Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

i dunno but i would suggest taking an aspirin a day at least it will give you the piece of mind...Ask ur doc about it...also during long flights try wearing support hose and getting up and walking up and down the aisles every 30-45 minutes to prevent another one.
Good luck

To start off with, our category is called "idiopathic"
I was 47 and doing lots of mountain biking so yes in fairly good shape, when I was diagnosed (july 07) with a large DVT in my right leg. It was from my calf and had gotten stuck in my pelvis, lucky for me, it was on it's way to my lungs.
Idiopathic means that they(medical community) have no reason for a blood clot to have form. I also tested negatif for all of the genetics factors.
The more you search various DVT/PE forums you will find out that it is very common at any age to be "Idiopathic".
BTW, welcome to DS/DVT, probably the best forum where the membership is very knowledgable about DVT/PE being that none of us are doctors we are just DVT/PE SURVIVORS that have educated ourself, because we care...

Do you have type A blood? I read that it may put you at a very slightly higher risk for DVT. VERY slightly.

There are LOTS of people who get clots after a long flight. If you were dehydrated and sat still for hours on end, this is probably the cause.

I would still follow up with a hematologist to make sure every test that needed to done was in fact done. Keep in mind the older someone is, the higher risk they are for clotting.

If it's all in the clear, take an aspirin as Joeyrose said, drink plenty of water, and consider yourself (somewhat) lucky!

One thing I forgot to mention, being Idiopathic, once off anticoagulants, be it after six months, twelve months... the chance of haveing another clot are at 18%.

A 4 four year study was concluded right after I was diagnosed which prooved this.
That is what my hemaetologist told me, which is why I'm an anticoagulant long term user.

I had a DVT/PE when I was 42 (I’m 43 now) that the doc thought was from birth control pills. While in the hospital, all the genetic testing they did came back negative. Went off Warfarin after 6 months and 6 weeks later, developed a DVT in my arm. I'm seeing a Hematologist to re-do genetic testing while both on warfarin and off warfarin. I'm not sure how extensive or comprehensive the genetic testing is when they do it while you’re in the hospital. Some tests require you to also be off anti coagulants while they're done. I don’t believe that occurred while I was in the hospital.

So, while it’s certainly not unusual for anyone to get a DVT while flying, I would definitely see the Hematologist. Mine made a good point that you don't just get tested to figure out why you have the clot. It’s important to know if it’s some sort of specific autoimmune or genetic issue because advances in treatment are happening all the time, to the point where some day they can treat and / or cure the actual disorder vs just using warfarin as a “band aid.”

Man, having a PE is the scariest thing. There's also a PE forum out here that has good info. I'm happy that you made it.

Hi,

It is the strangest thing......my PE came out of nowhere. I was on warfarin for 6 months then off and 3 months later, developed a clot from my ankle to the middle of my thigh. I am in good shape, 56 years old and tested negative for all genetic factors. My hematologist and my PC doc tell me that I do have a genetic clotting disorder, it just hasn't been discovered yet. They are finding 10-12 new ones each year. Go Figure.

Anyway, I am planning a trip to Italy in July. Trip of a lifetime and I am scared to go. I haven't talked to my doctor yet and my PT/INR has been running low...1.5.

Oh Well, take care everyone!
Nina 4

Nina, it's funny that you mention your doc said they are constantly discvering new genetic clotting mutations...I've always thought there had to be more, just not found yet! Ask your doc about giving you a Lovenox shot the night before you leave, and then giving you a shot to take with you so you can take it for your flight back. If you are on warfarin, you really should be fine...probably safer than most other people on the plane, but I too am going to Europe and taking precaution!