Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

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Yesterday I had my first visit to the hematologist. I wasn't thinking clearly I guess, and now have some questions about tests that maybe someone here has had.

I have the slew of blood tests, 3 of which need to be done on Monday, so they can be sent out and tested within 72 hours.
Basic Metabolic
Hepatic Function
Homocystine
Preg. Test (standard order according to the dr. I sure hope it's negative!)
Antithrombin III
Factor V Leiden
Lupus Anticoagulant Screen with extended testing for Antiphospholipid AB & Anticordiolipin AB
CBC/Platelet/ Manual Differential
Occult Blood Screen (gotta love that!)
Prothrombin 620210A gene
MTHFR C677T & A1298C gene

Then he ordered a head MRI since I have had vertigo and headaches since this fun journey began. I told my kids he is just making sure Mom has a brain. Last is a pelvic/ abdominal CT scan. The reason stated on the order sheet is "DVT: rule out occult malignancy". He had asked if the chest scan that the hospital performed included the pelvic region, then he saw it didn't , so he ordered one.

He is also an oncologist, so I wonder if he is just covering all possibilities. He had his female PA do a breast exam and then had her call to make sure I had a mammogram scheduled before I see him again. Is it standard practice to have cancer screens done after a DVT? I was sent home with two bottles of barium for the CT scan. My husband and I are a little concerned. I wasn't really worried until I saw this doctor! Thanks all for any input!
Posted on 10/30/09, 10:10 am

Hug karat...

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11 Replies | Most Recent

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Reply #1 - 11/02/09 9:27am

I also had my first hematologist appointment last week too!! I think I am having the majority of those tests done, I am having 9 done and it looks like you are having about 11. I am not have a basic metabolic lab because I just had one, or a pregnancy test or CBC because I always have blood taken! I am just having all the Genetic testing done! Of course all the scary ones and the ones that take freakin' forever, right?? I am not having anything else done, because I had a mamogram this year (at 23 yeah, what the heck?) a CT from constant headaches and abdominal issues, and about 10 MRI's. Literally... I have basically had every test done this year other than the genetic disorders which is why that is all he is pulling and he is getting all the other stuff from my other doctor's first to see if he wants to look at the other stuff again. I have been really sick this year with odd things and nothing ever came back, so the blood is all he needed to do for now. Thank Goodness!

So we should be getting our results back about the same time...I went on the 30th to have my blood drawn. They said about 4 weeks, is that what they told you? I am a little anxious, I can tell you are too. I think it is okay to be nervous. But not be paralized from it... Alot of these things are obviously standard...

I am not sure where Ridgway PA is, but I am in Harriburg. Is that near Harrisburg.. LoL I wonder if we have the same doctor?!?!

Reply #2 - 11/02/09 10:16am

Hi Danielle! Ridgway is about 3 hours from Harrisburg (We have relatives there. Hubby grew up in Chamber's Hill). My doctor is from DuBois and travels to the "outback" once a week to see his oncology patients here.

My next appointment is November 12 and he hoped to have the majority of the results by then. The abdominal CT scan was changed to an ultrasound (insurance wouldn't approve the CT scan so at least I don't have to drink barium). I guess he wanted to re-check some of the blood work, because I had many tubes drawn with each hospitalization. I've had weird health issues most of my life, so both my PCP and the hematologist are trying to rule out any major problems.

I haven't been nervous until I was on my feet too much this weekend, catching up on chores left undone for the past 2 months. My foot turned white and then purple with huge veins and my ankle swelled. My husband asked if I needed to go to the ER. I told him it was "normal" and I just needed to elevate my legs (I kept an eye on it just in case). He insisted on finishing the cleaning for me :-).

Reply #3 - 11/02/09 10:23am

Wow, I live right near Chambers Hill! Small world! About 35 seconds actually... really!

Well, glad you don't have to wait!!! Hope it all turns out well for you.

I've had weird issues as well, especially in the past 2 years. All of my tests come back normal or incunclusive, which is weird. It always stems from a CBC that "looks funny" and then they decided to do some weird test that ends up being normal. Two weeks later I'll have another CBC and something else looks funny, so they do something else, and NOTING. I've had endoscopys, colonoscopy's CT, MRI, ultrasounds, diabetes tests (I'm hypoglycemic they found out LOL), liver biopsys...anything you can name. I had a TIA 2 years ago... its been never ending it seems. Hopefully this DVT is what saved my life, if you know what I mean. I hope this hematologist is the one who can give me an answer as to whats going on with me in a weird way.

I had the same experience with my feet. For some reason I decided to go to NYC in September and was on my feet for a long time. My feet too turned purple and red, and other weird colors and my veins were huge. Weird and scary, I elevated my feet and it got better... and took a warm bath though I'm not sure thats what you're supposed to do, but it sure felt good!

fiveostang

Reply #4 - 11/02/09 1:46pm

Cancer is a known cause of DVTs, so having various cancer screenings should be a part of getting checked out.

Eric

LauraLu

Reply #5 - 11/02/09 3:54pm

Wow, he's really being thorough. My hematologist is also an oncologist, and he did order a mammogram right after my first visit with him, but not the CT scans. All my other tests have been blood tests, including tests for autoimmune and thyroid function.
I can't stand tests though - I worry a LOT about the results, and they do seem to take forever to get back.
Regarding cancer and DVTs; my mind was put at ease a bit when one of my doctors told me that you would probably have other signs of cancer prior to a DVT, like sudden weight loss and fatigue.
Bright side: When your tests come back all clear, you'll feel extra great knowing you've had a very complete check up!

Reply #6 - 11/02/09 6:11pm

I called my PCP about my foot turning colors and getting more numb than usual. I also started getting hives from my compression hose. I just got home after running errands and had a message to call his office at 8:30 am because "he wants me to have a test done". Sigh. I'm not sure what's left to check. He told me at my last visit, if there is something odd, I probably have it ...

Reply #7 - 11/10/09 2:28pm

Hey, just wondering if you got your results back. I called my hematologist today because I have not patience and the results are in even though he said Thanksgiving! Unfortunately, he decided to take a VACATION until the 16th and the nurse said that she cannot give me the results because he needs to speak with me. What the heck?? Anyway, I hope all is well with you, and here I sit, playing the waiting game still!! Good luck and God Bless!

Reply #8 - 11/10/09 2:43pm

Hi Danielle,
I have my follow-up appointment on Thursday. I'll let you know how it goes. My pelvic ultrasound is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The nurses can't discuss the results until the doctor reads them. It's frustrating, I know! All the technician could tell me after my brain scan was that I had a brain. At least that was encouraging! :-)

Reply #9 - 11/10/09 2:56pm

By the way, they sent me for a CT, an ultra sound and a trans vag. ultra sound on friday. Odd... very unexpectedly though, I got very ill this past week and they have done a kazillion tests!! Ugh, I'm sick of being sick. Somedays I just can't take it. In an odd way, I need these test results to come back, and I need them NOT to be inconclusive or negative!!! As horrible as that may sound!