Experience of post-DVT life?
Discussion
Hi,
I'd like to enquire if anybody has experience of what life post-DVT is like and if my situation is "normal", please!
The background is - I am 54 and had a DVT in my left thigh almost 2 years ago, it was diagnosed pretty quickly so only 2-3 days of extreme pain, after which some weeks of painkillers managed the pain. I've been on thinners (apixiban) since. I've had lots and lots of scans, MRI, venograms etc and the conclusion is that my femoral vein is clotted for the full length of the thigh, which is causing swelling and mild pain in the lower leg. There are also some really ugly skin colours and textures. It's pretty uncomfortable, even when I wear the recommended socks & stockings.
I've had lots of consultations up to consultant surgeon level, and the prognosis is "do nothing". I'm seeking a second opinion, but my GP doesn't hold out much hope for anything different.
Apparently there are no surgical procedures, nor medications nor exercises that can improve my leg, and I've got this for the rest of my days. As you can imagine, I'm pretty down about this, and it's affected my "get-up-and-go" to do any exercise. I'm managing to do a little cycling and walking, and general DIY and gardening etc. but I'm getting less fit and more fat.
So my question is, for those that have had a similar DVT, is this really it? And how did you cope?
I'd like to enquire if anybody has experience of what life post-DVT is like and if my situation is "normal", please!
The background is - I am 54 and had a DVT in my left thigh almost 2 years ago, it was diagnosed pretty quickly so only 2-3 days of extreme pain, after which some weeks of painkillers managed the pain. I've been on thinners (apixiban) since. I've had lots and lots of scans, MRI, venograms etc and the conclusion is that my femoral vein is clotted for the full length of the thigh, which is causing swelling and mild pain in the lower leg. There are also some really ugly skin colours and textures. It's pretty uncomfortable, even when I wear the recommended socks & stockings.
I've had lots of consultations up to consultant surgeon level, and the prognosis is "do nothing". I'm seeking a second opinion, but my GP doesn't hold out much hope for anything different.
Apparently there are no surgical procedures, nor medications nor exercises that can improve my leg, and I've got this for the rest of my days. As you can imagine, I'm pretty down about this, and it's affected my "get-up-and-go" to do any exercise. I'm managing to do a little cycling and walking, and general DIY and gardening etc. but I'm getting less fit and more fat.
So my question is, for those that have had a similar DVT, is this really it? And how did you cope?
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