Hello All,
I am 34 years old, and was recently diagnosed with a DVT in my left leg. This happened while in Iraq back in September. They put me on Coumadin for 6 months, which is great, but now they will not tell me what caused it, nor will they test for anything that may have caused it. There have been many rumors that many people deployed to that area of the world came home with the same thing as I did. If anyone has had the same experience, I could use some feedback on what to do next.

Regards,
Pappy

Certain people are higher risk for DVT's due to their job/activity/life style. Some risks are prolonged sitting, dehydration, alcohol without adequate other fluids to maintain hydration, bedrest or immobilization (such as on long plane or car trips), paralysis, recent surgery or trauma (especially hip, knee or gynecological surgery), fractures, childbirth within the last 6 months and the use of medications such as estrogen and birth control pills, obesity, family history of DVT, previous DVT's, and varicose veins. Risks also include a history of polycythemia vera (a stem cell disorder), malignant tumor, and inherited or acquired hypercoagulability (changes in the levels of blood clotting factors making the blood more likely to clot).

Anyone who feels they are at high risk of developing a DVT should seek medical advice. There are measures anybody can take to help prevent a DVT:

Exercise the legs regularly – take a brisk 30-minute walk every day
Maintain a weight that's appropriate for your height
avoid sitting or lying in bed for long periods of time without moving the legs
women, particularly those over the age of 35, should consider the risks and benefits of taking the contraceptive pill

Although the added risk of developing a DVT caused by travelling appears to be low, it can be reduced even further by exercising the legs at least once every hour during long-distance travel. This means taking regular breaks if driving, or walking up and down the aisle of a coach, train or plane.

The muscles of the lower legs (which act as a pump for the blood in the veins) can be exercised while sitting by pulling the toes towards the knees then relaxing, or by pressing the balls of the feet down while raising the heel.

Don't take sleeping pills. These cause immobility, increasing the risk of DVT
Wear loose-fitting clothing
Keep the legs uncrossed
Keep hydrated by drinking normally (urine should be no darker than a pale yellow). Avoid alcohol to prevent dehydration
Wear graduated compression stockings (TEDs). This is particularly important for travellers who have other risk factors for DVT
Some doctors recommend taking aspirin before travelling because of its blood thinning effects. But it is not suitable for children and can have side-effects. If in doubt, seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.

People who have one or more of the risk factors mentioned earlier should seek medical advice before travelling.