Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

My doctor told me to gradually start back exercising as soon as I got my compression stockings. I wear them from shower to bedtime. I started out with breathing and easy stretching and then walking. My doctor cautioned me not to do anything dangerous like hang-gliding or motorcycle riding because of the Coumadin, but other than that he left it up to me and what my body can tolerate. I ride a stationery bike for short periods. I had to get a cushion to put on the seat because my veins in my upper legs were sore.

That is the key...listen to your body, wear your stockings, and drink lots of water. Dero can tell you more about biking. He has recently been able to start back. That's probably what he's doing this weekend. Anyway, take it easy at first. You might want to ask your doctor also, since you have so many other health conditions.

Thank for taking the time to reply.I do appreciate it.

I returned to using the bicycle after a running injury and have very much enjoyed doing so. I use it for alternative transportation to work on some days, and as a complement to slow running.

Your doctor is the arbiter for when it is time to return to such activities, and is also the advisor for any risks that may be involved with the location and status of your clots.

Generally speaking, it is more advisable than ever to use a helmet and to stay out of heavier traffic as much as possible. Any traumas to the head are treated very seriously while on anticoagulation.

Oxysox seem to be a good choice for athletic compression stockings.

When you do get the inevitable fall with the requisite scrape (hopefully minor) what you are likely to find is that the bleeding takes a while longer to scab over, but it does not continue profusely.

Fosterke,

I agree with bulldog and More2be. Listen to your doc and your body.

I'm about 7 weeks post-DVT discovery and starting anticoagulants. I'm a former runner, got a hamstring avulsion, got it repaired, and got a DVT from surgical recovery. I'm not supposed to be running anyway based on the hamstring recovery schedule, but I am walking 1.a brisk 1.5 miles a day, and working out with weights, including light benches, but I can't do standing curls with the curl bar because my hamstrings can't handle the stress while standing and curing 75lbs, so I am doing more dumbells. It took me about the 7 weeks to work up to this, so as Bulldog said, you need to gradually work into it. And make sure you check with your doc!!

More2B,

Those Oxysox socks are interesting. I didn't know they existed. I'm looking at getting a couple of pairs, but they are pricey!

Ace

My question to YOU is when were YOU diagnosed???
Yes, it makes a big difference, you will notice tha many of the members here are as or are working on getting back in shape, but in the first three months, I would say NO, not yet, you need to let those clots anchor themselves SOLIDLY into the interior walls oft he veins.
Pulmanary Embolism is noy an option you want to chance.

I would say walk and swim if you are in that 3 month period.

Fosterke,
sounds like you've been having a rough patch!!
I've herniated a disk in my lumbar, and have had the DVT, but not at the same time.
Due to the on-going pain from the DVT and the disk, I found swimming to be really helpfull as I was easing back into exercising. At least until things start to hurt less and you can move onto other activities. Swimming should take any load off your back, so i would give that a try. As for biking, that actually aggravates everything for me, but as always, everyone is different.....

Good luck!

I have a herniated disk in my lower back. I would *highly* recommend, if you are a serious biker, that you look into getting a recumbent bicycle. You sit down lower, in an actual seat, with your feet somewhat elevated. They take a little getting used to, but are SO MUCH more comfortable for your lower back, and also do not present the same kinds of problems for groin area veins that traditional bicycle seats do. Now that I've used a recumbent, I'll never go back to a traditional bike.