FAQs

It takes around 3 months to complete active treatment of VTE, although recovery time varies per individual, so there is no standard for how long it will take to recover. Download NBCA's New Patient Guide to learn more about the blood clot recovery timeline.

The majority of patients do not have a repeat blood clot. However, risk is higher than for the general population whenever you had a clot. The degree of increased risk depends upon where the clot was, how many you clots you had, family history of blood clots, presence of blood clotting disorders, and any underlying medical conditions.

Someone should go over your medications, especially the anticoagulant prescribed, and the risk of bleeding associated with it. They should also advise you on when you need to schedule a follow up visit, how to take your medication, and how often to take it. Different anticoagulants have different follow up protocols. If you are on Coumadin, you will likely have to go in every 2 to 3 weeks because that drug is subject to variation and there are very narrow limits between what is effective and what is too much or too little.  However, if you are taking one of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, or dabigatran then you will not need to go in frequently. Someone should also talk to you about any potential drug interaction with your anticoagulant and how to handle high risk situations like air travel, long automobile travel, and what kind of activity you can be involved in without risk for hurting yourself.

About one-third to one half of patients experience some form of long-term complications after their blood clot, including but not limited to:

• Post-thrombotic syndrome: persistent swelling, pain, discoloration of the skin in the affected arm or leg; and rarely the skin can break down (ulceration)
• 2-4% of PE patients will have chronic lung damage (thromboembolic pulmonary hy­pertension)
• Further episodes of clotting
• Anxiety and/or depression

While not a long-term complication, once someone has a blood clot, they have an increased risk of developing another one.

No. Contact your doctor to make sure it is a clot. Anticoagulants prevent clotting, but can cause serious bleeding, so they should not be taken without a doctor’s exam and order.

No, focus on prevention and staying active. Take steps to maintain a healthy weight, walk aisles on airplanes, and do not sit too long when driving an automobile. Read more about blood clot prevention.

Nattokinase has not been approved by the FDA, and contrary to claims on the internet, it should not take the place of an anticoagulant. While one study shows that a nattokinase supplement lowers the risk of blood clots after long plane flights, optimal doses of nattokinase have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. It is advised to steer clear of this product for now.

They are fine in moderation and are unlikely to contribute to bleeding, however they are not vetted by the FDA. It is important to be very cautious taking them alongside anticoagulants. Over the counter medications like gingko, ginseng, vitamin E, fish oil can all potentiate anticoagulants (make them more powerful).

Wearing a medical alert ID bracelet can be a good idea so that those helping you in case of an emergency will know that you are on an anticoagulant.

Headache is the most serious sign of hidden bleeding, but you may also notice blood within the stool or urine.