DVT Experiences
Discussion
I got DVT with two blood clots in my leg 5 weeks ago after taking a long haul flight (6 weeks) after having broken ankle surgery. My doctor has prescribed Warfarin daily to keep my INR between 20 & 30 but Ultrasound shows the clots are still there.
What were your experiences? Did the clots go away? How long? Anyone have to have intervention? ...
Thnx
What were your experiences? Did the clots go away? How long? Anyone have to have intervention? ...
Thnx
I had one clot in January and one in the beginning of March caused by an anti-psychotic medication I was on. The first one was treated with a course of Dalteparin, and the second one with 3 months of Rivaroxaban which I've just finished. I'm still wearing the stocking as post-thrombiatic syndrome sounds pretty rubbish.
I occasionally get a fizzy feeling in my leg, and it's certainly weaker than the other leg but that's all I have to indicate there was ever an issue. I was told by the DVT specialist to avoid any strenuous exercise such as running, but I'm going to contact him to find out how long that needs to last. I assume you were treated by a DVT clinic or specialist at your local hospital, I've found mine very helpful and they're happy to answer any queries.
It's definitely something to take seriously and to follow the treatment plan very closely. Whilst my experience was incredibly painful and the treatment a bit of a chore, there are others on PH who have had far more traumatic and sadly tragic experiences with DVT.
I occasionally get a fizzy feeling in my leg, and it's certainly weaker than the other leg but that's all I have to indicate there was ever an issue. I was told by the DVT specialist to avoid any strenuous exercise such as running, but I'm going to contact him to find out how long that needs to last. I assume you were treated by a DVT clinic or specialist at your local hospital, I've found mine very helpful and they're happy to answer any queries.
It's definitely something to take seriously and to follow the treatment plan very closely. Whilst my experience was incredibly painful and the treatment a bit of a chore, there are others on PH who have had far more traumatic and sadly tragic experiences with DVT.
I've had several, in various places including an extensive leg one and also ended up with a blocked IVC which is long term and only came to light when having a CT for a seperate clot (kidney). Am on life long anti coag injections but less than a model patient and not always great at taking them. All my clots happened when I was smoking and you only have to see the effect a fag has on INR to see its a very bad idea. Alcohol has the opposite effect 
Apart from heaps of new veins up my chest, varicose vein in affected leg, and a blue patch on that ankle, no issues in ten years since my last one.
Good luck.
Apart from heaps of new veins up my chest, varicose vein in affected leg, and a blue patch on that ankle, no issues in ten years since my last one.
Good luck.
Rusty Gusset said:
I got DVT with two blood clots in my leg 5 weeks ago after taking a long haul flight (6 weeks) after having broken ankle surgery. My doctor has prescribed Warfarin daily to keep my INR between 20 & 30 but Ultrasound shows the clots are still there.
What were your experiences? Did the clots go away? How long? Anyone have to have intervention? ...
Thnx
The clots will gradually break down, can take several weeks to do so. The warfarin is there to prevent any new clots from forming.What were your experiences? Did the clots go away? How long? Anyone have to have intervention? ...
Thnx
I take it you got a decent amount of printed information and some verbal counselling re: diet, alcohol (not forbidden) and side effects etc?
McVities said:
I take it you got a decent amount of printed information and some verbal counselling re: diet, alcohol (not forbidden) and side effects etc?
Thanks to all.Thnx McVitie.. I never had much info other than what I've picked up online but will see a Cardio / Vein specialist tomorrow. Firstly I went to my Ortho surgeon and he had me Ultrasound scanned which is what discovered them and referred me to an in-house "Primary Care" (GP) who prescribed 5 days off Enoxaparin injections followed with Warfarin. After six weeks the clots never changed so recommended specialist. In retrospect I wish id asked to see specialist immediately
Rusty Gusset said:
Thanks to all.
