Dear Editor,
President Trump probably doesn’t want any pictures taken with his feet on his desk. Maybe he never puts his feet on his desk. His recent diagnosis of a venous blood supply problem warrants such a recline two or three times a day.
Millions of Americans, especially seniors, deal with ankle and lower leg swelling caused by the flow of blood from the lower leg not returning to the heart as adequately as it did earlier in life. It’s not a debilitating issue unless it’s ignored in which case a blood clot could develop in the lower leg or behind the knee. Blood clots are not good as they are not good for the veins. Even worse, a blood clot in the lower leg can travel to the upper part of the body which could be fatal. Thousands of Americans die every year from blood clots that travel to the heart or cause strokes which can be debilitating and fatal.
The smart thing for our President to do is to put his feet up on his desk for ten minutes or so three or four times a day. He can do so when he is talking on his telephone or if he is having a casual meeting. Doctors typically recommend compression socks. There are different grades of compression socks. Some are very light and go on very easy while others are like fighting a war to put on because the compression is so tight. Most people don’t particularly enjoy compression socks. However, many testify that once you are used to them you feel better because your legs aren’t swelling as much during the day.
Besides compression socks and elevating your legs it’s good not to stand in one spot for too long. Walking is great, but just standing in one position can negatively impact the lower leg and the flow of blood as it returns to the heart. Sitting too long creates the same problematic scenario.
The President is doing the right thing by taking an aspirin a day to avoid clotting issues. Most people who develop a blood clot often end up on blood thinner for a while or a lifetime.
Alcohol makes your blood slicker. It doesn’t make it thinner as reported by a family physician.
A few years back, I had a pulmonary embolism after receiving my third covid shot so I have some experience to draw from on this.
President Trump can potentially live another robust 20 years or more. However, it’s reality, he is getting older and has to take care of himself.
Dr. Glenn Mollette
