I swell in my legs. (Actually, I have since I was in my early 20's and never really could understand why; I atributed it to arduous hiking and carrying heavy equipment for work.) When I wake up my legs look normal, but by the afternoon/evening (even if I have been sitting), my legs are swollen. I am looking into trying to wear compression socks to help with this. I would be interested to see what others have to say...

I'm a little over 4 months so we are on the same timeline! My ankles swell mostly during the day if I walk a lot or sit too long. My doctor recommended compression socks and they work great. I wear 15-20 but I would check with your doctor to see what strength he suggests. There are actually a few people on this forum that wear compression wear so you certainly will not be alone if you decide to try them out. :-) Oh and I also elevate my legs when im at home for about 10 minutes and that helps with the swelling as well.

i bought some compression stocking of the same strength as yours but the label says speak to your doctor before use so i will do that at my next appointment. thanks for the replies though!

My doc "prescribed" compression stockings, and I highly recommend them, but definitely talk to your doctor about the right kind to get and how to wear them.

I had massive DVT's running from my ankle to upper thigh, so he prescribed thigh highs, at 30-40hg, which is about the most "extreme" version you can get. I'm not a very big person though so they're not very hard for me to get on, and I had to be "fitted" for them at at medical supply store.

That said, they do make a big difference. I've tried to go a day or even 1/2 day with out one on my DVT leg and I can visibly see the swelling by mid afternoon (plus it sometimes tingles, which tells me blood is pooling up). When I wear them all day, I can't see any difference between the DVT and the non-effected leg.

That's my 2cents!
KS

I had swelling in my ankles. Both from retaining fluids and also, I found out from the hematologist that dvts can cause swelling. And yes, it was worse in the evening. About 2 weeks ago, I came home from work and my ankles weren't swollen anymore. I wonder if the DVT has gone and/or the fact that I am following my fluid and sodium restricted diet?

lynnendz you mentioned 'following my fluid and sodium restricted diet' - what is this? is there some special diet we should be on? i really havent been given any info other than the yellow warfarin book when i left hospital and it really only mentions alcohol and vitamin K.