I was diagnosed twice with right leg deep vein thrombosis. The first time I was on bed rest for 3 months with swelling and pain. I could hardly walk with all the pain I was in. The second time, it wasn’t too bad. I didn’t need bed rest, and I wasn’t in pain as much.
Ten years later, I got diagnosed with left leg deep vein thrombosis, and this time it was different. I had blood clots in three different veins, which caused some serious swelling. I could hardly walk for 6 months.
My doctor suggested I get another ultrasound to see what was going on in my leg after 6 months. The blood clots were gone, but I have clot residue in both of my legs. I have more in my left leg along with a damaged vein. A lot of my swelling has gone down, but my left knee and thigh are bigger than my right knee and thigh.
After having deep vein thrombosis, some patients get diagnosed with post-thrombotic syndrome, also known as PTS. This condition is when you still have the same symptoms from a blood clot, such as leg cramping, redness, and swollen feet and ankles, and it also causes leg pain. Post-thrombotic syndrome can last for many years, or it can be a lifelong condition.
Some people develop ulcers due to PTS because of poor blood flow through the legs. Ulcers are painful and can be hard to treat. I noticed after standing for a while that my feet started to swell. I learned that if you get deep vein thrombosis, you should get treatment as soon as possible so you can lower your risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. DVT can cause damage to your veins and valves. When your valves are damaged, they can leak or cause blood to flow in the wrong direction.
My vascular specialist informed me that I should work out every day. These conditions can take a toll on your body, affecting your daily life activities. It can also take a toll on you mentally and emotionally because it’s out of your control. The best thing you can do is try to prevent blood clots. And if you already had one, take great measures to avoid getting another one, such as working out, walking, running, eating healthy, seeing a hematologist for blood disorders, and if you’re on blood thinners, always taking your medication unless informed otherwise by your doctor.
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