Deep-vein thrombosis, also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein. It commonly affects the leg veins, such as the femo...
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Long time resolving?
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Hey everyone. It is time for my paranoia question of the month. My DVT was diagnosed 7 months ago (Sept 14, 07), three days in hospital on Lovenox and have been on Coumadin since. DVT in thigh from groin to knee, in at least 2 or more veins in that area. Ultrasound after months 0-3 showed hardly any change - main vein from knee up thigh completely blocked and other vein in groin starting to see blood flow. Ultrasound after months 3-6 showed blocked vein had opened a little for blood to start running through length of clot. It also showed several new collateral veins growing in that leg. I'm thinking if there was so much improvement from months 3-6 that there should continue to be more dissolving from months 6-9, as I'm still on Coumadin (although I know it doesn't dissolve the clot)? My left thigh is still a bit more swollen than the right, and the lower leg is redder/darker than the right one. I am assuming it is darker b/c the clot is still not finished dissolving? There is now less pain in the lower leg and VERY little swelling there, although I do still feel a little pressure in the lower leg, but there is more noticeable intermittent pain in the thigh. In my paranoia state, I have been doing a lot of research on post-thrombotic syndrome. I am wondering if any of you "old-timers" (meaning those of you with DVT that is not newly diagnosed) think I am dealing with PTS or if it is just my leg continuing to dissolve this clot? Do you think this thigh might continue to go down? It doesn't swell up, it just hasn't gone all the way down from diagnosis day. My hematologist seems to think if the calf area went down, the thigh should eventually. Everything I read seems to say if the clot is still changing it might be too soon to diagnose PTS but I want to know what all of you think since we are the ones dealing with the DVT nuisance.
Posted on 04/11/08, 12:04 pm |
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I'm still too new to DVT to really give you an answer, but had a question. Are you wearing or still wearing your compression stocking? I am 2.5 months post DVT and have really only limited swelling and pain since I started wearing my comp stocking at the end of February. It has been a miracle worker.
Leslie 
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No, I am not, and have never worn the stockings. Neither my hematologist nor a vascular surgeon (that I went to see to find out if there were any other options for me) recommended them for me. I thought it was kind of strange, esp. since everyone on here seems to be wearing them, but I figured they knew what they were talking about. I don't swell up, my thigh just hasn't gone all the way down yet. Thanks for writing :)
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They don't recommend the stocking immediately since they don't want to aggravate the clot while it's still volatile. You should definately ask about them at this point (I started wearing mine at 5 mos, while on coumadin) as they will really help your swelling and pressure. Ugly, yes; helpful, oh yes!
Since you're still on treatment that is working, I'd let it keep on doing its work and not try to self-diagnose PTS just yet. My ankle and calf will still swell if I've pushed the limit, and I've been over a year since my DVT. With clots as extensive as yours, I wouldn't be suprized if you had some constant residual swelling (I'm talking 1-3 cm difference, not anything huge). Part of this is just the package, I'm sorry to say. But it sounds like you're making great progress! Here's hoping it continues!
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Your recovery sounds very similar to mine. One big factor for development of of PPS is how long you had the clot before it was diagnosed. If I had to guess, I would bet that you will continue to see improvement, and you will get even better clot resolution than I did, but may get stuck with some Post Phlebitic crap. The new vein growth is great-- it preserves function-- but I think it is also painful. That's why I can still do a lot, but it sometimes still hurts, I think... the new veins are never as good as the originals, but they're way better than nothing. I now have a third branch of my femoral artery (or is it the iliac? I forget) and my leg has so many new veins the sonogram techs need 45 minutes just to figure out what is going on! If you wind up with a little PPS, it's not the end of the world. And thanks for the reminder, deuce-- I'm going to wear my stocking again, I'm having a very bad couple of days.
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I was on coumadin for a full year and my dvt leg is still 3 cm larger in circumference than my other leg. My leg also still gives me pain if I exercicse...bummer.
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Hi Tishpoo,
There seem to be some similiarities in our stories! My leg is never totally unswollen, meaning it is always slightly (1.5 cm) bigger than the non-clot leg. I guess I always assumed I had PTS but hadn't considered that at 9 months past it may still be adjusting. Treatments vary from one country to another. I was told to wear the stockings from the moment I was diagnosed. I find they make it feel more comfortable and prevent more swelling. Also I was told they help long term by reducing the pressure on your veins. Hopefully your hematologist is right and the thigh area will go down too.
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