where which are untreatable...

therumoursaretrue · 30/07/2012 14:48

Go to A&E.
I was diagnosed with a DVT in my right leg 14 weeks ago. Like you I had no swelling or redness, just some pain which I was unsure how to describe at first.

I saw 5 different health professionals who all said it was more than likely not a clot as I had no risk factors and was 'very young to have a clot'. I was scanned because I am pg which does give a slight increased risk, and low and behold it was a DVT!
Your better to have it checked out, if it's not a DVT no harm done but if it is then you obviously don't want to leave it!

Chocamochalatte · 30/07/2012 15:29

Rumour, your story sounds similar to mine, it took four different doctors four days to figure out it was a DVT... the 'funny' thing was the original doctor said to me afterwards "I felt a clot in your foot but had already had one DVT that day didn't think I'd get two" "I thought you were too young" (I was 17)

After that experience I'm sorry to say I never trust doctors and go by my own instincts...

cocolepew · 30/07/2012 15:32

I had a clot, it is very painful in one area and my calf was swollen, but no redness. If you are worried it is best to go. If you have any aspirin in the house take a couple.
Good luck.

valiumredhead · 30/07/2012 15:42

I expect it's just muscle ache. Make an appt with the GP in the morning to rule it out.

ddubsgirl · 30/07/2012 16:25

a&e my mum died from hers after it broke off and travelled to her heart

Original poster
stigofthelump · 01/08/2012 10:31

Waiting for my d dimers result today, my doctor has been great so far, I am going out for most of the day but will get a phone call with result if positive after 3pm. Then its time for a&e :( He did think it could be nerve related to ny previous sciatica, so am hopeful its not dvt.

OP posts:
MaryMungoAndMidgies · 01/08/2012 12:28

I got a blood clot about four weeks after I fractured my leg. I was in so much pain, especially when I was going about on my crutches. Four doctors at the accident and emergency department dismissed me, saying I only had a virus because my spiked temperature made me vomit while I was there.

I am not a wimp when it comes to pain, I didn't even realise I had a major fracture -which needed plates- for a day or so after the injury (proper nails). The pain was so intense, and worsened when they took my cast off. Thankfully the fifth doctor I saw took me seriously. When I was admitted after my x-ray and scan, the first doctor I saw said "See? I told you you didn't have a clot!". I corrected her saying I had seen it on the screen and that she'd probably get the records through in a minute.

Her beside manner after that was very nice. She told me I could have died because of it and "wasn't it lucky I'd come in" Hmm.

OP, you know your body, if it's telling you something isn't right, listen to it.

valiumredhead · 01/08/2012 12:36

comin I had to inject anti coagulant drugs after a pretty major fracture.

kelly14 · 01/08/2012 12:56

Always go straight to A&E if suspected DVT!!

When living in Oz i had a bad miscarriage and was in hospital for weeks and had numerous canulas (sp!) in, one of which caused me great pain but they left in for over a week incase they needed.
After leaving hospital my arm swelled, was hot, red and huge lump. I was silly in that i had flown a few days after to meet family in gold coast, so as soon as home to sydney i went A&E and was scanned within minutes to find i had 17cm clot in brachial vein of my arm.
I had to self inject 80mg clexane everyday for about 7 months and have to still take everytime i fly (which i do alot)

Since getting back to uk last july i have been A&E about 10 times, as my arm just keeps hurting (although it doesnt present like it did when i had the actual clot) but i am paranoid as hell!
I also have been a few time because of swelling in my right calf, (measuring 1.5 inches bigger everytime) but upon all dimmer tests it comes back negative.

To be honest its made me a nervous wreck and its something i have got huge paranoia over, so much so i have to have counselling now due to so many visits to my doctors and A&E, i feel like i am going mad somedays with it as to me i can feel the clot in my arm (as in it feels lump like)

But i still think its something not to be messed with and should be checked out!!

i had to take my mum A&E on mon (turns out she fractured foot) and she said dont come in with me, if they see you they will think i am nuts too lol, then she was saying what seat do you usually sit in lol

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