Preventing Blot Clots

Traveling by motorhome is a real treat, especially today with all the bells and whistles on board that make life so pleasant and comfortable. A prime example is the handy-dandy slideout that gives us all that extra space with just the touch of a button. It’s truly amazing.

Those comfy seats are another thing—plush and easy on the back. Road trips take on a whole new meaning when we can arrive at a destination without aches and pains running up and down our spine.

Hopefully, all that comfort doesn’t keep you in the driver’s seat too long. Sometimes it’s tempting to try to get more miles under your belt as you travel along, but it’s not the best idea when it comes to your health.

Sitting in one position for an extended length of time can cause blood clots in your large veins in the thighs and lower leg. This condition is called deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The thrombosis (clot) may interfere with the circulation in the area, causing the clot to break off and travel through the bloodstream (embolize). This embolus can lodge itself in the brain, lungs, heart or other areas of the body, causing severe damage to the affected organ—even death.

Risk Factors
DVT is more commonly seen in adults over 60, but can also occur in younger people, too. Besides prolonged sitting (cars, planes, at the computer) in one position, individuals have been known to suffer this condition from extended bed rest and/or immobilization, recent surgery or trauma (especially hip, knee or gynecological procedures), fractures, complications during pregnancy, and the use of medications such as estrogen and birth control pills. Risks also include a history of polycythemia vera (abnormal increase in red blood cell production), malignant tumors, and inherited or acquired hypercoagulability (changes in the levels of blood clotting factors making the blood more likely to clot).

The symptoms are usually pain in one leg only, tenderness in that area, swelling (edema), increased warmth to the leg, and a redness in the color of the skin, These are signs that something is wrong, and shouldn’t be ignored. See your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re on the road.

If you have suffered DVT in the past, or your doctor suspects something during your regular yearly checkup, you’ll be well aware of the situation, taking precautions and most probably be on medication to alleviate the problem.

Air Travel
Be aware that DVT could happen to you, especially as you get older or experience any of the situations I’ve just mentioned. If you’re traveling by air and booked on a long flight, especially in that middle seat in coach, move your ankles and feet, rotating them in opposite circles. Lift each thigh up and down (don’t worry what the other passengers think) in rapid secession, and simply excuse yourself and get up and walk back to the rest room. While waiting your turn, wiggle your toes, bring each knee up to your chest, and stretch your body. You may look a little strange, but it’s better to keep things moving than worry about appearances. Others might join you, realizing that DVT could happen to them.

When you’re out there on the road, schedule plenty of stops along the way. If you have a dog, all the better, because Rover is definitely going to need some potty breaks, and you can benefit by taking extra time to walk with him. Get out there and move and stretch. Take some deep breaths. Drink plenty of water. Keep moving. It’s good for you.

All this will energize you, giving you more stamina for the road ahead, and besides, part of traveling is enjoying the scenery where you are. There’s no need to push yourself, adding more miles to the odometer. Give yourself plenty of time.

If you find yourself stuck in that seat—road delays due to construction and/or an accident up ahead, or you really do need to reach a destination that’s many miles away, move your feet, ankles and legs as you drive or ride along. Schedule those stops, even if you just pull off the highway. Get up out of your seat and move your entire body. You’ll feel a lot better, and you’ll be doing your body a world of good.

Have a great trip!