Your doctor is correct. I know people here who end up having very little to no swelling and people who have some ongoing swelling and a few who have significant swelling. But I think 3 months is WAY too early to know how things are going to shake out.

Some people only wear compression stockings for a while. Some are told to wear them long term. I think it's something to revisit with your doctor.

My leg is about a good inch to inch and a 1/2 bigger on my DVT leg than my non DVT leg, around my ankle, calf and knee, but honestly, I think I'm the only one who truly notices it. I notice it most when I'm wearing jeans because pants are tighter on my DVT leg. My husband, who is sometimes a little too honest, says he really doesn't notice it much unless I point it out to him or I'm having a rough time where I have a little extra swelling on some days for some reason.

I would just try to take it a day at a time and not worry about it too much. You have plenty of time to heal. But there is this: if you want to wear short skirts, wear them. You can buy fun colored compression stockings (bunch of stuff on line, different colors and patterns) and in the summer, well sheesh, just go for it.

Try not to let this stop you from just being who you are. I wear skirts all the time, in summer and winter. In fact if I'm not wearing jeans, I'm wearing a skirt. I hate dress pants. I don't wear super short skirts but just above or at the knee, and I just own it. I'm so happy to have lived (my clots traveled to my lungs and almost killed me) that I can't imagine letting an ugly leg take me down.

My DVT was in pretty much the same place as yours. To start with my calf was almost 1 inch bigger than the other. Now one year later I have very little swelling. I still wear a stocking below the knee but I have gone the odd day without it - when wearing shorts etc. My DVT leg isn't much different in appearance than the other. A little pinker than the other and a bit bigger - maybe a cm. I don't notice the difference and to be honest don't really care what it looks like to other people. I have gone in 10 and 5 km runs and wear my stocking. No one pays much attention that I have noticed anyway.

I have the clot same leg same veins it's been 8 months and I still get a little swelling but not even as much as I did at 3 months. I have some pain still but that's due to valve damage I'm sure. I wear shorts with the colored stocking and the compression socks. Even skirts I even had a couple people who asked me where I got my stockings lol. I just laughed and said the medical supply store. Keep living no one pays too much attention. Hang in there it will get better

Hi,

Thank you so much for your supportive answers. Im having a rough time and no one seems to understand meAfter my DVT, my boyfriend left me and I got completely lost. At that time, I thought it was because of my swollen leg because, in my group of friends, I have always been the one with the most beautiful legs and now I feel that that is gone forever. Thats why it hearts so much looking at my legs and seeing that my right one is so different now, bigger than the otherI know its been just three months since the DVT, but for me its been three never ending months looking at my leg many, many times a day and feeling so sad. Maybe my boyfriend left me because he was not the right person for me. As simple as that. Or maybe it was because I cried (and still cry) a lot and stopped being the happy person I was before the DVT. But my life changed a lot and I couldnt cope with that easily. I was healthy, I still dont know what caused the clot, maybe the pill, but I believe I will only find out after doing the right exams in February, after stopping warfarin.

Its been so difficult to deal with this: hospital every other week, compression stockings, left by my boyfriend when I needed him the most, and a swollen leg. Maybe with time Ill learn not to look at my leg so much but at the moment Im doing it all the time and I dont allow myself to wear skirts or shorts, I just cant I want to believe that the swelling will disappear or at least it will go down to the point of almost not being noticed. I want to believe that everything will be ok. Some days I feel like Im going crazy; three months ago I was so, so happy, so healthy, so motivated to live my life and nowI dont know myself anymore and I dont like myself as I am now. I hope this feeling will go away. I know Im lucky to be alive, I know Im lucky that my clot didnt move to my lungs. I know all of that but even though it is very difficult to deal with this whole new situation.

(P.S. English is not my first language, so I may use wrong verb tenses or words, sorry)

Thanks a lot everybody,
Mathy

If you're struggling with your emotions and feeling down, you may want to talk to someone professionally. It can offer you tools for coping and coming to terms with things. It's a very confusing time, to feel lucky to be alive but yet feel depressed. I felt that way too for a bit after my diagnosis. I did see a therapist and it was really helpful to me.

