“Could this be a clot?”
I was diagnosed with Factor V a few years ago. I had a DVT in my right calf. They put me on blood thinners for life and installed a stint in my groin. Fast forward to a few days ago. I have what feels like a cramp or pulled muscle in my right lower back. Not sure if I slept wrong or just tweaked my back. Could this be a clot?
Male | 54 years old
Medications: Xarelto
Conditions: Factor V
5 Answers
Hematologist(BloodSpecialist)|HematologyHematologist
It's important to remember that pain in the lower back can have various causes, and while clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden can increase the risk of blood clots (including DVT), not all lower back pain is necessarily related to clotting issues. However, given your medical history and the risk associated with Factor V Leiden, it's essential to be cautious and seek medical attention when you experience new or unusual symptoms.
Here are some factors to consider:
1. **Symptoms of DVT:** While lower back pain can be caused by muscle strain or other musculoskeletal issues, symptoms of DVT can include pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg. If you experience these symptoms or any sudden, severe pain in your leg, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
2. **Muscle Strain:** Lower back pain can often result from muscle strains, overuse, or poor posture. If you suspect a muscle strain or injury, it may respond to rest, gentle stretches, and over-the-counter pain relief medications.
3. **Consult Your Healthcare Provider:** Given your history of Factor V Leiden and previous DVT, any new symptoms that could potentially be related to clotting issues should be discussed with your healthcare provider promptly. They can evaluate your symptoms, order appropriate tests if necessary, and provide guidance on how to proceed.
4. **Medications:** Continue taking your prescribed anticoagulant medication (Xarelto) as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not alter your medication regimen without their guidance.
It's important not to ignore new or unusual symptoms, especially if you have a history of clotting disorders. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care if you experience concerning symptoms or if your lower back pain worsens or is associated with signs of DVT.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on your specific medical history and current symptoms.
Here are some factors to consider:
1. **Symptoms of DVT:** While lower back pain can be caused by muscle strain or other musculoskeletal issues, symptoms of DVT can include pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg. If you experience these symptoms or any sudden, severe pain in your leg, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
2. **Muscle Strain:** Lower back pain can often result from muscle strains, overuse, or poor posture. If you suspect a muscle strain or injury, it may respond to rest, gentle stretches, and over-the-counter pain relief medications.
3. **Consult Your Healthcare Provider:** Given your history of Factor V Leiden and previous DVT, any new symptoms that could potentially be related to clotting issues should be discussed with your healthcare provider promptly. They can evaluate your symptoms, order appropriate tests if necessary, and provide guidance on how to proceed.
4. **Medications:** Continue taking your prescribed anticoagulant medication (Xarelto) as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not alter your medication regimen without their guidance.
It's important not to ignore new or unusual symptoms, especially if you have a history of clotting disorders. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care if you experience concerning symptoms or if your lower back pain worsens or is associated with signs of DVT.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on your specific medical history and current symptoms.
Very unlikely. If you had a clot of any consequence, this would only feel like this as a “referred” pain, meaning the problem is somewhere else and the pain shows up in your low back. Nothing really works like that. You probably just tweaked the back, but if it hangs around for more than a couple of days, get it checked out.
I am sorry to hear about the cramp in your leg. If you are still taking the blood thinner, it is very unlikely that you can have blood clots, although it is still possible, because people can have blood clots while on blood thinners. If this case you can wait for a few days to see if it were just a muscle cramp, which should go away. And if this cramp persists, see your doctor for evaluation.
But if you are not taking your blood thinner, there is a high probability that this cramp can be from a blood clot. In such a case, you should go to your doctor right away for further evaluation.
But if you are not taking your blood thinner, there is a high probability that this cramp can be from a blood clot. In such a case, you should go to your doctor right away for further evaluation.
Very unlikely, due to the location it is most likely a typical back sprain, if you have chest pain and shortness of breath then you need to worry. Rest it, Ice it and gentle stretching should help.
Highly doubt if you will feel any discomfort if the filter you have installed trapped a clot. Whatever they did to your groin sounds like they installed what is called an inferior vena cava filter to trap any clots that could start in your legs and migrate towards your chest. It is more likely the other options you mentioned if you have been taking the Xarelto as prescribed.
