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.

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jbmc777 05/21/2014

Hi all. Two and a half weeks ago I had a doppler on my legs that showed some progress (blood flow) in my right leg. The clotted veins are no longer fully occluded, and there is some blood flow. First sign of progress since diagnosis 2/17/14. And improvement happened over a 4 week period since last scan. My left leg was clear, and never had clots .I am on Xarelto 20mg, had a blood test with hematologist showing Xarelto was working. I also have a lymphedema specialist who has me wearing 30/40 compression thigh high hose on DVT right leg.

Finally the question. I did a 7 hour car ride to SC, then did a 7 hour return trip one week later. This was last week. I wore my stocking on right leg, and a knee high on left leg. I got out every 90-120 minutes to walk a bit. Now the last two days, my left leg (non dvt) has been crampy in the calf, and twinging behind the knee. Very similar to sensations I had in my right leg that led to my doctor visit to discover DVT on right leg.

Can you develop a new DVT while on blood thinners in Non DVT leg due to a long car ride? Could be anxiety, but wanted to know if anyone experienced something similar. There is no swelling, or color change, just these new pains.And they are not constant, just sporadic, 4-5 times yesterday and today so far.

Thanks All.

TossNTurn 05/21/2014

I guess it is theoretically possible, but I would say it is really, really, really unlikely. Sounds like you did everything right with the travelling, so I can't imagine you developed another DVT, especially while you're already on meds.

Have you been doing any more walking around the last few days? Any chance you've been limping and putting strain on your non-DVT leg? From my experience, limping is usually the cause of pain elsewhere in the body after a DVT. Also, I sometimes get minor aches and pains in my legs when the weather is changing, so if you've had anything like that recently, that might have something to do with it too.

I mean, if you're going to lie awake at night and worry about it, you might just go get checked out. However, your doc might not do an ultrasound anyway, just because you're already on meds.

Brooklin 05/22/2014

I developed my first clot in my right leg due to a long car ride that was 9 hours each way. I always feel anxious and develop symptoms after any car ride or long train ride.
Always wear your stockings and get up and move around.
I would say it's mostly due to anxiety but always be aware that it could happen again even if you've taken precautions.

stefan014 05/23/2014

Hello everybody. Im new to this forum. Considering your question, the fact that you are on Xarelto should protect you. I would neverthess check this out. One of the more curious findings of the DACUS study was that about 20% of patients that have residual (chronic) clots develop another DVT in the contralateral (i.e. the non DVT leg). The reason for this is not clear but this is what the authors say: "Of interest is the fact that at least 20% of the recurrent thromboses occurred in the controlateral leg, a finding that supports the hypothesis that RVT [Residual Vein Thrombosis] can indicate the presence of an underlying prothrombotic state triggering a sustained hypercoagulability." Based on your description then you seem to have some residual/chronic clot(s) in the DVT leg?

As you are on xarelto, you should be protected, but if you still have symptoms I would still check it out (i.e. D-dimer and/or ultrasound..). Alternatively, your pains could be just muscular and caused by the long-drive...

jbmc777 05/25/2014

Thanks all. Stefan, I am 3 months into treatment for my first DVT in right leg. So I hope I don't have residual clot when it's all said and done. Your information is very interesting, thank you for providing it.
Due to the extent of the clots, I understand it is a strong possibility I will have residual. My left leg does not ache as bad. I drank more water and wore a knee high on that leg and it felt fine minus a few aches and pains.

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