Thrombus formation, also known as a blood clot, is a serious vascular condition that if not identified and treated, can lead to heart and lung problems. If you have a blood clot in your leg, you may experience severe pain, especially in your calf area, redness, heat, and swelling over the affected area. If you live alone and experience severe symptoms, you may need to consider in-home health assistance. Here are some ways a home health care provider can help you manage the blood clot in your leg to help promote healing and to decrease your symptoms.
Anticoagulant Therapy
One of the most important components of your thrombus treatment plan is making sure that you take your prescribed anticoagulant medications. They will help lower your risk of developing future blood clots in your legs by promoting optimal blood flow.
If you are unable to take your medications because of illness or because you are forgetful at times, your home health care provider can remind you to take them. If you are too weak to raise your arms to drink water for your medications, your caregiver will place the medication on your tongue and give you sips of water through a straw. The caregiver will also monitor you for side effects from your anticoagulants such as excessive bruising, nosebleeds, blood in the urine or stool, and bleeding gums.
Site Monitoring And Nutritional Intervention
The home health care professional can also monitor the site on your leg where the thrombus is located. They will examine your leg to see if the redness is spreading and check to see if the affected area of your leg seems hotter. They will also assess the area for evidence of lumps or hard areas. If the caregiver's assessment reveals abnormalities, they will notify your primary care physician.
In addition to monitoring your leg, your home health care provider can also monitor your nutritional intake to make sure that you are eating the right foods. If your doctor has prescribed anticoagulants to prevent future blood clots, you will need to limit your intake of foods high in vitamin K. These foods include spinach and kale, however, many multi-vitamin supplements also contain vitamin K.
People taking anticoagulants also need to have their blood checked periodically so that the physician can evaluate blood clotting function. In addition to monitoring your intake of vitamin K, your caregiver can drive you to your doctor's office or hospital for your routine blood tests.
If you have a blood clot in your leg and need assistance in your home, consider the above ways a home health care provider can help. Appropriate treatment and in-home assistance can promote healing, prevent future thrombus formation, and bring you peace of mind so that you cope better with your condition.
