How do I speed up pain and healing of a blood clot in the arm?

I have a nonocclusive thrombus within the left subclavian, axillary and basilic vein from a picc line. I'm now running a fever, having chills, arm pain radiating into my chest and headaches. I'm on blood thinners and antibiotics, but what more can I do from home to alleviate the pain and discomfort, and promote quicker healing?

Answers from doctors (4)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 16, 2016

I am sorry but I cannot think of anything else. You should discuss this with your doctor.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I am sorry but I cannot think of anything else. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Mar 12, 2016

You need to go to the ER and be admitted for intravenous antibiotics AND also be seen by a cardiologist AND get a transthoracic echocardiogram to rule out infective endocarditis. If transthoracic echocardiogram is negative, a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) must be done, as it is more sensitive. This may be a serious problem. Valvular endocarditis is a serious medical problem.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

You need to go to the ER and be admitted for intravenous antibiotics AND also be seen by a cardiologist AND get a transthoracic echocardiogram to rule out infective endocarditis. If transthoracic echocardiogram is negative, a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) must be done, as it is more sensitive. This may be a serious problem. Valvular endocarditis is a serious medical problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 11, 2016

Tylenol is the only choice for now.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Tylenol is the only choice for now.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Access and Vascular Restorative Medicine PLLC

Published on Mar 11, 2016

You can take one of the over-the-counter ant- inflammatory medications and get a compression stocking for your arm from a medical supply store. If the picc line is still in place, you should also probably have it removed. If the clot is infected--meaning you might have what we call suppurative thrombophlebitis--talk to your doctor about getting a referral to a vascular surgeon for evaluation.

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Answered by Access and Vascular Restorative Medicine PLLC

You can take one of the over-the-counter ant- inflammatory medications and get a compression stocking for your arm from a medical supply store. If the picc line is still in place, you should also probably have it removed. If the clot is infected--meaning you might have what we call suppurative thrombophlebitis--talk to your doctor about getting a referral to a vascular surgeon for evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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