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.
Guys I have already posted this in the PE discussion board but I wanted to post it here too. I actually had a PE (blood clot in the lungs) but it is still the same type of treatment as for DVT.
I have been on anticoagulants for 6 months. Warfarin for a month and then Lovenox for 5 months. They did a repeat CT scan in December which was at 4 months. Today I went to see my cardiologist and he asked how much longer I was on the anticoagulants and I said they are going to check the clot in may and if it is gone then I get off of the anticoagulants. My cardiologist said that sometimes the clot NEVER goes away and that I should just stay on the Lovenox for one more month to make 6 months on Lovenox, Then I can get off of it. He says there isnt any since in me staying on Lovenox until it is gone since it may never go away. This is scary to me. If it doesnt go away how do I keep from it getting larger? I am worried. Does this mean I wont get 100% lung function back? I dont know who to trust. The other doctor who says I need to stay on it until it is gone is a GP. I am still having chest pain which concerns me.
Has anyone heard of this? Or has anyone gotten off of anticoagulants when there blood clot was still present?
Melissa
I have been on anticoagulants for 6 months. Warfarin for a month and then Lovenox for 5 months. They did a repeat CT scan in December which was at 4 months. Today I went to see my cardiologist and he asked how much longer I was on the anticoagulants and I said they are going to check the clot in may and if it is gone then I get off of the anticoagulants. My cardiologist said that sometimes the clot NEVER goes away and that I should just stay on the Lovenox for one more month to make 6 months on Lovenox, Then I can get off of it. He says there isnt any since in me staying on Lovenox until it is gone since it may never go away. This is scary to me. If it doesnt go away how do I keep from it getting larger? I am worried. Does this mean I wont get 100% lung function back? I dont know who to trust. The other doctor who says I need to stay on it until it is gone is a GP. I am still having chest pain which concerns me.
Has anyone heard of this? Or has anyone gotten off of anticoagulants when there blood clot was still present?
Melissa
I had a massive PE 18 months ago. I was concerned too about the clot being in my lungs and getting bigger. But, I understand that the normal course of treatment is blood thinners for 6 months. As long as you are on blood thinners, the clot should not get bigger. As time passes, your body will just absorb it.
Since I was diagnosed with a "idiopathic DVT" my heamatologist is keeping me as an anticoagulant "long term user" if I do 6,9 or 12 months and then stop, the chance of me having another clot is 19%, I may even be on anticoagulant for the rest of my life...(sigh!)
I strongly STRONGLY urge you to talk to your hemotologist or other specialist about your options and treatment. GPs mean well, but they are GPs and for cases like ours we need a specialist to watch over us.
I hope that everything works out for your best health, whatever route that may be.
I have also been told sometimes the clot does not go away and quite honesty I think I may be in the 'sometimes' category. I will probably know for sure at my next ultrasound at 12 months post DVT.
The clot resorbs..and the vessel will recannulize (so blood will flow through it).
Anticoagulation isnt done to help the clot resorb...its done basically to prevent the clot from expanding (and another clot to form on top of it). Resorption happens on its own
Dr O.