Discussion
Has anyone got any advice on how to deal with a blood clot in a calf?
My partner had an operation at the end of September and as a result ended up with a blood clot in her calf.
She was given blood thinners for three months which she stopped last week, however the pain that she had is still there.
She is of course going to the GP today, but is there anything that she can do to help with the pain? She takes painkillers when its bad, but doesnt want to rely on them.
Shes at her wits end as shes just gone back to work after not working for 26 months due to needing the operation.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
My partner had an operation at the end of September and as a result ended up with a blood clot in her calf.
She was given blood thinners for three months which she stopped last week, however the pain that she had is still there.
She is of course going to the GP today, but is there anything that she can do to help with the pain? She takes painkillers when its bad, but doesnt want to rely on them.
Shes at her wits end as shes just gone back to work after not working for 26 months due to needing the operation.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I had DVT in my calf after a knee surgery - I was on Rivaroxaban for about 3 months. I honestly can't remember if I had another ultrasound to confirm the clot was clear, but I had a previous clot after a long haul flight and had an ultrasound after 6 weeks to confirm it was clear.
I think if I was her and the pain was still there, I'd be wanting an ultrasound to confirm that the clot was clear, and whether there was any damage to the vein.
I still get a bit of pain in the area where the post-surgical clot was (in a very similar place to the post flight clot) and suspect a bit of damage. It was explained to me that the clots tend to form around a valve in the vein, so perhaps there's damage to the valve. Maybe that could cause the pain?
I'm sorry I can't offer advice on pain relief though, as once the blood thinners kicked in, my pain levels dropped dramatically. It was agonising until then though, like having my leg squeezed in a vice, she has my utter sympathy !
I think if I was her and the pain was still there, I'd be wanting an ultrasound to confirm that the clot was clear, and whether there was any damage to the vein.
I still get a bit of pain in the area where the post-surgical clot was (in a very similar place to the post flight clot) and suspect a bit of damage. It was explained to me that the clots tend to form around a valve in the vein, so perhaps there's damage to the valve. Maybe that could cause the pain?
I'm sorry I can't offer advice on pain relief though, as once the blood thinners kicked in, my pain levels dropped dramatically. It was agonising until then though, like having my leg squeezed in a vice, she has my utter sympathy !
Brainpox said:
Keeping her on the blood thinners is the most important bit. The scan can safely wait a few days
Disagree.The scan defines the issue and should be done at re-presentation.
No clot = just post resolution inflammation (phlebitis, very painful), no requirement for potentially dangerous anticoagulant meds. Review if persists.
Clot = further 3 months anticoagulation and follow up. May require further treatment (surgical removal, IVC umbrella etc). Factor V Lieden testing if not already done.
Most hospitals have a DVT / PE specific service and will scan immediately as it's quick, cheap, easy and the result directly affects treatment protocol and outcome.
My wife nearly died Nov24 after ending up with a blood clot on each lung. That came from a knee injury 9-12 months previous.
That clot got released when we flew to the US in July/August.
Come November she was gardening, burped and felt woozy. The next day she could barely climb stairs as she was so breathless.
I forced her to A&E and it was eventually diagnosed and resolved. But she is on Apixiban for the rest of her life.
Heart issues run in her family, unfortunately.
As OIC says, get it checked.
Sorry, editing as time flies. It was 24 when it all happened. Injury was sometime in 23. She is doing fine now.
That clot got released when we flew to the US in July/August.
Come November she was gardening, burped and felt woozy. The next day she could barely climb stairs as she was so breathless.
I forced her to A&E and it was eventually diagnosed and resolved. But she is on Apixiban for the rest of her life.
Heart issues run in her family, unfortunately.
As OIC says, get it checked.
Sorry, editing as time flies. It was 24 when it all happened. Injury was sometime in 23. She is doing fine now.
Edited by remedy on Tuesday 20th January 07:18
OIC said:
She should go to A+E immediately where she will be assessed and have an ultrasound.
Many patients require more than 3 months anticoagulation.
Sounds like her clot is still active.
A+E today.
Now.
Go.
Absolutely this !!!Many patients require more than 3 months anticoagulation.
Sounds like her clot is still active.
A+E today.
Now.
Go.
If that goes PE she’s in a world of hurt, ask me how I know !’
Also, DVT is usually thinners longer than 3 month ?
Update as its annoying when people dont.
She had the scan on Thursday. That was an urgent appointment apparently...told that if the pain gets worse to go down to A&E.
It was considered for about 10 seconds but she didnt go. We dont have a good experience with our local A&E.
Had the scan and it came back all clear. Told to go to the doctors for pain killers as its likely nerve damage to the vien.
Doctor was dismissive saying as its not a clot it wont be hurting so all in her head, but still prescribed amitriptyline...so is it in her head or not?
Anyway, good news its not a clot. Thanks for the replies
She had the scan on Thursday. That was an urgent appointment apparently...told that if the pain gets worse to go down to A&E.
It was considered for about 10 seconds but she didnt go. We dont have a good experience with our local A&E.
Had the scan and it came back all clear. Told to go to the doctors for pain killers as its likely nerve damage to the vien.
Doctor was dismissive saying as its not a clot it wont be hurting so all in her head, but still prescribed amitriptyline...so is it in her head or not?
Anyway, good news its not a clot. Thanks for the replies
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