Thnx McVitie.. I never had much info other than what I've picked up online but will see a Cardio / Vein specialist tomorrow. Firstly I went to my Ortho surgeon and he had me Ultrasound scanned which is what discovered them and referred me to an in-house "Primary Care" (GP) who prescribed 5 days off Enoxaparin injections followed with Warfarin. After six weeks the clots never changed so recommended specialist. In retrospect I wish id asked to see specialist immediately
Hi Rusty Thnx McVitie.. I never had much info other than what I've picked up online but will see a Cardio / Vein specialist tomorrow. Firstly I went to my Ortho surgeon and he had me Ultrasound scanned which is what discovered them and referred me to an in-house "Primary Care" (GP) who prescribed 5 days off Enoxaparin injections followed with Warfarin. After six weeks the clots never changed so recommended specialist. In retrospect I wish id asked to see specialist immediately
I broke my ankle and had operation in France 4weeks ago, only had a short flight of 2hrs with travel of approx. 3hrs either side to get home. Had to have leg raised fir duration of flight across 3 seats.
Surgeon in France prescribed the Enoxparin injections from day one with UK surgeon advising the same. Basically to be taken the whole time leg is in a cast.
Were you not prescribed these at the start, seemingly this is normal now?
Hope it clears up soon for you.
I had a DVT even though I was active. However, I was sitting at an office desk a lot.
You can get DVT from sitting for prolonged periods anywhere and not simply from being in a plane.
Mine manifested itself initially with a very painful left leg and then heavy breathlessness. I was easily swimming 1,200m before work each day and the breathlessness stopped me after each 25m length. I coughed up a clot one morning and that was that.
The diagnosis, in my case, was a lot of clots in my lungs but no-one knew the reason why at the time.
I was immediately placed on daily Heparin injections and Warfarin and monitored closely until my INR level stabilised between 2.0 and 3.0. My daily dosage back then was 8.5mg.
Subsequent in-depth blood tests revealed my blood to be naturally thicker than it ought to be and so the Warfarin became a permanent issue.
I now have an NHS-supplied remote blood testing machine and have stayed, other than the occasional blip, on a daily 8.5mg dosage. Blood test results are submitted via an online portal. It's incredibly convenient and easy.
The great thing is, nothing else changes other than no Aspirin. I eat blood-thinning foods. Not excessively, but as part of a healthy diet.
At my age (46), being on Warfarin is a good thing according to my GP. I fly a lot for work and I'm consequently protected to some degree by the medication.
Regarding your question about the clots, I was told they'd eventually disappear as the thinner blood effectively washes them away, or something like that. I had a recent chest X-ray as part of a work medical and nothing was noted there, for example.
You can get DVT from sitting for prolonged periods anywhere and not simply from being in a plane.
Mine manifested itself initially with a very painful left leg and then heavy breathlessness. I was easily swimming 1,200m before work each day and the breathlessness stopped me after each 25m length. I coughed up a clot one morning and that was that.
The diagnosis, in my case, was a lot of clots in my lungs but no-one knew the reason why at the time.
I was immediately placed on daily Heparin injections and Warfarin and monitored closely until my INR level stabilised between 2.0 and 3.0. My daily dosage back then was 8.5mg.
Subsequent in-depth blood tests revealed my blood to be naturally thicker than it ought to be and so the Warfarin became a permanent issue.
I now have an NHS-supplied remote blood testing machine and have stayed, other than the occasional blip, on a daily 8.5mg dosage. Blood test results are submitted via an online portal. It's incredibly convenient and easy.
The great thing is, nothing else changes other than no Aspirin. I eat blood-thinning foods. Not excessively, but as part of a healthy diet.
At my age (46), being on Warfarin is a good thing according to my GP. I fly a lot for work and I'm consequently protected to some degree by the medication.
Regarding your question about the clots, I was told they'd eventually disappear as the thinner blood effectively washes them away, or something like that. I had a recent chest X-ray as part of a work medical and nothing was noted there, for example.
