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Scanning for blood clots

Posted By Sarah284

"Scanning for blood clots"

About: University Hospital Hairmyres / Emergency Department University Hospital Hairmyres / Physiotherapy University Hospital Hairmyres / Trauma & Orthopaedics (Wards 1 & 5)

(as a service user),

I had knee replacement surgery recently. The operation went well. The consultant, anaesthetist, nursing staff and physio staff were all compassionate and efficient.

After returning home my leg was extremely swollen and my level of pain in my calf was excruciating. I phoned ERAS nurse who referred me to A&E for a scan. I didn’t realise at the time that only the top half of my leg was scanned and I was informed that I didn’t have a blood clot. I then saw a consultant, who said the level of swelling was outwith the norm and that it was very probable that I had a blood clot in my calf.

Two weeks later the swelling hadn’t gone down and I was still experiencing a lot of discomfort which was keeping me awake every night. I phoned the ERAS nurse again who referred me to A&E for another scan. The radiologist explained that the protocol was to scan only the top half of the leg. This had been the protocol in their previous post - the reason behind this being that if a patient needed to be recalled they may have to travel hundreds of miles! The radiologist on this occasion scanned all of my leg and yes I did have a blood clot in my calf! I was then prescribed anticoagulant medication for 3 months.

I recently saw the consultant and I am making good progress. Could I simply ask that the protocol for scanning for blood clots in the leg should include scanning the whole leg. I realise that clots in the lower leg can be less serious but it would at least legitimise the level of pain that a patient is experiencing. I feel it would be better to inform the medical personnel who are dealing with the patient and would only take few more minutes of the radiologist’s time.

Can I also say a massive heartfelt thanks to the physio department at Hairmyres. I am still attending physio. The staff have shown immense compassion and were also concerned about the condition of my leg. Without their expertise I would not have continued to make the progress that I have.The physio department has been outstanding. I am indebted to them.

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Responses

Response from Brian Slattery, NHS Lanarkshire Musculoskeletal Strategy Lead, Physiotherapy, NHS Lanarkshire nearly 2 years ago
Brian Slattery
NHS Lanarkshire Musculoskeletal Strategy Lead, Physiotherapy,
NHS Lanarkshire

Physiotherapy

Submitted on 06/11/2023 at 17:00
Published on Care Opinion at 17:01

Dear Sarah284,

I'm sorry to hear about your post-operative complications but glad to hear you have gotten to the bottom of the problem.

I will feedback to the Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal staff in Hairmyres in relation to the quality care that is being provided. I'm delighted to hear of the compassion and guidance shown by our Physiotherapists to help with your progression.

I wish you the best of luck in the rest of your rehabilitation journey.

Kind Regards


Brian

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Response from Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire nearly 2 years ago
Lise Axford
Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 07/11/2023 at 09:43
Published on Care Opinion at 09:43

picture of Lise Axford

Dear Sarah284

Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience. I am sorry to read that you have had such a difficult time and that your initial scan did not pick up the blood clot. I have asked the radiology department to review the protocol so that there is clear understanding of the rationale and process. I will provide further feedback to you.

It is clear that you have had a very difficult time and I am pleased to hear that you are now making good progress. Your positive comments will be shared with the physio team.

Thank you again

Kind regards

Lise

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Response from Carole Lindsay, Physiotherapy Lead, Physiotherapy, NHS Lanarkshire nearly 2 years ago
Carole Lindsay
Physiotherapy Lead, Physiotherapy,
NHS Lanarkshire

Physiotherapy

Submitted on 07/11/2023 at 10:21
Published on Care Opinion at 10:56

Morning Sarah284

Thanks again for taking the time to provide feedback on your recent experience in hospital. I was sorry to read of the difficult time you had. As has been mentioned, the whole organisation values your feedback and with my colleagues, I'll ensure both the out-patient and ward physio staff are aware of your appreciation of their services.

I hope you continue to progress well,

Regards,

Carole

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Response from Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire nearly 2 years ago
Lise Axford
Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 08/11/2023 at 17:22
Published on Care Opinion at 17:22

picture of Lise Axford

Dear Sarah284

In order to fully review your experience and provide detailed feedback to you I wonder if you could contact patient affairs.

email - PatientAffairs.Hairmyres@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

Telephone - 01355 585325

Thank you

Lise

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Response from Louise Miller, NHS Lanarkshire nearly 2 years ago
Louise Miller
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 09/11/2023 at 15:16
Published on Care Opinion at 17:16

High level protocol below -

The clinical question asked by the referrer to exclude deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg.

The protocol covering the deep veins is performed by scanning from the relevant left or right groin to behind the knee. This would exclude a DVT.

Hope this clarifies the protocol used and the scan performed.

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Response from Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire nearly 2 years ago
Lise Axford
Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 09/11/2023 at 20:08
Published on Care Opinion at 20:08

picture of Lise Axford

Dear Sarah284

I am hoping the response above provides some reassurance that there is a clear protocol to follow in relation to excluding a DVT. Louise is the lead sonographer and I thought it was useful to ask colleagues to add to your feedback.

I understand that this information may not provide the detail that you are looking for so again extend the invite for you to contact patient affairs so that we can then fully discuss with you.

Apologies for multiple replies but hoping that we link in with you directly.

Kind regards

Lise

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