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DVT & Lymphoedema

This page is for information purposes only and provides the reader a link to the British Lymphology Society paper on Management of DVT's for those living with lymphoedema.

Some of L-W-O Community members experience DVT’s (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and we don’t know why this happens to some lymphoedema patients and not to others. The British Lymphology Society (BLS) have published a Position Paper for the Management of People with Lymphoedema in the presence of Deep Vein Thrombosis.

The aim of the document is to provide:

  1. Practical information for clinical decision-making for health care professionals managing lymphoedema.

  2. Key principles of practice.

  3. When to safely apply compression in the presence of acute lymphoedema.

The purpose of the paper is to support evidence-based practice and debunk the myths surrounding the management of DVT and lymphoedema.​

Source: British Lymphology Society (BLS)

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 What are the symptoms of a leg DVT (Blood Clot)

DVT (blood clot) signs, throbbing, swelling, red or darkened skin. Calf or thigh.

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  • throbbing or cramping pain in one leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh

  • swelling in one leg (rarely both legs)

  • warm skin around the painful area

  • red or darkened skin around the painful area

  • swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them

  • feel worse after standing or walking

 

These symptoms also happen in your arm or tummy if that's where the blood clot is.

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Call 999 or go to A&E if you experience the following:

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  • Breathlessness

  • Chest Pain

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Be aware a blood clot that is left untreated may break into pieces and travel through the blood stream to the lungs.  This is known as a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). This is when the patient may develop shortness of breath and/or chest pain that makes it worse to breathe in.  A Pulmonary Embolism can be fatal so do not delay in seeking help.

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