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diagnosis of acute proximial DVT

Posted , 3 users are following.

john69167
john69167

I have a thrombus distending and occluding the popliteal and superficial femoral vein. The thrombus extends for a short distance into the common femoral vein, The upper common femoral/external iliac vein demonstates normal phasic variation. Thrombus is also seen distending the paired peroneal veins in the upper calf and one of the posterior tibial veins.

That is the ultrasound report which I struggle to understand, I have swelling in the foot and ankle and also in the calf. This is not too bad in the mornings but gets worse as the day progresses. Can anyone help me to understand just how serious my condition is. I am a sixty one year old male and am terrified that the swelling etc is going to be permanent, Can anyone help clarify this diagnosis at all please or advise in any way? I am seriously depressed about this and haven't received much explanation from the doctors at the hospital. Thank you. John

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • titanium
    titanium john69167

    Posted

    Hi John, have you been given anti coagulents?

    I don`t understand the report much either.......apart from he word thrombus, which seriously concerns me.

    My husband was ignored when we told the hospital about his shortness of breath and calf pain, he did not survive their total lack of care.

    Like you, no information was given.

    Show that report to anyone who will listen. GP or walk in centre,google DVT Information contacts.

    You are one of many people, I have learned through these forums, who are left to deal with the stress of this condition, without any guidance.

    Take good care of yourself, and please let me know how things go.

    Lyn.

    • john69167
      john69167 titanium

      Posted

      Thanks Lyn. Sorry to learn about your late husband. It sometimes seems as if doctors deliberately use an obscure language that is incomprehensible to ordinary folk. Similarly they often seem to ignore the symptoms we describe and which we intuitively know are serious and worthy of investigation. I don't mean to be overly critical and negative but as you say it sometimes seems as if we are left in the dark struggling to comprehend the complicated diagnosis they give us. Perhaps they simply don't know as much as they pretend to know?. If that is the case I for one, would be happier if they just admitted as much. I am following your advice and being proactive in seeking clarification of what I have been told. At the end of the day I feel you are right in saying that we are left to cope on our own. At least we have fellow sufferers to give support and share experiences on sites like this. Thank you for your support and I will let you know how I fare. Best wishes. John
  • sheila91262
    sheila91262 john69167

    Posted

    Hi John, A great example of medical speak rather than plain english. Your gp should have a copy of the report sent to him and you need to go and see him to discuss what it actually means to you and your health. Have you  been given prescription, professionally measured compression stockings to put on before you get moving in the morning? This will reduce the swelling during the day as the blood begins to pool in your foot and ankle.

    What about Warfarin, the usual treatment after a DVT, Thrombus, to reduce the likelihood of a further DVT. Your body will heal the clot and the swelling should go down over time. Look online for info. Do exercise to help your muscles contract and reduce the swelling and help your body to produce and utilise minor veins which expand to help the blood flow, called collaterals.

    This is from our experience when my son suffered a post surgery massive DVT which is life changing. I dont think yours is anywhere near as bad. Read on here for more details.

    Spear to your GP and ask questions, includingwhy you got it in the first place.

    Good luck

     

  • sheila91262
    sheila91262 john69167

    Posted

    Hi John,

    I forgot to say to mention that you need to look out for symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism, PE, just in case the clot breaks up and travels through the vein. As mentioned by Titanium, shortness of breath is an important symptom and requires urgent help, take yourself to A&E. Look at the DVT info from eg Guys and St Thomas online.

    Let us know how you are.

    • john69167
      john69167 sheila91262

      Posted

      Hi Sheila yes I am on rivaroxaban anti-coagulants. My GP says it is too early to have the compression stockings. He thinks the swelling is not too bad compared to what he has seen. I have had CAT scans of my abdomen pelvic area and chest and fortunately have no other clots which is a blessing. I am doing a fair bit of walking which I plan to increase as I understand this can help. After the initial shock and depression of my diagnosis I am slowly adapting to my new condition but I am not finding it easy. I am grateful to you for your advice and support( I have read all your replies with interest and attention) You sound like a very caring and resourceful lady and your son is very lucky to have such a mother. A fact of which I have no doubt he is well aware. I am going to look into the Guys and St. Thomas's info. Is it a Mr or Dr Black there or am I getting mixed up?. I am taking your advice and taking a proactive approach to my situation and will keep you informed via this site. Thank you again Sheila. Both you and Titanium have made me feel a lot less isolated and in the dark. Thank heavens for people such as yourself and this site which does so much good. I'll keep you up to date. Thank you so much again. John
    • sheila91262
      sheila91262 john69167

      Posted

      So glad that you seem so much calmer and have a good grasp of the medical condition now. Thanks for all the kind words, really good of you.

      The GP attitude to stocking is variable, some even still think they prevent post thrombotic syndrome as opposed to just reduce the symptoms. A friend of mine has a thrombus in a minor vein, so less serious than a deep vein, and was diagnosed at a large teaching hospital and sent home with stocking. I would respect their decision as being upto date as it has a very good reputation. After all the stocking just restricts the swelling and pain that goes with it.

      You must feel relieved about the scans and it shows they are looking after you. Don't worry about Guy's and Mr Black , he will only need to treat you if you have Post Thrombotic Syndrome and there is no reason to believe you will, so relax. 

      Keep up the good work with the walking, we have been told by Mr Black and his team that the healing process is helped by the exercise and its effect on the muscles and circulation.

      Keep informed.

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