Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

[AZhiker 2,252]

Well, it happened to me! A few days after surgery I noticed pain, swelling, hardness in a couple of my pet varicose veins. There was no deep pain, redness or swelling of the calf, and I was able to flex my foot fully without pain (the usual signs of DVT.) I kept exercising and used a heating pad. I started my walking activity ASAP after surgery. I was the first one in my surgical group to be out of bed and walking the hallway. By my 2 week appointment I was doing 10,000 steps a day. So this was not due to inactivity.

At my 2 week appt, I told the NP about the sore veins and she ordered a Doppler ultrasound of my leg. To my great surprise, besides the superficial issues, there was a DVT! Fortunately it was not occluding the vein (or else I would have had the other symptoms). So I think it was caught early. I started on Xarelto(a blood thinner) and will be on that for a few more weeks. In the meantime, another varicose vein got hard and tender. So apparently, in spite of the compression stockings, SCDs (leg squeezers), and early ambulation, something triggered a little cascade of clots in my leg veins.

I tell this story just to alert anyone else to report vein tenderness right away. Inflammation in the superficial veins could also mean something is going on in the deeper ones, as well. I am doing fine - still walking my all my steps, climbing stairs, and starting on weights now, Thankfully, this was caught early and that the treatment is easy (although not cheap.)

[FaithandHope 53]

The surgeon who did my proceedure put me on shots to thin my blood as soon as I came out of surgery. I had to inject myself twice a day for 2 weeks. He said it was standard proceedure. I guess it is not according to your story

I'm sorry this happened to you. All the best through your journey from here forth.

[elcee 3,341]

Glad it was found and treated quickly.

I was 1 of those people that didn’t end up getting blood thinning shots, I had the opposite problem I was bleeding too easily!

[Sophie7713 3,238]

Oh AZhiker, I am so sorry this was your experience post-op! There are already so many other changes and challenges to deal with to heap on more like a DVT. You are trooper and I commend you for forging on. You did and are doing all the right things. My surgeon also sent me home with 14 shots to be administered once daily. I hated them but understood their importance.

My husband for whatever reason has a proclivity for DVTs. He is also fit and active. A few years back, I thought I was going to be a young widow. They are scary and we know the drill well. I am so thankful you caught this early. Unfortunately, Xalerto was not effective in preventing his third clot this past summer - So he is back on tired and true Warfarin which never caused him problems. And, yes he eats greens, salads and other good veggies. He monitors his blood with a personal blood test kit every 2-4 weeks. If you are required to be on this medication beyond two weeks, please research and understand your options. I say this out of care, not as an alarmist just incase also understanding every body responds differently.

31 pounds and counting! So happy for you. Do keep me/us posted on your journey! ;]

I am 10 weeks out now and 13 pounds to onederland! I have not been under 200 in twenty years. There are still challenges, but I go with the natural ebbs and flow of this process. It requires a determined patience and grace for oneself. In your case, an extra dose of courage, indeed. You would have every reason to feel discouraged. I am at awe.

So thankful for this opportunity to re-set and refresh my body back to normalcy.

Take good care and be well, AZhiker.

[AZhiker 2,252]

I was given heparin injections before surgery and while in the hospital, but did not get the Lovenox injections for two weeks after, like some of you have related. For any future major operations (and I hope there are not!) it will be something to definitely bring up! I wonder if the fact that I have varicose veins increased by risk. And maybe that I am older - 63? Who knows. Just glad it is resolving. Just got 11,000 steps and 10 flights of stairs in!