Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Thrombosis

January 18, 2015 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

Good morning first of all,
I have a question regarding thrombosis.

I just woke up and was wearing pants that left marks on the insides of my knees, so it seemed like they had slightly constricted my leg. You can see a pattern of folds on my skin (a bit pronounced), but it's not completely constricted. I like to sleep with my legs bent, which may have caused the folds and indentations on my skin.
Now I'm wondering if this is enough to cause a thrombosis? Is the blood flow disturbed enough to form a blood clot, or can I relax? I take the pill (I stopped taking it 2 weeks ago), haven't been tested for a Factor V mutation yet, but I don't smoke, don't drink alcohol, and have a normal weight.
I should also mention that I like to sleep with many pillows to elevate my feet. Could it be that the blood pools when my foot hangs awkwardly off the bed or off a pillow?
I sometimes feel like I sleep without moving, which means 8-9 hours without any movement - does that mean I'm more at risk?

I know I have a lot of fear of thrombosis, but I've only had one case in the family (not first degree, but second) and I have a great fear of experiencing something like that.

I'm sorry for all the questions, but I'm totally panicked and have a great fear of a pulmonary embolism.

Kind regards

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

It is impossible to develop a deep vein thrombosis from a slightly tight waistband (thrombosis of superficial veins is called thrombophlebitis and is always harmless).

You naturally move around during sleep, and no healthy person would develop a thrombosis from 8 to 9 hours of immobility, especially if the legs are elevated.

It might be helpful to address the fear psychotherapeutically.

Warm regards, Dr. Höllering