Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Fear of thrombosis

May 6, 2015 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

I have a question. Due to the loss of someone in my circle a few years ago, I unfortunately have extreme fear of thrombosis and resulting pulmonary embolism.

Yesterday evening, I studied on my bed for about 3 hours. Unfortunately, I later realized that I had been sitting cross-legged or with my legs bent most of the time. I only stood up about 2-3 times briefly and changed my sitting position a few times but not often.

I am relatively active, usually not sitting for more than 2 hours at a time. I walk about 10-15 km throughout the day. I am between 20-25 years old, no longer taking the pill, do not smoke, and drink alcohol only once or twice a month, if at all. I drink about 1.5-2 liters of water a day.

So far, I have no pain in my calf, no warmth, no swelling, but a thrombosis can also occur without symptoms.

I hope you can help me. Best regards.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

It is inconceivable that you would get a thrombosis in this way, especially not if you get up every now and then. You don't get one just from watching an extra-long movie or sitting at a table with friends for a few hours and celebrating.

Symptomatic thromboses are rare; usually, one simply hasn't paid attention to the symptoms.

Hopefully you will lose your fear!

Sincerely, Dr. Höllering