Shock Value

Obviously, I have become deeply sensitized to the risk factors for and dangers of DVT. Yet, today I stumbled upon a DVT story today that was alarming even to me.

It's a potent reminder of the significant risk that women on HRT or oral contraceptives face for DVT -- a risk that is woefully under-reported by the US press.

Read this story -- from a woman whose DVT eventually required amputation of her leg. Note, though, that the advice accompanying it in the sidebar is a bit out of date. Experts today don't believe that aspirin makes a difference in preventing DVT (it's only functional for arterial clotting), and those really on the cutting edge of DVT research have found that drinking plain water actually can contribute to dehydration (sports drinks are best -- combining water with salty snacks is next best, although quite inferior).

This is a frightening story, but an important alarm bell for women on the pill or estrogen therapy!

"I Lost My Leg to DVT"