Approximately 39.6% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime. That’s a staggering number. Even more concerning is that patients with cancer who also develop DVT/PE have a significantly higher chance of dying.
One study determined that the probability of death within 183 days of admission is over 94% for those who have cancer and DVT/PE.
The risk of developing DVT/PE increases with cancer and even more so with chemotherapy, but there are things you can do to help prevent it.
Preventing DVT/PE if you have Cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer is a challenging experience. There are treatment decisions, concerns about your quality of life, family questions, and a host of unexpected situations to face.
Fortunately, early diagnosis and new treatment options are saving lives and helping avoid complications. Along with understanding how to minimize risk factors, a sequential compression device can be part of every treatment plan to help offset the increased risk of DVT/PE.
What Is a Sequential Compression Device (SCD)?
An SCD increases blood flow in your legs and arms by sequentially applying pressure between different air chambers. It gives you all the localized benefits of walking without any of the exertion.
Hospital patients sometimes call them “inflating boots” since they are most often used on legs.
However, the ones in the hospital are sometimes inconvenient. There are hoses, power cords, and a machine attached to the compression sleeves. That’s fine while you’re in the hospital and being taken care of, but what about when you leave?
After all, if you have cancer, your risk of DVT/PE doesn’t go away simply because you leave the hospital.
Prevention at Home
It was heart-wrenching to see case after case of people needlessly suffering and dying from DVT/PE when an SCD could help prevent it. I realized that an over-the-counter, portable, affordable, and convenient-to-use solution could help save lives, so I created one.
The Medshoola™ Compression Pump uses an all-in-one, battery-operated design that is easy to use and works for your arms and legs. It has a built-in case so you can carry it anywhere life takes you, and it is programmable to fit your specific needs.
In addition to staying hydrated, following your doctor’s advice, and minimizing any other risk factors, the Medshoola™ Compression Pump can help you prevent DVT/PE.
For more information, to receive a free “How to see if YOU are at Risk” article, and to watch a video of the Medshoola™ Compression Pump in action, → Help Me Prevent DVT/PE