Noting my alarm, Kimby is quick to
reassure. ‘A deep vein thrombosis is only life-threatening when a blood clot breaks
away from the leg and enters the lungs or heart,’ she says. ‘And it is extremely
rare for this to happen.’ But having lulled me into a sense of confidence, she then
goes on to explain how the majority of DVTs cause damage to the deep veins, increasing the
risk of further DVTs and of long-term venous problems, such as varicose veins and leg
ulcers. To illustrate this point, she produces a series of stomach-turning photographs of
suppurating ulcers and bulging varices. I vow never to set foot out of London again.
It soon transpires, however, that my
future movements needn’t be so restricted. As part of its campaign, Activa has
brought out a new Class 1, 2, and 3 Air Sock, available on prescription. The new sock,
which has a different ‘profile’ from those unflattering white anti-embolism
stockings you get in hospital, comes in several sizes and offers ‘graduated
support.’ It works by having a gentle massaging effect on the ankle and calf. This
improves circulation and assists the return of blood back to the heart. Stockings and
tights for those who need a greater degree of massaging are also available, but not on the
NHS.
To ensure you are getting the right
level of compression from the Air Sock, it is important to be measured by a trained
pharmacist or health professional. Having taken down my history of frozen extremities and
ominous tinglings, Kimby measured both my legs and supplied me with a pair of Class 1
below-the-knee socks.
‘Only Class 1?’ I say
somewhat indignantly, aware that these offer the least support. But, according to Kimby,
my legs look healthy enough. The ominous tinglings might have been a simple case of pins
and needles.
I rush home to try on my new
compression hosiery. The result is most satisfactory. The Activa Air Sock is not only
extremely comfortable, but also has the benefit of looking like an ordinary black silk
sock. Kimby wears a pair every day, as does her twenty-year-old daughter who has a
sedentary job. I might not be quite as conscientious, but will definitely use mine
whenever I travel. A relief, no doubt, to the person sitting next to me on the red-eye to
Sydney.
You are most at risk of DVT if:
You are over 40
You smoke, are very tall, very small or obese
You have any previous or current leg swelling
You have a recent minor leg injury
You have extensive varicose veins
You are pregnant
You are on hormone medication
You have suffered a DVT before
You have suffered a stroke, or have had
recent heart surgery
You are undergoing chemotherapy
You have paralysed lower limbs
Talk to
your doctor before you travel if you think you could be vulnerable to DVT
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