Get myself to the Er as fast as I can! Remember, you have to be your own advocate here. Don't let what someone might think of you get in the way of what you think is going on. You know your body better then anyone else! So get your tail feathers in there and demand an ultrasound and tell them if they refuse to do one then you want it on record that you asked for one and they refused you, that might change their tune. Nobody wants to get sued! Wish you well.

When I had my clot they took a d-dimer test as well. It tested at 450, which is still within "normal" range, but high in the range. "normal" is under 500. I think it is good to know what you tested at both times.

I was having leg pain recently and my d-dimer was tested again. I had to remind my doctor that I had tested in range that first time. The second time I tested at 250, which made me feel a lot better knowing what I did about the first test.

If the pain hasn't subsided any after a week since seeing the doctor I think it's reasonable to ask him to see you again or visit the ER.

With my second DVT, my leg just felt "funny" in a way that reminded me of my first DVT. No major pain and little, if any, swelling. I saw my doc within 24 hours and my second clot was diagnosed that afternoon. Thankfully, I have a doctor who trusts my intuition and is willing to play it safe in these cases.

You absolutely have to be your own advocate. I would get that leg scanned and check things out. Could just be the original clot causing problems (mine are both still in my leg) or something new ... or nothing at all. But until you know, you're likely to drive yourself nuts with worrying.

Also, don't worry what the docs think. I have to agree with Benaka ... you have to play hardball.

I had a DVT in my calf when I as 43 and although it went away after 6 months of warfarin, the souvenir it left me was a vaciose lesser saphenous (superficial) vein. That may be all that's happening to you. The pain was creepily similar, achiness, heaviness, etc. The vein was NOT visible, but the Doppler showed the vein was clearly incompetent.

First, you should demand a Doppler - for heaven's sake they aren't THAT expensive, and they give you the answer right away. I don't even know what a d-dimmer is, I've never had it (is it a blood test?). Once you report to the ER and say you *might* have a DVT, they will take it seriously, they won't want the malpractice liability of turning you away.

I lived with the varicose for a few years, but I got REALLY tired of *having* to wear a 20mm stocking every waking moment. And really, I couldn't stand the constant "is this a DVT" feeling. So I had the lesser saphenous ablated in January, but stupidly didn't demand Lovenox for the week following. So, yes, another little DVT formed in the same place as the first, but no one was worried about why - we all knew why. I've just finished 3 mo of coumadin, declared in good health with no clot, and went off it yesterday. Now to stay hydrated and keep exercising.

Anyone have any other suggestions for prevention?

Get your veins checked for varicose superficial veins.

My understanding is that d-dinmers are somewhat controversial and not 100% reliable. I'd get the leg scanned, especially if you have a history of inaccurate d-dimers.

Keep us posted!

Definitely have your ENTIRE leg dopplered. If nothing is found (like in my case) demand an full body CT. This is the only way my pulmonary embolism was found. My leg was extremely swollen and painful, but the clot had already found its way into my left lung.