No one can understand if they've never experienced a DVT. I mean, that's just human nature to not understand what you've not gone through yourself. I can't say why your boyfriend broke up with you and I know it's hard, especially if you're already having a hard time. But right now, you just need to focus on getting in a good place about things.

On a philosophical note, our looks are fleeting, whether you have a DVT or not, so it's important to have more than that to feel good about and be proud of, like being caring, being generous, being able to overcome obstacles, etc. I think what draws me to people is their confidence and how they carry themselves. That's attractive. You are more than a pair of legs.

Mathy,
Your command of the English language is excellent so don't worry about that. Your boyfriend left you? What an immature fool he was to have done that and you are well rid of him.
May I ask how old are you?
When I was young I was told that I looked like Elizabeth Taylor. My legs were also my best feature. I looked good in shorts at the age of 54 prior to my first DVT. The only time I wear shorts now is in the house.
I got my second DVT at the age of 64. I am so lucky to be alive.
My gorgeous blue eyes are now somewhat obscured by drooping eyelids. So much for what I used to be. My most important attribute is that of being a decent human being. I try to be kind to others. My grandchildren have gotten to know me in recent months as we just moved close to them and they are always excited to see me and my husband as we are kind, decent human beings.
Strive to be the best person that you can be. Physically we all change as time marches on. I know that you are young and when I was in my early 20's and had a dvt happen to me back then, I would have thought it was the end of the world.
Hopefully in the process you will find out who your true friends are.

When I was first diagnosed I had a tape measure in my desk drawer and measured my leg every day. I get how you are feeling. You will get better!

Hang in there! I know it seems hard for the moment, but it really will get better. I saw improvement with my leg up until about two years out. You're only three months out, so you've got plenty of time to get even better than you are now. I mean, my leg is still a little larger than the other one, but it isn't noticeable unless you're looking for it.

As for your boyfriend, thank your lucky stars that you found out what kind of a guy he is now. If he can't handle something like this, how will he do with all other challenges that come with being with someone for a lifetime?

I had my first DVT when I was 30. My boyfriend at the time (now husband) was extremely supportive and helpful. He let me hang out on his couch for the week they wanted me to take off work (he had cable, I didn't) and even did my Lovenox injections for me. You'll find the right guy; this was just bad timing.

Also, for some cute compression stockings that you'd be happy to show off, check out http://www.rejuvahealth.com/. I have a pair of their purple paisley that I've gotten numerous compliments on.

Great posts-- Toss, I completely agree, and Mathy, I know it's probably hard to hear, but I agree that your ex-BF sounds like he's better off as an ex. I mean, seriously, he hits the road because the leg is a little swollen and you cried a bit?

This is not helpful. Life is hard and dangerous, you deserve a partner who is fierce, brave and competent enough to handle setbacks like this. Me? Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't waste my time with anyone who couldn't handle something far more serious than what most of us in this group have been through already.

Brooklin, great notes from the other side of 60-- I'm 56, and it definitely bums me out that I can only see my six-pack abs... for, like, 8 seconds... right after swimming a half mile.... and even then, only if the lighting is exactly right!

My partner, who happens to be female (I use partner instead of wife out of solidarity with my LGBTQI brothers and sisters) has been incredibly supportive. Plenty of misunderstandings, sure, and everything changed a lot particularly after my first clot in '04. But going through this made us stronger-- a LOT stronger.

Crying is not a sign of weakness. Judging someone by physical characteristics or by their normal emotional responses, however, demonstrates significant weakness.

Took me many, many years to find a strong partner. Hang in there.

--Cat

Hi everybody,

Thank you so much for your comments and encouragement. Its nice to feel that we are not alone, that there are people out there that truly understand what we are going through.

Im a high school teacher and today I was talking to one of my students mom (Ive been teaching her daughter for three years now) and she noticed that I was a little bit sad. When I explained her what happened to me, she told me that her brother also has problems concerning blood circulation, once that he suffers from chronic venous insufficiency (although he has never had a clot). She told me that he used to be in a lot of pain, had swollen legs, etc. but his doctor prescribed him a herbal supplement that was kind of a miracle to him. She said that the supplement didnt put an end to his suffering but helped him a lot. According to her, he is now much, much better. And she even added that she also started to take the same supplement, once that she also begun to experience some discomfort in her legs (runs in the family). The name of the supplement is Venenkraft.

