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.
Hey everyone,
So I had a big clot behind my left knee in the popliteal space that was discovered in August along with PEs. It was never too noticeably swollen but was definitely a little bigger in that calf, felt more swollen, had more pain behind that knee, etc. It was feeling a lot better so in December when I got another Doppler and saw that the clot was gone I was not surprised. My leg was feeling great at the time, not 100% but I wasn't feeling the need to have it elevated all the time and wasn't constantly bothered by it like I was in the beginning.
About 5 days ago it started bothering me again, that same feeling of swelling and tightness, pain behind my knee and into my calf, constant irritation. I'm therapeutic on my warfarin so I shouldn't be able to be clotting again. I'm still wearing my compression stockings all the time. Is it possible this increase in pain and tightness is just part of the healing process? Has anyone else experienced this? I can't help but be paranoid.
So I had a big clot behind my left knee in the popliteal space that was discovered in August along with PEs. It was never too noticeably swollen but was definitely a little bigger in that calf, felt more swollen, had more pain behind that knee, etc. It was feeling a lot better so in December when I got another Doppler and saw that the clot was gone I was not surprised. My leg was feeling great at the time, not 100% but I wasn't feeling the need to have it elevated all the time and wasn't constantly bothered by it like I was in the beginning.
About 5 days ago it started bothering me again, that same feeling of swelling and tightness, pain behind my knee and into my calf, constant irritation. I'm therapeutic on my warfarin so I shouldn't be able to be clotting again. I'm still wearing my compression stockings all the time. Is it possible this increase in pain and tightness is just part of the healing process? Has anyone else experienced this? I can't help but be paranoid.
My cardiologist described it like getting cut with a knife. Most of the healing happens after the knife is gone.
The clot is gone, but you probably still have some scarring in there. Probably some tissues that were deprived of oxygen. Some valves in your veins that may not work quite right anymore. Some tissues that became totally saturated with blood because it was trapped behind the clot.
So, yeah, the clot causes all sorts of damage and it takes a while to get things sorted out and healing. I had improvement up to two years out with my first DVT.
Plus, I bet you started pushing your leg a bit more once you found out the clot was gone, yes? That would trigger some things too.
If you're not sleeping because of this, I would trot in to the doc. But, yeah, this sounds pretty standard.
Best wishes!
I think maybe my head is a little further along in the process than my body is because this whole clotting thing happened at the end of a very long process of a knee injury healing. I had surgery on my left knee (the same side where my clot was) two years ago almost and I struggled so long with it not feeling the same, working so hard at rehab and not healing - now I'm certain it was due to the clot even though doctor's think it was too long ago. I guess for me I'm SO ready to have my leg work properly again, I was hoping that absorbing the clot was the ticket and the last key to a functional leg!
It's been 2.5 years since I was able to play hockey and workout unrestricted. I'm mentally exhausted but I do have to remember to look at the bright side every day and think about how lucky i am to still be here and healing so well considering what I've been through.
I probably have been pushing myself more than I was, but still only walking at this point. I feel like there are people who are running and doing way more strenuous things at 5 months out.