How can I get rid of edma swelling in my husbands legs? He has a DVT filter in his right leg. Help!!!!?

Question

My Hubby has a DVT filter in his leg. I'm not certain as to which leg has the filter since I was not in surgery when the filter was put into place; however, since the surgery his right-leg as been severly swollen to the point he cannot walk most of the time. He says the swelling makes his right leg feel like its a "log". Is there anything "I" can do to help him? Any advise will be gracefully appericated. Thank in advance for all of your advice.
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Answer 1

If you experience worsening symptoms such as INCREASED SWELLING, redness, warmth, or pain in the legs
· Any signs of complications from anticoagulation therapy such as:
· Unusual bleeding (e.g., nosebleed, bleeding gums, red or cola
colored urine, black bowel movements which are not related to
use of iron supplements, bruising)
· If you develop sudden onset of difficulty breathing, shortness of
breath, or chest pain, go to the nearest Emergency Room
immediately!
http://pfrc.med.nyu.edu/handouts/pdf/proced/dvtpe.pdf

Answer 2

Usually a DVT filter is placed in the IVC (inferior vena cava) - that's the large vein that's in the abdomen and goes all the way up to the heart. The IVC is formed by the junction of the veins that come from each leg.

The doctor gets access to the IVC by entering one of the veins of the legs and then threads the filter up to the IVC where it is deployed. This way, the filter protects the heart and lungs from blood clots that may arise from EITHER leg.

Nonetheless, swelling in a leg that prevents walking should always be checked up by the doctor. It may be a DVT (maybe it's the one that prompted the doctors to place a DVT filter in the first place) or it could be a skin infection or a funny presentation of congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency (usually the latter two present with swelling in BOTH legs).

While you're waiting for the doctor to call back, try elevation of the leg and support stockings (called TED hose in the US).

Good luck!

Answer 3

DVTs can be dangerous.. If he already had a problem with DVTs then you should be consulting a Dr. now.. He probably needs to cut down on sodium intake, keep his legs propped up. and stay off them for a few hours a day at least.. But call your Dr. today!!

Answer 4

If you have not talked with his doctor yet you need to. Other than that elevate his leg higher than his heart, So if he is lying down put two pillows under his legs. Second NO SALT, Avoid soda it has a lot of sodium in it IE salt. Good luck to you both

Answer 5

Obviously if he hasnt already he should see the doctor. Pay attention to his diet and avoid foods with a lot of added salt or too much protein. He could try soaking his leg in epsom salt if it doesnt contradict any surgical advice.

Answer 6

this is complicated to invest. I had an excellent type of swelling on the tip of my being pregnant, whether it replaced into arms and ft - and that i finished up clinically determined with preeclampsia postpartum. If this is in basic terms one leg, i could be stricken that it replaced right into a blood clot. She needs to touch her surgeon ASAP. If he can't be reached - bypass to the ER.

Answer 7

You should go back to your doctor and ask him to refer you to a physiotherapist or a masseur, and it's important to keep the leg moving to encourage circulation

Answer 8

um...take him to a doctor