DVT/Pulmonary Embolism

[navyguy]

I was diagnoised with a DVT in early July and it's now OCT. How long will I feel the tighness and swelling in my leg. I'm currently on limited duty with no physical exercise, and still have no explination as to why I got it in the first place.
My family is extremely worried about me since I'm only 42 and I'm already having health issues with no reason why. Someone please shed some light on how long and possibly why.
Thanks in advance.

[Davy9]

You tell us you were diagnosed with DVT in July and I assume you were treated for it? The DVT is the actual blood clot itself and that can be caused by several things. If the DVT was indeed cleared and the swelling remained for this long or has recurred the leg needs to be reassessed medically.

[navyguy]

Davy9 thanks for responding. Yes I was treated with Lovenox till my PT/INR got to 2.5 now I'm on warfin 12 mg on Tue, Thur and Sat. 10mg on the other days. I'm being seen by the cumidin clinic at the Naval Hospitial in Bethesda. I have not had another ultrasound since July but have been checked for PADS and had a Hart calcium screen both were normal. I've been told that another ultrasound will be performed in Jan 09 prior to my being removed from limited duty. If everything is good I should come of of the warfin. I'm worrried I might be experiencing PTS since I still have noticeable swelling and tightness. It is nothing like I had in Jul when I was diagnoised. I guess my big question is will I always have this noticeable swelling and tighness when I walk or stand for long periods. Being active duty I'm worried I will never screen for full duty again.

[Davy9]

Seems like you are familiar with post-thrombotic-syndrome which sounds applicable. Have you been wrapping the leg or taking any steps to manage PTS?

[navyguy]

Yes lots of reading on the internet. I use compression stockings and they do help with the swelling. The tighness never leaves. Will I experience this for the rest of my days or can the PTS subside? Nothing I've read has expressed how long it will last. thanks very much for talking about this with me, I'm not getting a lot from my provider.

[Davy9]

Compression socks are not the same as wrapping the leg. Leg wrapping uses an elastic type bandage wrapping the limb from the foot upward in a particular manner. You should also be elevating the leg. Perhaps a venogram would be more diagnostically definitive if your provider would agree. But you should be using some of these known measures to help manage the PTS. The are understood by physical therapists and RNs.

I cannot advise as to the length of time the PTS might last.