Deion “Coach Prime Time” Sanders said he was “hurting like crazy” after Colorado’s loss Saturday night at TCU and believes he has more blood clots in his leg.
“Cat’s out of the bag, all right. I think I’ve got more blood clots,” Sanders said. “It don’t make sense. I’m hurting like crazy. … I’m not getting blood to my leg. That’s why my leg is throbbing.”
The 58-year-old Colorado coach sat at times late during the 35-21 loss, and said he had a doctor’s appointment Monday to see about the issue.
“Sorry to get that out, but thank you for noticing,” he said when responding to a question after his health.
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If you remember, it was just over a month ago that Sanders began recovering from bladder cancer, which caused him to take time away from work for surgery during the offseason.
Blood clots are a serious symptom of bladder cancer, which can cause heavy bleeding and a risk of blood clots in the urine (hematuria). The cancer itself, as well as treatments like pelvic surgery and chemotherapy, can increase a patient’s risk for both bleeding and blood clots (thromboembolisms).
How Bladder Cancer Causes Blood Clots
Tumor-Induced Coagulation: Bladder cancer cells can produce clotting factors and stimulate inflammation, which increases the blood’s tendency to form clots.
Stagnant Blood Flow: The presence of a tumor can affect blood flow, making it more stagnant and further promoting clot formation.
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Treatment-Related Risks
Surgery: Prolonged or extensive pelvic surgery, such as a cystectomy, significantly increases the risk of thromboembolic events.
Chemotherapy: Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is also a known risk factor for blood clots in patients with bladder cancer.
Symptoms Associated with Blood Clots
Visible blood in urine (hematuria): You might see rust-colored urine or dark red/brown chunks in the toilet.
Urinary retention: A large blood clot can block the bladder, preventing you from urinating.
Pain: Blood clots can sometimes be accompanied by pain in the bladder or lower back.
What to Do if You See Blood in Your Urine
Seek medical attention immediately: Contact a doctor or urologist to have the cause investigated.
Don’t ignore it: Even if you only notice a small or one-time occurrence of blood, it should be checked out by a medical professional.
Be your own advocate: If you don’t get the care you need, don’t hesitate to ask for a second opinion from an experienced doctor or facility, notes City of Hope.
It is crucial to see a doctor if you notice blood in your urine, even if it’s a small amount, as it can also be a sign of less serious conditions but requires investigation.
How to Prevent Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common in women. While there is no definitive way to prevent bladder cancer, certain lifestyle modifications and screening measures can reduce the risk.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Quit smoking: Smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer.
Reduce alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk.
Maintain a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed meats, red meats, and sugary drinks.
Get regular exercise: Physical activity helps reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Protect from sun exposure: Wear protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors.
Limit exposure to chemicals: Avoid working with or being exposed to chemicals known to cause bladder cancer, such as dyes, rubber, and pesticides.
Screening:
Urinalysis: A routine urine test can detect abnormalities that may indicate bladder cancer.
Cystoscopy: A procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to examine the lining for signs of cancer.
BCG vaccination: This vaccine may help prevent bladder cancer in people at high risk.
So, What’s Next for Coach Prime?
“So that’s what’s going on,” Sanders said. “I’m not getting blood to my legs. That’s why my leg is throbbing. Sorry to get that out, but thank you for noticing.”
Sanders’ blood-circulation issues previously led to the amputation of two of his toes and the removal of parts of his left calf. That was when he was in the hospital for 23 days during the 2021 season as head coach at Jackson State. He previously said other members of his family have struggled with blood clots, too.
As far as what’s next for Sanders, he said he had a follow-up doctors appointment on Monday, 10/6, to address the growing issue.
How Doctors Commonly Treat Blood Clots
Doctors often use the following to treat blood clots like the ones Deion has.
Anticoagulant medications
The most common treatments for blood clots are anticoagulant medications, also known as blood thinners. These medications reduce the chances of new clots forming. They also help your body break up any existing clots.
Warfarin
Warfarin is a prescription anticoagulant that works by blocking the formation of substances in your blood called clotting factors. These substances promote blood clotting.
Enoxaparin
Enoxaparin is also sold under the brand name Lovenox. It prevents blood clots by binding to a substance called antithrombin III, which inhibits clotting.
Heparin
Heparin works by weakening the effect of proteins in your blood that promote clotting.
Direct oral anticoagulants
Direct oral anticoagulants are a newer group of anticoagulants. A 2017 research reviewTrusted Source showed that they are at least as safe as warfarin. They’re also less likely to interact with other medications or supplements.
Compression socks or stockings
Compression socks apply pressure to your foot and leg to help bring down swelling and improve blood flow.
Compression stockings extend to your upper thigh. They apply more pressure around your foot and less pressure higher on your leg. This helps keep blood and fluid from pooling in your lower body.
A 2018 review followed 1,681 people before and after having surgery. The researchers found that only 9 percent of people who wore compression stockings on the day before or on the day of surgery developed blood clots. In comparison, 21 percent of people who didn’t wear compression stockings developed blood clots.
Thrombolytics
Thrombolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots. You can receive them through an IV, or directly into a blood vessel through a catheter. Currently, doctors use thrombolytics including:
- alteplase
- anistreplase
- prourokinase
- reteplase
- streptokinase
- tenecteplase
- urokinase
- Surgical thrombectomy
A thrombectomy is a procedure where a surgeon removes a blood clot directly from your blood vessel. You might have a thrombectomy to remove particularly large clots or clots that are causing concerning symptoms.
Vena cava filters
A vena cava filter is a device that prevents blood clots from passing through the major vein that leads to your heart called the vena cava. They’re usually given to people at a high risk of developing a condition called pulmonary embolism because they can’t take anticoagulant medications.
