Factor V Leiden Support Community Group
This is a group for anyone who has Factor V Leiden, a clotting disorder. Or people who know someone with this condition.
Since the 2 clots in my left leg, my ankle is almost black with small veins, doc said it was dead blood. I can assume this is not going away, ever. My right leg is now acquiring vericose, or large veins that look like they're going to pop. My leg still aches at night. I excercise and and fit for my age, 68 and pretty trim. The doc said not to do sit-ups. I'm sure he has his reason.
At the time of my clots (2 1/2 yrs ago), I was told I had one above the knee and one below, and that my thigh was a real mess. I guess I'm a little vain for an older lady, but I always had pretty nice gams and now, wow, I've tried make-up in the summer and whatever. I still do work out at the gym. This disease snuck up on me like everyone else and it's not pretty as you get older.
At the time of my clots (2 1/2 yrs ago), I was told I had one above the knee and one below, and that my thigh was a real mess. I guess I'm a little vain for an older lady, but I always had pretty nice gams and now, wow, I've tried make-up in the summer and whatever. I still do work out at the gym. This disease snuck up on me like everyone else and it's not pretty as you get older.
I am FVL Homozygous. Both my clots happened back in the 90's (1992 and 1995). At the time I was very much involved in bike racing. The cause of the clots was a combination of elevated homocysteine levels and my FVL.
Usually, FVL in itself is not the catalyst to the clotting episode. There is usually another risk factor that when associated with FVL that causing the clotting episodes. Here is a quick "stoplight" of risk factors from my organizations website:
http://stoptheclot.org/stoplight.htm
You can find more information under the "learn more" tab to include the genetics of FVL.
Regards,
Tom
In the first few months of recovery I happened upon the use of compression socks and eventually settled on 20-30 mmHg microfiber, which are available at discountsurgical.com and www.skyhighs.com. I wear them as an under-sock layer through the work week when I have prolonged sitting. When taking them off at the end of day, the ugliness is barely noticeable and the discoloration and swelling are way down. I can then go without wearing them on weekends and days off so long as I get some movement and some workout time. Shorts and flip-flops are fine on leisure summer days.
As always, check with your medical advisors for treatment of your specific condition.