Subjects covered on this page are:
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS, 5 Steps To Massaging Your Perineum,
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What you need to know!
Deep Vein Thrombosis, otherwise known for blood clots, occurs in the deep viens, hence the name deep vein thrombosis. This occurs usually in one leg, although it has been known to be in both legs.
In a few cases it can cause pulmonary embolis, which can be fatal. This is caused by part of the blood clot breaking off, and blocks part of the artery, usually in the lung, but this can be fatal.
Deep vein thrombosis is mainly caused to long periods without moving, like being on an aeroplane where you are sat in a confined space for long periods of time. What happens is the blood forms pools in your veins in your legs, from inactivity of the legs. This increases the chance of you getting a blood clot.
Does it affect many?
Around 30,000 per year are affected by DVT, and around 300 die from DVT every year. All though little research has been done into DVT connected with flying, and little evidence, it is thought that around 2,000 deaths a year occur because of flying in the UK alone.
Who is at most risk?
Long flights, of more than three hours.
People who are over 40 years.
Anyone suffering from heart disease.
Those suffering from cancer.
Anyone with history of blood clots.
Leg injury.
Recent surgery.
Pregnant women, or new mums.
Anyone taking the pill.
HRT treatment.
If you are unsure about your health, and wether it is safe for you to fly, consult your doctor with your concerns and worries.
Symptoms to look out for?
You may not have any symptoms, but do look out for any jof the following symptons, especially in the legs.
Swelling that appears suddenly, in one lower leg, (swelling in both legs during flight is normal).
Tenderness, or cramp in lower leg.
Any swelling, or brusing behind the knees.
Pain in lower calf, and skin.
Redding or discolouration.
2ND - TWO SYMTOMS ARE SERIOUS INDICATED PE. The following requires immediate treatment.
Chest Pain
Shortness of breath.
Fainting (mostly common in older people).
Coughing up blood.
DVT symptoms rarely occur on the actual flight, but can appear days or weeks later.
What to do:
If you experience leg pain, during your flight, do not massage the area, call the flight attendent straight away.
If after the flight, you see doctor, who dismisses it, insist on a leg scan. It could save your life.
If following flying you have chest symptoms that are dismissed as a chest infection, panic attack, or something else other than PE, ask to have your blood oxygen measurement taken.
A small device will be placed onto your fingertip, which measures your blood oxygen painlessly. If your reading is below 80, you need to have alung scan to check for PE, unless you have another reason for low blood oxygen.
5 Steps To Massaging Your Perineum
Your perineum is just below your pelvic floor, and is diamond-shaped, its located between your vagina and anus. From massaging this area whilst you are pregnant can help make the area more elastic, making it easier for it to stretch during birth, and reduce the risk of it tearing during delivery. Here are Five steps into massaging your perineum:
1. Lie flat on your back, or if you prefer whilst your in the bath, but you must make sure that you are comfortable. Place some unscented begetable oil, such as almond or olive oil, into the perineum.
2. Place one or two thurbs just within the back wall of the vagina, place two forefingers onto the external skin between the anus and vagina.
3. Then gently massage the area very gently, slowly increase pressure as sensitivity becomes reduced.
4. Whilst continuing to rub your thumbs and forefingers together in the upwards direction, which will slowly help stretch the skin.
5. This rountine should be practiced once a day, but don't go over five minutes
Angel's Mother & Baby Group 2002