Tighnamara, thanks.. Unfortunately I wasn't given that advice from my Surgeon 
Bellini, ...Much appreciated, your reply helped. I am a close analogue regarding age, fitness and sitting at a desk job. I ride a bike competitively, training 5 or 6 times a week. I just visited the cardiologist and he even mentioned that my lower heart rate may have contributed. He told me I may be on continued Warfarin for some time or forever, especially on long haul flights etc. He also said that, at this point, the clots will no longer erode away but other arteries and veins will enlarge in time, allowing greater flow, lowering the swelling in my foot. I've also been prescribed compression socks for life. Joy.
On another issue.... I've been shocked by the medical assistance here I the USA. They may have fantastic facilities and well qualified Docs but they cant match the NHS for start-to-finish care. You are left on your own to decide what Docs to use, they wont commit for fear of being sued and seem to be merely in it for the Buck only. The NHS should be treasured. (Rant over)
Bellini, ...Much appreciated, your reply helped. I am a close analogue regarding age, fitness and sitting at a desk job. I ride a bike competitively, training 5 or 6 times a week. I just visited the cardiologist and he even mentioned that my lower heart rate may have contributed. He told me I may be on continued Warfarin for some time or forever, especially on long haul flights etc. He also said that, at this point, the clots will no longer erode away but other arteries and veins will enlarge in time, allowing greater flow, lowering the swelling in my foot. I've also been prescribed compression socks for life. Joy.
On another issue.... I've been shocked by the medical assistance here I the USA. They may have fantastic facilities and well qualified Docs but they cant match the NHS for start-to-finish care. You are left on your own to decide what Docs to use, they wont commit for fear of being sued and seem to be merely in it for the Buck only. The NHS should be treasured. (Rant over)
dave_s13 said:
My wifes cousin died from one after breaking his leg coming off his motorbike. Age 32.
Very rare obviously but make sure you're on to 999 at the merest wiff of any chest pains, shortness of breath, dizzy spells etc.
Dave. That's tragic...thanks for sharing. Can I ask did he pass away after being diagnosed as having a clot was there any indications / warnings?Very rare obviously but make sure you're on to 999 at the merest wiff of any chest pains, shortness of breath, dizzy spells etc.
No. He got knocked off his bike at fairly low speed and broke his leg quite badly. It seemed to develop in the after care stages and although he was getting intermittent leg pains it wasn't picked up by anyone. He was really getting better actually. Had a sudden turn for the worse and the rest is history.
And yes, it was utterly tragic and to be honest, avoidable I think the nursing team looking after him dropped the ball really.
Good luck with it though and don't panic yourself as serious complications are rare. Just do as your told!!
And yes, it was utterly tragic and to be honest, avoidable I think the nursing team looking after him dropped the ball really.
Good luck with it though and don't panic yourself as serious complications are rare. Just do as your told!!
dave_s13 said:
No. He got knocked off his bike at fairly low speed and broke his leg quite badly. It seemed to develop in the after care stages and although he was getting intermittent leg pains it wasn't picked up by anyone. He was really getting better actually. Had a sudden turn for the worse and the rest is history.
And yes, it was utterly tragic and to be honest, avoidable I think the nursing team looking after him dropped the ball really.
Good luck with it though and don't panic yourself as serious complications are rare. Just do as your told!!
Do you happen to know which bone in his leg he broke? Was it his femur (the thigh bone)? If so it's a very unfortunate and also relatively uncommon consequence is that you can get what is effectively a fat embolism which behaves similarly to a blood clot which goes to the lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism. Sadly it's something that doesn't wave a big red flag before it happens as the symptoms tend to be the same as the presenting complaint (i.e. pains in the broken leg).And yes, it was utterly tragic and to be honest, avoidable I think the nursing team looking after him dropped the ball really.
Good luck with it though and don't panic yourself as serious complications are rare. Just do as your told!!
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