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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Nervous about sleeping/being immobile

amelhu
amelhu
I am off coumadin at this point, and delighted to be such, but it seems like when I wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning, I instantly think about my leg and how I haven't been moving for the past few hours because I've been asleep. This makes me get concerned about another clot. I'm afraid that just laying in bed is going to lead to another DVT. I always try to flex and stretch my legs if I do wake up, but I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice? Thanks!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, I feel the same concern almost every morning. Although, I am still on coumadin and will be for a few more months. I am putting my faith in God and try not to worry.If I am worrying than I'm not fully trusting him. That my advice is to trust God.
JEB2007
JEB2007
In the beginning I'd worry about it, but eventually you just get used to it. And the possibility of a clot getting loose and causing problems in that short timespan is kinda slim, at least in my eyes (I have no stats to support that, but rationally, anyway). I also tend to move a lot during the night.
I guess I'm saying it's just something that you get more comfortable with as time passes.
Catalyzt
Catalyzt
Ya, those kinds of worries are totally normal, we all have them, and there is very likely no danger if there's no numbness or other symptoms. What I hate are charlie-horses in the middle of the night in my bad leg-- once every few months I will get this intense cramp and get thrown out of bed, wake up on my feet, and scare the heck out of my wife and dog! But we all fall back to sleep, and doc says it's no big deal. The only time it might be important to wake up and stretch is on plane trips-- don't worry about looking silly or alarming the flight attendant, they really won't care if you explain.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi

I must admit I never really worried about this in particular, so do not really know how you are feeling, but from a sensible point of view I would say that when you are asleep your body and your legs are horizontal and therfore your blood is able to flow back to your heart freely without any problems with your blood pooling.

I know its easier said than done, but I honestly wouldn't worry about this, as everything I have ever heard tells me not to worry about being horizontal.

Take care

Sue
x
rmb
rmb
I had my DVT 6 months ago. I tend to sleep in a fetal position, really tight with my knees to my chest. For the first 3 months after the DVT, I made sure that I straightened out my legs before I fell asleep for fear of a clot.

Even now, I think about it before I fall asleep but I no longer do it. I think with time, you are able to relax and remind yourself that the DVT isn't who you are 24/7.

Stay positive!
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