Nuvaring And Deep Vein Thrombosis

Compression stockings are used to help keep blood moving in people who have poor circulation. For patients who have had deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or clots within deep veins of the legs, compression stockings are often used to prevent future clots. These socks, also called anti-embolism stockings, are made of tight elastic and are tighter at the foot, becoming looser at the top. They may be long enough to reach the knee, or they may be longer, reaching the thigh.

The tightness of the elastic squeezes the calf muscle, helping blood to move back to the heart. By keeping the blood moving, it is less likely to form a life-threatening clot that could travel to the brain causing a stroke or to the lung, causing a pulmonary embolism. The elastic also provides additional support, minimizing pain and swelling.

While some recent research questions the effectiveness of compression stockings in preventing strokes, additional studies suggest that many people may not use compression stockings effectively. In one study, nearly 1/3 of the patients did not use the stockings as instructed. Moreover, one quarter of patients used the wrong size of compression stocking.

Researchers found that the patients who did not use the stockings as instructed wore wrinkled, loose, rolled down or altered stockings. They also found that some patients had not been measured for the stocking (which may also have been a factor in altering the way the stockings were worn). Patients who used thigh length stockings had more problems than those who used the knee length version. As a result, researchers in this study suggest patients use knee length stockings instead.

The use of compression stockings is one of the methods of treating deep vein thrombosis. Other options used to prevent blood clots from traveling upward through the body include anti-clotting medicines, and a filter inserted into the abdomen to stop clots in the blood stream.

If you wear compression stockings, talk with your doctor to make sure they are worn correctly and are sized properly.

Although deep vein thrombosis can be caused by a variety of conditions, surprisingly, women who use certain birth controls such as the NuvaRing contraceptive have an increased risk of DVT. Scientists believe this increased risk is due to the different type of hormone that is used in this birth control.

If you have used NuvaRing and have been diagnosed with DVT, you may be eligible for compensation. Women are currently continuing to file Nuvaring lawsuits who have had side effects as a result of using the NuvaRing contraceptive. Contact a product liability attorney for a consultation to discuss your legal rights and options. There is a limited amount of time to file a claim and if you do not file before the relevant statute of limitations you may be prevented from receiving compensation for your injuries.