Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group
Deep-vein thrombosis, also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein. It can be caused by something preventing blood from circulating or clotting normally. Join the support group if you are coping with DVT and find others who are going through the same challenges.
I could use a little boost, or even just a "howdy," as I'm swirling around in some physical and emotional discomfort. At nearly two years post VTE, having gotten accustomed to and functional at a certain level of daily pain and occasional but slight swelling, I started having a significant increase in pain that pain killers weren't touching, an ankle the size of a grapefruit and a calf that was swollen and hard. After two weeks of it, I went to the ER (where I was treated extremely well, I'm pleased to say, and where they understood my concern) and was able at least to learn it's not a new clot. I was told that some of us will have increased discomfort and swelling in hot weather, which was offered as an explanation. There's a lot of reflux, in my calf, behind my knee, and at my groin; and I was shown it during the ultrasound. I'm ashamed to admit I'm feeling quite sorry for myself. It's become difficult to give my best at work 8 hours a day. I know nothing about long term disability, but my workplace offers it, so I'm looking into it. I haven't been diagnosed PTS, but I feel certain I "qualify." I'm challenged at the moment in imagining good things in my future. I'm 58 years old, but I walk, move and feel ancient. I also struggle a bit socially, wherein I accept invitations, but end up having to cancel when the unpredictable fatigue and pain are just too much. Anyhow, thanks for letting me vent. I think of you all often, and view us as a community; we are a community I appreciate and send good wishes to, often.
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Look at what my best friend did with my picture!
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We all have 24 hours in a day. How we spend these hours is important. Watching a little bit of a video about how sitting affects us made me aware of how much sitting and laying down I do. Gonna have to work on that.Your turn. Tell me another truth.
I am 55 and hear you when you say you feel ancient. I have a couple of lower back issues so it is very hard for me to stand up straight when I walk. Thus, I use a cane, or on occasion as walker.....now a rollator. I am just about 2 months post PE & DVT.
I checked on Social Security disability but it states that you have to unable to work for at least 1 year or the condition will end in death. Although I can no longer work an 8 hour day, I can still work part time and I do.
I recently kind of "fell off" some bleachers at the swimming pool, so now am dealing with what I believe to be pulled muscles in the same leg I had my DVT. I just can't seem to win at staying healthy this summer.
I guess what I am trying to say, is that you are not a lone in feeling frustrated with your health issues and changes in your life. I know I am just a newbie compared to your length of recovery but I know it is going to take me a while to gain the ground back I had before this all hit me. Some days I wonder if I ever will gain it back!
So hang in there! We are here and listening whether we respond or not!
I wear a compression stocking and exercise every day. Some days my bad leg aches and I need a cane to hobble around. One day a large lump appeared in my calf. I was at my Doc's office when he opened. Scared to death I'd had another DVT. Everything was OK, whew, and my Doc told me to keep my bad leg elevated as much as possible. He told me there would times like this.
Not much help to you but misery appreciates company. I feel your pain.
In fact, since they ruled our another DVT, I can't help but think that's the issue. No there's not much you can do but wear your stockings, elevate your leg, etc. Your doc could also prescribe pain killers as needed. I have tramadol for when my PTS is really bad. I won't take anything stronger, and in fact, I rarely take tramadol period because it makes me dizzy. But it's good to have an option when it's really bad. I know for me, exercise actually helps with the PTS, specifically riding a bike. It seems to get the blood flowing without causing wear and tear on my leg . I am not saying this is for everyone and for some people it could be too painful, but I think exercise is a key to a lot of these issues.
Pain and discomfort just wear you down. I totally get that. But I think we can't give in either. I would rather feel the physical pain than feel enslaved by it. Somehow, the latter hurts me more.
I hope things turn around for you!
I broke my wrist in 4 places eight years ago and I can tell when it's going to rain because it hurts!
Having said all that, I am grateful to be alive. Trying to manage everyday pain has become a job but it keeps me busy and out of trouble.
By the way, this all started 11 years ago at the age of 54.
I can surely sympathize with you.
A pain management clinic sounds like the way to go.
I feel as though all I have been doing for the past ten years is trying to manage my pain whether it was from two DVT's, broken wrist, frozen shoulder and now impingement syndrome (worst pain ever).
I also have a problem with my balance. Have had it for about 5 years now. It was suggested that I do Tai Chi. So, today we are going to the local Senior Community Center where they have a Tai Chi class once a week for a donation of $3.00. We recently moved from a large city in NY to a small New England town and the services here are fantastic. There is an osteo prevention class (I already have osteoporosis but it wouldn't hurt to learn more).
I will look in on the Tai Chi class today to see what it's like.
I have never been one for doing things in a group!