Hi Lars,

Probably not what you want to hear, but everyone heals at their own pace. We've gone through various levels of trauma and have different obstacles (job, genetic factor, etc) that may complicate or help the process. I hit and remained at a therapeutic INR after four weeks until I finished treatment. So figure.

The only thing I can think of is to be consistent in everything: Vit K intake, alcohol consumption, exercise, time you take your meds, etc. If you're constantly (and drastically) changing what you're putting in your body, your INR has a harder time leveling out.

Hope you have good lab reports!
JEB

It's not like cramming for an exam. It's a matter of time and patience. I know that's not what you want to hear, but seriously, that's really what most of us have kind of had to deal with.

It has taken me almost 4 months to get therapeutic with my INR. I have found that what works for me so far is exactly what JEB has said. Consistency in every thing. My DVT did permanent damage to the vein in my leg - it was the entire length of the leg. I now have Post Phlebitic Syndrome and every thing will be day by day. The number one thing for me was to always take my medications at the same time every day. Once I got that routine down things started coming together better. Good Luck and keep positive! CRoe

There isn't really a way to make this go faster. Trust me, we'd all be happier if there was!

For me, I just took it easy, kept the leg elevated when I could, light heat when it ached. Other than that, it was just waiting and letting my body heal, which took longer than I wanted it too.

Hang in there!

Yeah, and I don't think your INR numbers increase or decrease your leg improvement that much.

As everybody has told you so far, everybody heals differently and you can't hurry your body in healing.
Like RMB said, anticoag therapy will not make faster, nor slower your recovery, anticoag's soul reason of existence is to prevent you from cloting AGAIN, it has NOTHING to do with the existing clot.
Consistency is the keyword as JEB explained...

No other wise secrets, being at my second clot.

*PS*
If you are already consistent with your diet and all and INRs reasults are still fluctuating, this is something you and whomever manages your anticoag therapy have to work on.

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I'm wondering if there is anything that can help as far as exercise or diet goes.

Consistancy is a huge issue with me. I work a week on/week off shift so I'll go a week where I'm on my feet for seven long shifts. I have to wonder if that's just adding to the problem. But, unless I hit the lottery, I've got to work :)

We just can't get the INR stable. It was 2.1 Saturday, 4.3 Monday. When it's high, I have headaches, shakes, forgetfullness, and walk around in a daze.

Reading through some of the stories here, I do consider myself lucky to only have a few DVTs and not the more serious issues like a PE.

Ok, I'll just practice my patience. Thanks again.

Yeah, being on your feet for a long while can prompt swelling and what not, but that doesn't mean your clot is not improving. Did you say you wear compression stockings every day?

You may have some degree of swelling particularly after standing for the rest of your life. Doesn't mean you can't play sports and return to normal, just that there is often some residual affect from having a DVT.

Your INR can be affected by so many things, not just the kind of food you eat. If you are amping up the exercise here and there, or reducing or increasing your caloric intake, up and down, those things can affect your INR too, to some degree. So can supplements and medications, so if you've starting taking supplements that could have an effect. Doesn't mean you have to stop taking them, but that you need to be consistent so they can dial into the right dosage for you.

I found that once I just kind of quit trying to control every aspect of my INR, it stabilized. I stopped trying to eat for my INR, and obsessing about what I was doing etc, and that way, I just eventually fell into a natural rhythm with food and activity. Just be normal about it. The more you monkey around with your food and your exercise, you'll never get stabilized.