Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

I am always tired too! It is hard to deal with, especially if you are used to being really active or have to be active for work. I found that if I exercise regularly, even if it is for only 1/2 hour or so at a time, I have much more energy. It is just trying to get motivated that is the hard part!

Life insurance: haven't given it any thought.

Compression socks: I was told by my doctor that they are not worth it it I do not wear the ones that cover my toes to my thighs. Not too sure if this is because of the location of my clot, but I've decided to use nothing but what was recommended

Exhaustion: I have been told by EVERYONE that its just part of it. I have learned that a good amount of exercise helps. I've taken up swimming (an old hobby) because it doesn't cause my leg to swell like bycycling and running does. I feel much better, but still more tired than before dvt.

My doctor ok'd knee highs for me, and yes, they are soooo much better than the thigh highs! I wear the thigh highs when I want to wear skirts at or above my knees, but my usual attire is knee highs & capris. You wouldn't think it would be that much of a difference, but they are much cooler than the thigh highs. I'm 8 months past my DVT diagnosis and still am tired all the time. I too have found that regular exercise does help - I walk short distances a couple times a day. Walking for too long or too far makes my leg swell & hurt. My doctor also recommended swimming, but unfortunately, I have nowhere to swim. I live within walking distance of 2 different swim clubs, but their membership fees are out of my reach.

Insurance - I went for insurance last year, a year after my DVTPE. Lots of firms came back with high premiums, or wouldn't insure me but Penn Mutual did, 15years term $250,000 for a premium of $1,000 per year.

Fugglies - I was supposed to wear the thigh high but my doc agreed to the knee high. He said I only had to wear them for the first year but I've grown accustom to them and where them weekdays at work. I could go without since my leg is pretty much back to the pre DVT size. I wear the open toe ones by Juzo.

When I retired from the military I had applied for life insurance from a company who specializes in military retirees. I was told they never decline anyone; I was declined because I had thrombophilia (Factor V Leiden).

With the passing of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) this past May by President Bush. The summary of the insurance portion of this Bill is:

"In regard to health insurance discrimination, the law:

prohibits enrollment restriction and premium adjustment on the basis of genetic information or genetic services;

prevents health plans and insurers from requesting or requiring that an individual take a genetic test; and,

covers all health insurance programs, including those under ERISA, state-regulated plans, and the individual market.

Forty-one states have enacted laws to protect the public from genetic discrimination by insurance companies, according to the National Genome Research Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. The federal law does not preempt state laws that are more protective."

If you notice, it doesn't address life insurance.

As far as compression stockings, I wear knee-high's. Couldn't stand wear full stockings so my physicians from Harvard agree knee-highs were better then nothing at all. I don't also practice what I preach in regards to wearing of stockings but I do admit, they greatly help improve circulation and serve as a prophylaxis to prevent reoccuring pooling of blood which could lead to another clot.

Where I work sells life ins, and I can be covered through several companies. I was quoted a standard rate for $250k Universal Life (term's cheaper and I already have it, but you need some of both). Depending on your diagnosis for the clot, you may or may not be immediately disqualified. It depends on the company and your underwriter that day.

I just had to keep on plowing through the exhaustion. Since coming off meds, I still have down days too, and I think I require a little more sleep on the whole now. Part of that may just be age catching up to me though.