I did some research and found some websites about the product. It is very well known in Brazil and as I can read Portuguese I read some patients stories of their experience with the supplement. They also say that it is great! Some explained that they had some side effects as diarrhea and weight loss, but these were few. The majority of the patients say wonderful things! Theyve experienced huge improvement on the symptoms. Just like my students mother said.

I cannot take this supplement while on warfarin (no one who is on warfarin can), but when Im out of it (if the results of my exams allow that, of course, as I hope) Ill want to try this supplement, so Ill talk to my doctors about it.

Below there are two websites for you to check: one about the herbal supplement and another about horse chestnut, the main ingredient of the supplement. Read them and ask your doctors their opinion. I think its worth to give it a try.

Brooklin: I turned 40 this year. Last year I put an end to an almost seventeen-year-old relationship and this year I was feeling so great, so free that I went to Barcelona to celebrate my birthday. When I came back I met my (now ex-) boyfriend and fell completely in love. I was so happy, I thought 40 was the best age ever and thenthis nightmare. But you are right; we are so much more than our appearance. Nevertheless, at the moment, I would give almost anything to have my beautiful pair of legs as they wereyou know, it hearts.

Lwynn: I also have a tape-measure in my bedside table. I would measure my leg everyday for the first two months. Now I dont do it very often in order to maintain my mental health

Thank you all for your kind words.
Let me know your opinion on the herbal supplement.
Mathy

http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/horse-chestnut.aspx#axzz2jiUyPS9r

http://huebner-vital.com/en/prod-herz-kreislauf-venen-venenkraft-dragees.html

Hiya! I just wanted to add my compression stockings story. My first summer post DVT, I had a hard time showing off my ted hose. I spent a lot of time in jeans. But when I finally talked myself into wearing the hose in public with shorts, it was the most liberating feeling ever. I was saying I didn't care what other people thought and making a fashion statement. Find the hose that you want to wear with shorts, and rock em. Best of luck!

I have a tape measure next to my bed also!!! Haha!

I was pretty bummed at first as well, but have learned to adapt. I wore long skirts all summer with open toe compression stockings on my dvt leg. No one ever said anything, well, except an eccentric little 3yo. I also found some cute, wide leg linen pants I loved. I have had to buy all new jeans bc my old jeans were too tight and put too much pressure on my thigh (dvt is knee to groin). It was a bit of a trial and error, but I pretty much adapted and figured it out.

My swelling is no more than an inch more in any given spot, so I really think I am the only one who notices. It bugs me, but honestly, I am just so happy I am improving and my pain is for the most part at bay, that I live with it. It was a pretty rough 5-7 months, and am just grateful for some normalcy.

But as you stated, no one really gets it, and it is so hard to go from healthy to this. But u always think of what my er doctor told me the night of my diagnosis..."a lot of my patients would love to have this diagnosis." Meaning...it could be so much worse. All you are feeling is totally normal; we have all been there. It does get better!! xx

Dear Mathy- I'll add a man's perspective. I too had a DVT in my right leg from groin to ankle and many clots in my lungs. Almost died from it. The hospital moved a bed into my room for my wife in case I did not make it. I live in a warm climate and wear shorts and sandals most of the time. My left leg is withered from an early age so I look kinda odd with one jumbo leg and one real skinny leg. And a stocking on the jumbo leg as well.

What the heck? I survived and wore the thigh high stocking with my shorts and sandals. Why change my lifestyle because of a funny looking leg and wearing a stocking? My Doc got rid of the stocking after 6 months and the swelling was down considerably. It still goes up and down a bit but I don't measure it or anything. I exercise at the gym 5 days a week for an hour. Mostly leg exercises. Your X- boyfriend is a ass; well rid of him. Looks are fleeting, a kind soul is enduring. Best wishes.