Choctaw Plaindealer from Ackerman, Mississippi • 15

THE HOCTAW JlLAINDEALER Page 15A Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Only Newspaper in Choctaw County on the web www.choctawplalndealer.com New treatment option rides herd on deep vein thrombosis 1 mmm, it i i i a j. 1 i i i i arm a. I li 1 Onlv about half of the Deocle with From Press Reports The trauma to Woolven's pelvis and forming. As in most cases, only part of people who are immobile. "The body DVT experience symptoms, which may include: Deep Vein Thrombosis Swelling of the leg Pain or tenderness in the leg.

The pain is usually only in one leg and may only be present when standing or walking. Feeling of increased warmth in the area of the leg that is swollen or that hurts Red or discolored skin Pulmonary Embolism Chest pain when you take a deep breath Shortness of breath See a doctor right away if you have symptoms of a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute legs had caused deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. About 95 percent of deep vein clots occur in the leg or hip veins, according to board-certified pul-monologist Jaime Ungo, M.D., of Pulmonary Consultants in Tupelo. "Most blood clots are reabsorbed into the body.

But if a clot in a vein dislodges and travels through the bloodstream, it can enter the right side of the heart and lodge in the lung Dr. Ungo says. "This is a very dangerous condition that can potentially kill you. Early diagnosis is critical because the people that die from pulmonary embolism usually die within the first few hours." Fortunately, Woolven's was caught early. He was given blood-thinning medication to stop the clot from getting bigger and to keep another one from the blood clot was in his lung the rest was still intact.

To prevent subsequent clots from winding up in his lung, doctors implanted a filter inside the inferior vena cava, a large vein that collects blood from the lower part of the body. "The filter is designed to catch the clots as they try to move to the lungs," Dr. Ungo says. "The filter stops them in their tracks." In years past, the filter was permanent. Woolven was one of the first NMMC patients to receive a temporary filter that was removed after about three months when its job was done.

"We protected Mike through the risky period, which is right after the trauma," Dr. Ungo says. "Once the person becomes active again, they no longer need the filter or the medication." In addition to trauma patients, DVT is also common after surgery and in was designed to move, and if we don move, there is no mechanism to get the blood that flows to our lower extremities moving back toward the heart," Dr. Ungo says. "The best prescription is prevention.

That's why we as physicians force people out of the bed as soon as possible after surgery." Cancer patients are at increased risk, as are women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. Some people inherit a clotting disorder that increases their risk. Everyone is at greater risk as they get older. Because 95 percent of deep vein clots occur in the leg or hip veins, doctors screen for DVT using ultrasound studies of the legs. For more information about DVT or for a physician referral, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Signs and Symptoms Rodeo cowboy Mike Woolven has been thrown more than a few times during his life. This last time, it took a little longer to get back in the saddle. Woolven, 41, of Nettleton was practicing for a team roping competition when his horse rolled over on him. He suffered a crushed pelvis and a dislocated shoulder, and lost a tremendous amount of blood. He had surgery at North Mississippi Medical Center to repair the pelvic damage, and while he was recuperating, something else went awry.

"Three or four days after surgery, my oxygen level got really low," Woolven says. "I thought I was fine, but they said I wasn't breathing right." A computed tomography (CT) scan of his lungs uncovered the reason pulmonary embolism. Seniors Continued from page 1 today includes eight counties Webster, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Noxubee, Choctaw, Clay, Monroe, and Winston. In addition to the Reassurance Program, trained volunteers answer the Helpline phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They listen with a compassionate heart and also provide information and make referrals for those with emo tional, physical, or basic needs.

For further information or to enroll in the upcoming Volunteer Training Class, phone Lindy Thomason, Executive Director, at 327-2968. The next volunteer training class will be held each Saturday on February 4, 11, 18, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CONTACT is an agency of United Way. ill SAM cr tin ilkatliio iM A ft I mm I 0 I V'- ffl () I I 1 ,11, rw It may look like one grand mess but it's really a project in progress.

Contact Executive Director, Lindy Thomason (standing) and CONTACT Reassurance Coordinator, Esta Hayden (on floor) helped to fill brightly colored Happy Sacks that were delivered recently in Choctaw County to CONTACT Reassurance Seniors and Handicap clients. Assisting with the bags and deliveries were members of the Girl Scouts in Clay and Monroe Counties directed by Michelle Peterson. The scouts also used various treats to create a "turkey" snack for each bag. The "happy" bags have become an annual event this time of the year for the CONTACT Reassurance Clients who also enjoy the personal visits. K1 AWti CELLULAR SOUTH SALES SERVICE 1-877-CS0UTH1 CELLULARS0UTH.COM Existing Cellular South customers dial 611 Business and Government Sales 1-877-CS0UTH2 FREE FEDEX OVERNIGHT DELIVERY FOR ORDERS PLACED BEFORE 3:30 P.M.

Home Delivery Til CIKH'TAW LAINDEALER TUPEID ortti SloSterStrBBtBanres trossinE Wall CTRINTH Snutti JtHtjreTfftoatl (POUTETDC MifitwlBIJorth aBOHEWlLH HhittgelsfFTielliDtimten UIPLET itemcs Sons Brtraery WDNKMWl mm NatHmwitePlusraHms ptm mpNntn Mffion alBnKsm1nmivDur1imKiMltinmlDnM Go to "WW! bmai Hie turn ummuliuiwt-W utliw teUna ire watwtwl mrta untt by paimluim C20IR Mtulcr Sautti. kit 4U! fiigttte Rntnntl..