Dear Dr. Fritz,

Please call me Pompee. I am quite concerned about developing blood clots, as my mother had it, which caused her stroke. My questions are: what are the chances that I will get blood clots?

What are the symptoms that I am getting them?

Thanks and God bless.

Pompee of Hagonoy

Dear Pompee of Hagonoy,

Actually, sometimes you may not know why you got these blood clots. And your chances of getting them are higher if you have broken a bone or pulled your muscle badly – and if you have the following conditions:

1. You are recovering from surgery or had to sit for many hours on a flight or in a wheelchair

2. You are overweight or obese

3. You are diabetic or have high cholesterol

4. And if you are over 60 years old

The symptoms of blood clots can vary where they occurred in your body. If it is in your lower legs or calf or arms or belly, that affected area can swell and you will be in pain. Your skin can also become bluish or reddish as well. If it is in your lungs, your skin could become pale, bluish, and clammy.

You will also have intense chest pain if it gets to your heart and may even give you a heart attack. A clot is often painful if it is in your lower leg, stomach, or under your throat.

Opps! There are a lot more to talk to. But, sorry we are out of space for now. Let’s continue this next time.

Dr. Fritz

(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the co-host of a digital page of Superbalita. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/oSunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building 1, Juan Luna St., Davao City, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)