What Not to Do After Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment

Successful deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment depends on the actions you take after the procedure. Certain mistakes can reverse the progress made by a vascular and interventional radiologist and put your limb health at risk. To improve your post-treatment results and long-term health, avoid the following common errors to keep your blood flow steady and the veins clear. 

Do not overly consume specific foods and drinks

After deep vein thrombosis treatment, many patients start taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent future blood clots. The most common is warfarin. If an individual is taking warfarin, they need to be mindful of their diet, particularly foods high in vitamin K, as these can affect the effectiveness of blood thinners. Vitamin K-rich foods include:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Brussels sprouts
• Chard
• Mustard greens

Additionally, patients taking blood thinners should also avoid consuming large amounts of green tea, cranberry juice, and alcohol, as they can adversely affect blood thinners. The vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) team can provide a full list of dietary dos and don'ts after the patient receives treatment.

Do not sit for long periods of time

When recovering from DVT, it is important for patients not to sit for long periods. Try not to stay in the same position for more than two hours at a time. Instead, they should get up and walk around as often as possible to keep their blood flowing. They will also need to be mindful of this when taking long flights or drives. Additionally, if an individual has a DVT in one of their legs, they should avoid crossing their legs when they sit down; this position can affect their circulation.

Do not take specific medications

People with DVT should inform their VIR about all medications, herbs, and supplements they are currently taking. Similar to certain foods and beverages, some medications can interact with warfarin and increase the risk of side effects. These medications include:

• Other blood thinners
• NSAIDs
• Antiplatelet medications
• Antimicrobials
• Anti-arrhythmic drugs
• Fibrinolytics

Patients should ask their provider before taking aspirin for pain relief, as it may increase bleeding risk. Hormone therapies and birth control can also elevate the risk of future blood clots.

Do not solely rely on blood thinners

Standard blood thinners are common choices for treating deep vein thrombosis. However, these drugs do not always clear the blockage. Rather, they work to prevent new clots while the body tries to break down the old ones. For large clots in the leg or pelvis, this slow process often leaves behind scar tissue. That said, for severe clots, the VIR may need to use minimally invasive tools to remove the blockage directly. This approach helps the blood flow return to normal much faster than the use of medication alone.

Do not miss follow-up appointments

The end of DVT treatment is just the start of recovering from a blood clot. The patient will need to follow their VIR's follow-up care plan to maintain steady blood flow and prevent a new blockage. The long-term success of treatment requires a focus on daily habits and regular checks with the VIR care team. Consistent effort during this phase prevents future visits to the emergency room.

Get the most out of your deep vein thrombosis treatment

If you have questions about a recent DVT diagnosis, reach out to us at our Montclair office. We offer professional deep vein thrombosis treatment, ensuring you receive the best possible care at the right time. Call us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://montclair.provascularmd.com or call ProVascularMD at (909) 235-7742 for an appointment in our Montclair office.

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