Help! Pregnant, long flight, pain in one ankle

[HungryAllTheTime894]

Not currently living in the UK but came home to Birmingham for a visit. 21 weeks pregnant, 12.5 hour flight. Just after we got off the flight, I felt an intense pain in my ankle, like a bad sprain, couldn't put weight on it for a few minutes. This was yesterday. Pain is still there, throbbing and a bit warm. Very light swelling barely noticeable. Other ankle is perfectly fine.

Is this DVT? Where do I go if so, I haven't lived here in such a long time. Happy to pay for private care but Internet say A&E. Is A&E really crowded in Birmingham?

You have two increased risk factors of being pregnant and having a recent long haul flight. The swelling is also a potential indicator of a dvt. A&E is unfortunately where you will need to go as it will need a blood test and possible ultrasound. Not familiar with Birmingham but most major city A&E departments are busy so I’d take something to keep you occupied for a few hours.

Yes, you have to go to A&E.

If it’s warm, I’d get them to check just to be on the safe side.
I did long haul to Aus 21-23 weeks pregnant and got a swollen left ankle despite DVT socks. My dr wasn’t concerned as it went down overnight, but I’d suggest you ask as I didn’t have the heat factor in mine.

This was yesterday, morning, pain / warmth/ throbbing has not improved. On my way to A&E. I'm sure I'll feel like such a tit when they tell me it's nothing

As someone who has had multiple DVTs it’s better to be checked out and it be nothing, than to ignore it and end up in a much worse state. Good luck and hope you’re seen quickly

Better to get it checked op!

Best to be safe. Be prepared for a long wait. Not sure about Birmingham but last time I was inA&E in Central Scotland ( not a city A&E )it was a 12 hour wait.

I'd challenge any medical professional to stand up hand on heart and say "that's not a dvt" without doing the investigations. As someone up thread said you are pregnant and had a very long hall flight.2 major risk factors! Please don't feel like a tit! I say that as a recently retired GP of over 30 years.

I had similar symptoms after a flight and was told to go to A&E. It turned out to be nothing serious, but they wanted to see me. Glad you are getting it checked out.

I'd actually be hoping they do tell you it's nothing.

But you're absolutely not a twit for checking it out. In fact it's eminently sensible as you'll have a 12.5 hr flight home when even more pregnant.

@itsgettingweird yeah that's what worries me. We have two more 3 hour flights to Europe and back to see more family next week and then a 12.5 hour flight home in 2 weeks.

I was wearing compression socks, moved every hour, even did some squats and leg raises a few times, drinking tons of water so i know was doing all the right things. Just waiting in A&E now.