Pulmonary Embolism, DVT, Ergonomics and New Years Resolution for 2010
Wow what a wake up call!! As an active in-shape (sort of) female getting a pulmonary embolism was about the last thing I would have expected. Here’s how it happened and how this all relates to ergonomics.
I had a minor surgery in December that required anesthesia. I was put on bed rest for 24 hours following the surgery.
Three days later I experienced extreme calf pain which I attributed to a pulled muscle. Upon advising my doctor about this pain he immediately recommended I go to the emergency room. I thought he was being overly cautious and being the workaholic that I am the thought of spending hours in ER seemed absurd. I decided to treat myself instead (big mistake). I took Advil for the pain and swelling, elevated my leg and waited for the calf pain to disappear. It didn’t. Finally, I came to my senses and went to a local clinic to get an ultrasound. The rest is history. I was diagnosed with a DVT (Deep-Vein Thrombosis) and the clots had traveled to my lungs. I wound up spending 8 days in the hospital.
DVT is a blood clot in a superficial vein, Pulmonary embolism most commonly occurs when a DVT breaks loose in the leg or pelvis and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.
It has been 2 weeks and I am much better but here is how all this relates to ergonomics and New Years Resolutions…
DVT has been tagged the “desk-bound syndrome”. Sitting for long periods of time at a desk, on an airplane, or in a vehicle puts people at a higher risk of developing a DVT. The less you move the slower your blood circulates.
Ergonomics and New Year’s Resolutions
• If you sit at a desk use an articulating footrest. This helps to keep the blood circulating so that it does not pool in your ankles and your legs. 
• Get up from your desk every 30-45 minutes. Get a drink of water, go to the fax/copier or restroom, etc.
• Consider a portable leg massager.
• On airplanes, request an aisle seat (less constricting) and practice ankle/calf exercises that can help move the blood from the lower extremities.
• Consider purchasing compression stockings at a medical supply store and wearing them. I do, and they really work.
• Avoid wearing socks that are too short and too tight as they make it much harder for the blood to circulate out of the lower body. Also, avoid crossing your legs for long periods.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid dehydrating fluids, such as coffee and alcohol. Dehydration causes blood to thicken and vessels to narrow.
• When traveling by car, stop every hour to walk around.
• Between connecting flights and during long flights, get up and move around. This squeezes the blood vessels, helping to prevent DVT by preventing the formation of blood clots.
• If you can’t easily move around, curl or press your toes down often throughout your trip.
I hope this condition never happens to any of you. 
Just add it to your list of New Year’s Resolutions, remember these simple techniques to prevent DVT and have a great, happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!
Thanks for that very readable and informative article. I think that we can all learn a lesson from this experience that your shared with us.
Can i use this blog post as a reference. I am thinking to create my post out of this and give my own insight.. I hope you don’t mind
Hi There,
Of course feel free to use our blog as a reference just credit us with any information you use.
I am interested in reading your blog as well. It’s great to share information. What is the url of your blog