Questions and answers

Has thrombosis been diagnosed to you or a familymember? You might have a lot of questions. We have answered our most frequently asked questions down below for you to read. If the question you have is not listed here, feel free to give us a call.

Click on the question to reveal the answer.

Thrombosis

What is thrombosis?

Our blood transports oxygen, nutrients and waste through the body. The blood needs to flow freely to the parts of the body where important nutrients and waste need to be sent or taken from. This is called: bloodflow.

Beside this, the body has a natural blood clotting system that ensures stopping of bleeding when you hurt yourself (clotting). This stops excessive bleeding. Thrombosis occurs when the balance between blood flow and blood clotting becomes disrupted. The blood starts clotting excessively, causing the arteries to get clogged. This causes unwanted blood clots in the body that closes arteries. Without the proper treatment, thrombosis can cause serious and lasting health issues.

What is an embolism?

With thrombosis unwanted blood clots can originate in the body. The danger of a bloodclot is that it can release from the blood vessel wall and is transported to an organ. The clot can block the flow of blood to that organ. This is called an embolism. If this happens in the brain, it’s called a brainembolism; if it happens in the lungs, a lung embolism.

What is an infarction?

In an infarction, a blood clot closes off a blood vessel in such a way that there is a lack of oxygen in the relevant organ. Cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction are the best-known forms of infarction. In a stroke, a blood clot closes off a blood vessel in the brain, so that part of the brain does not receive enough oxygen. In the case of myocardial infarctions – also known as a heart attack – a blood vessel in the heart is blocked off by a blood clot, resulting in a lack of oxygen in that part of the heart.

Sign up

I am being treated by another thrombosis service. How can I switch to TFC?

If you want to switch to our thrombosis care service, you can arrange this through your attending physician. They would have to download and send a completed intake form to [email protected]. One of our team members will then contact you for further intake and treatment. The TFC will also ask you for an authorization with which we can request your medical data from your old thrombosis service and deregister you there.

I have to start taking anticoagulants after my surgery. How do I sign up for treatment at TFC?

If you want to register for the thrombosis care of Thrombosis Flex Care, you can arrange this through your specialist in the hospital. They would have to download and send a completed intake form to [email protected]. One of our team members will conduct the intake at your earliest convenience. It can happen at the hospital after surgery or at home after discharge. You will have to inform the hospital staff that you are already registered to a thrombosis care service and that the dosing of your medicines is arranged via Thrombosis Flex Care.

Measuring

I would like a fixed time. Is that possible?

Yes. You can submit a request via our contact form for an appointment on a day that suits you best. We try to take this into account as much as possible. You can also discuss this in person with the TFC team member who will be testing you.

I would like to measure my INR value myself. How can I register myself for self-measurement?

At this point we cannot offer this service.

I'm going on vacation soon. How do I solve this by measuring my INR value?

Indicate well in advance when and where you are going on holiday. We can tailor your dosing schedule to your holiday period and make agreements about contact from your holiday address. With good preparation you can safely go on holiday.

Medication

What should I do if I have forgotten to take a tablet?

When will my dosing schedule be ready?

In most cases, your dosing schedule will be visible in your Electronic Patient File patient portal (EPD) within a few hours. We will send a notification by e-mail as soon as your new dosing schedule is ready in your file.

Lifestyle

Can I dive with thrombosis?

No. Diving and deep-sea diving are not permitted when anticoagulants are used. Even at depths of 5 meters, you risk bleeding from your eyes and ears. You are allowed to snorkel on the surface, up to a depth of 3 meters.

Can I fly if I am with thrombosis?

YYou can safely board the plane if your INR value is stable and you are well adjusted to your anticoagulant drugs. Longer flights (more than 5 hours) are also allowed. You need to be cleared by your attending physician. Also, inform your dosing advisor well in advance that you will be traveling by plane and when. If necessary, they can carry out an additional INR test and take additional measures. Make sure you drink enough water during the flight (we do not recommend coffee and alcohol) and that you exercise regularly. It is also wise to divide your anticoagulant medication between the hand luggage and the suitcase.

How do I deal with time differences?

If you’re traveling to a different time zone for a short stay, e.g., three days, it’s best to maintain your regular schedule based on Curacao time. For more extended stays, e.g., three weeks, it is best to adjust to the local time.