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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Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

Ease my mind

littlefoxie
littlefoxie

I am a 20 year old female and I’ve been diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms and a dvt in my right leg that’s from my hip to my ankle. A week prior to going to the hospital I got back pain and along with that got sharp pain when I took a deep breath but chalked it up to my back and tried to live with it and then I got him pain like I had pinched my siatic nerve so I was having hip pain but decided to put heat on it and take Advil to see if it got better. What finally drove me to the hospital was excruciating back pain with sharp side pain when taking a deep breath so I went to an urgent care but as I was in the car and the little I was walking my leg swelled to the point I couldn’t walk anymore and needed a wheelchair at urgent care. They sent me to the Er because they didn’t have and ultrasound and low and behold they found a blood clot in my leg and it went all the way down it and I had a PE in both lungs my discharge papers say I have multiple PE’s. I was in the ICU for a day while on an IV drip of thinners to get my blood  therapeutic and then they moved me to intensive care and put me on blood thinners that I take every 12 hours. I am honestly scared. They sent me home Monday I was admitted on the Saturday before. Since my leg has swollen I can’t walk and my leg gets to hurting so much I can’t do anything but cry and hope it goes away. I have a walker that I hop around with to get to the restroom but otherwise I stay in bed with my leg up to keep the pain away. I’m really scared to be home and I’m scared to walk for fear of the clot moving or breaking off and I just don’t know what to do. They say my clots were caused by my birth control as I was on the patch and took a road trip back in January. How do I get back to walking? How do I keep functioning knowing it could break off? 

legs11
legs11
The meds should bring your leg down after about a week.Sometimes it wont return to normal size.It might be a small bit bigger.Sometimes this can take up to 6 months to return to normal due to fluid.After a week you should start liking around even if its still a little sore because its better for circulation.You need to get compression stockings which will help to bring down the swelling and prevent post thrombotic syndrome.They didn't keep you in very long they probably should have kept you in longer.Also pay a visit to your general practitioner tell him or her what happened ask them to explain things to you and ask any questions you might have.Prepare a list of questions also for your hematologist appointment write them down so you don't forget and bring someone with you to help you to remember their answers because its difficult processing all the new info they will throw at you.
littlefoxie
littlefoxie
I was surprised they sent me home so soon I’m still scared to be home honestly. I am going to see my normal doctor on Thursday. Do I need a prescription for compression stockings? My lung doctor doesn’t want to see me for 6 weeks is that normal?
rmb
rmb
Your leg will improve. My dvt hurt the most after diagnosis. If your doctor said to try walking, you need to do that. Start slow for just very brief walks. I started just with walking to the garage and back. I did that several times a day. Then I worked up to walking a lap in my yard, then two, then walking down to the corner of my block, then around the block, etc.

They do not release you from the hospital if you are still at risk, so keep that in mind. You are on anticoagulants which prevents newclots. Your existing clots are starting to resolve. Part of your leg pain is due to healing. Your body is forming collateral veins to accommodate blood flow.

You will be ok. It will take some time but you will. Ask your doc about stockings. Not everyone needs them and sometimes they don’t help with that acute pain you feel right after diagnosis.
littlefoxie
littlefoxie
I’ve been using a walker to get around because I cannot get but 8 steps and my leg wants to give out. I will ask about the stockings at my appointment. This pain is excruciating and I hope it subsides with the swelling.
legs11
legs11
Good stuff.good luck.
LJT19
LJT19
How are you getting on now? I have heard that not everyone needs the stockings however others swear by them. Please give us an update.
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