1. Community
  2. Blood & Immune System
  3. Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT Recovery Help

Posted , 5 users are following.

viospeed
viospeed

Hi all

I recently got out of the hospital as I was diagnosed with spontaneuous DVT. I'm a 28 year old male who works in IT and plays computer games in the evening with little excercise.

One day I woke up in the early hours of the morning with a saw thigh which felt like I had pulled a muscle on the front of my right thigh. I didn't really think much of it and went to work that day with a slight limp and some pain. I came home from work and had an early night and woke up the next day with the same pain. I went to work again however this time by the end of my work day I could barely walk and the pain was so excruiating I knew I hadn't pulled a muscle and it was something else.

I went to the hospital that night and my right leg started going purple and swelled up while I was in the emergency room. I had a quick ultra sound and then onto a CT scan where they determined the clot went from my groin area into my right thigh and this really scared me. At this point I actually thought I was going to lose my leg.

I spent 6 days in hospital on Heparin and some other clot busting treatment which got my leg back to a normal colour and swelling had reduced however the clot still remains there. I've been given Warfarin tablets to take for the next 6 months.

Now I told the doctors my occupation and that I sit on a chair a lot of the time and that my diet isn't the best.  In the end they didnt specify the cause and diagnosed me with "Spontaneous DVT"

Now after 10 days of my initial pain in my thigh I can walk a bit but only for a few minutes before it starts hurting too much. The doctors say I'm to get 100% mobilty back with Warfarin which I was very glad to hear.

My question is if I start excercing regulary, spending less time on the chair and eating better can I avoid any further complications down the track? I really want to avoid getting ulcers and as you can imagine no one wants to lose a leg.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • jane32999
    jane32999 viospeed

    Posted

    I had a DVT in 2013 and was on warfarin for 6 months. I wear the compression stockings and walk everyday. I have lost weight and do everything in my power not to get another DVT and so far I have been ok. You should be able to get back to normal, but sitting around is the worst thing you can do, just get up and have a stretch every half an hour !! 
    • viospeed
      viospeed jane32999

      Posted

      Thanks Jane. I'm also wearing compression stockings. Do you have to wear compression stockings for the rest of your life? Also do you wear yours 24/7 excluding shower time?

       

    • jen55592
      jen55592 jane32999

      Posted

      Hi Jane- I saw your enveloped calf Dvt in 2013 and was having painful leg for quite a while after. My calf Dvt leg causes me daily pain - was wondering how you are doing now 2 years later? How is the pain level? Daily? Sometimes?Hope it has gone for you completely. Thank you advance,

                                                    Jennifer

    • jane32999
      jane32999 jen55592

      Posted

      Hi Jen

      im still wearing the elastic stockings and I think I will for the rest of my life as they certainly help. I have started taking warfarin again as I keep on getting thrombophlebitis in my leg. Since starting warfarin again that has stopped. No DVT just painful lumps in the surface veins. Otherwise all good !!

    • jen55592
      jen55592 jane32999

      Posted

      Hi Jane , thanks for getting back to me so quickly.. Sorry to hear you are still getting superficial clots.. I hope there will be an end to that for you soon! I'm glad to hear your deep vein symptoms have resolved.. I'm still having difficulty standing still for any amount of time and have daily burning pain ( little swelling) need to have hope that I will improve from here.. 
  • jane32999
    jane32999 viospeed

    Posted

    Hi, I wear mine from the time I get up until I go to bed excluding bath time !! I was told to wear them for 2 years. They have really helped I'm sure, apart from when it's really hot and then it's unbearable !! 
  • sheila91262
    sheila91262 viospeed

    Posted

    Hi My son developed a very large dvt in his leg which went from ankle to within his hip, he found out later, this was post operative and because of being immobile.. Please read my posts on dvt and vte and post thrombotic syndrome as we have made lots of progress in a year.

    In summary look for more info on Thrombosis uk website, a really helpful charity.

    We were told be as active as you can and dont worry about pain or swelling as it doesnt do any harm long term, just take pain killers.Exercise helps the veins to open up more to help the blood flow and improves the formation of collaterals, generally this happens in the first 2 years. Try not to be inactive for more than 90 mins as this might lead to a dvt. Use stockings as much as possible but dont become a slave to them if you want to wear shorts in summer occasionally, wear for 2 years and remember to get re measured by nurse.

    See info on vascular consultant Mr Stephen Black at Guys and St Thomas Hospital if you develope Post thrombotic syndrome on internet.

    Hope this helps. We had to find out everything ourselves as the local general hosp was not upto date about treatment and then got GP referrals.

    Good luck.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.