ever have clots in your legs?

Question

what was done for you?
what has it done to you.?
i'm living with this now.
i had lung clots too.

Answer 1

Yes, I have had both leg clots and lung clots.

I was only 22 when I got them. First I got a DVT, then a massive PE, then another one three months later. Last year I also suffered a superficial clot in my left arm.

The hypercoagable blood disorder I suffer has been the most frightening experience of my life.

What have they done TO me? It nearly killed me and devastated my life. I have permanent lung damage. I can't walk fast, sing long, or play the flute like I use to. And oh, the Coumadin! That's almost just as bad as the clot!

What has it done FOR me? That is actually a really good question. It has brought me closer to God. I live my life to the full now, not wasting even a single day. Each day is a precious gift, and I know full well that I might not be here tomorrow. I live as if it's my last day...without regrets, full of love and service. I know it sound's corney, but it's really true.

What caused your clots? Have you been tested for a clotting disorder? Hummm....something to consider.

Are you still on Coumadin? You really should be. I'll be on it for the rest of my life. Sure it stinks, but it's keeping me alive.

Consider joining a support group. It's done wonders for me. Check out www.apsfa.org I love to patronize their site.

Here's some general info on Coumadin if you're on it:

You need to wear a Medic Alert bracelet stating that you are on this drug and why. See www.medicalert.org They have 24 hour on call assistance if you're every injured.

You need to have your INR tested WEEKLY, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. My INR levels have gone from a 1.5 to a 5.5 in a matter of days.

Be careful of the greens you eat, as they are a natural blood clotter. The most important thing is to be consistent. If you are a leafy green lover (as I am!) and you want to eat 3-4 servings a day, then you need to eat 3-4 servings EVERYDAY, so that it stays consistent.

Be careful of the meds you take, and ALWAYS ask a doctor or pharmacist before you take a new medicine, because they may interact with the warfarin. Meds you cannot take are: Advil, Ibproufin, Motrin, Excedrin, Aspirin, Alieve, Naproxen, and any other NSAD. Tylenolol is safe.

Take your Coumadin the same time every day, and mark on your calendar your doses so you don't forget.

I have decided to test from home now with my own INR machine, and I simply call my results in to my doc. Check out www.hemosense.com and see if your insurance will pay for one.

You cannot do any kind of activities that may result in an injury such as sled riding, racing, football, ect. as these may cause internal bleeding, and could be potentially fatal.

Pay attention always to signs of clots. Keep a symptom journal, and never be afraid of going to the doctor or ER if you suspect a clot. With very little warning, a clot can take your life.


My clots have caused permanent damage to my lungs. I can't play the flute half as beautifully as I had been able to.

Sometimes I get obcessed with the idea of clots forming, and me dying a sudden death. For that though, I have my faith to hold on to.

If you need someone to talk to, feel free to join that support group, or you can email any questions.

God Bless you!
Chris

P.S. the link to the blood disorder I have is below in cause you have the same thing...

Answer 2

Chris' answer is an excellent one. While I haven't personally had any, I'm very familiar with the treatment options. A device called a "bird's nest" is a typical treatment for those with frequent clots. It is a filter placed in a major vein that catches the clots before they can cause an embolus. Anticoagulant therapy is vital, and while coumadin (warfarin) is effective, the side effects can actually outweigh the risks. Frequent position changes, anti-embolytic stockings, avoidance of calf massage, and alternating activity and sitting can all help to prevent clot formation. Depending on your diagnosis (coagulation disorder, peripheral vascular disease, etc.) some or all of these treatments may be appropriate.
On a personal note, my stepfather is a paraplegic who has suffered with clots for 30 years. He has died twice because of them, in fact, though was thankfully resuscitated. Even during Coumadin therapy he threw clots, and finally had a bird's nest placed. While he still encounters thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the vein due to a clot), he has been able to discontinue Coumadin therapy and now uses Aspirin, which is much more pleasant. Overall, he is in much better shape now than ever before.
I empathize with your condition, and understand it it very worrisome and difficult to manage. I wish you the best.

Answer 3

Sitting too long, like plane rides, tight clothing(at the waist, or legs), drink more fluids, walking keeps blood flow better, vena cave umbrella screen has been used, weight loss if over weight would help. heart valve stenosis? If no correctable source can be found, then increase the clotting time(coumadin, etc,).

Answer 4

They made me lay flat for about three days and immediately placed me on coumadin to thin my blood. It was sore, it hurt like hell actually, but they slowly went away and my legs are back to normal now. They just followed me very closely for a while until it went away.

Answer 5

no ive never had clots. i was check for that.i was told today i have aright bundle branch block on my heart . cause is they dont know.