Hidden Dangers of DVT

Hi All, I have not posted in a while because I've had quite a month! I was hoping to have WLS this month but instead I had a different - emergency surgery...and that's my reason for writing.... After several months of complaining and complaining of swelling legs and painful, cramping legs & feet...finally I got someone to listen to me about how much pain I was in but it took...5 doctors visits and 2 emergency visits in one week... They finally found that I had blood clot (DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis) that went the entire length from my knee, around my hip through my groin and into my stomach up to about my belly button height...there are several veins in the knee & upper thigh and the clot was in them all like a giant lava flow...I spent a total of 6 days in the hospital and had to undergo surgery to "roto-root" the vein out and I also had to have the veins in my hip angioplastied (balloon inflated in it) to help increase blood flow. I also spent almost an entire month giving myself 2 injections a day into my stomach of lovenox a type of blood thinner...and I'm also on blood thinner pills for an indefinate period of time. The reason I thought I'd write is because EVERY doctor I've encountered and I've had to see every type of "ologist" because of the DVT (blood clot)... They all say that that being over-weight and non-active is the most likely cause of the blood clot...So, I just wanted to encourage all my friends to atleast get up and around for 30 minutes of walking a day...it does not have to be fast or even all at one time...break it up into 10 minute increments...but please, please move around! I was not completely in-active but this past year I quit "moving" around as much as I usually do because I have alot of pain from sciatia in my legs and feed (also weight related)...and I did not really think I'd be in any-type of danger of that type...boy was I wrong. There are two themes to this post: 1. Be persistant...you know when something is not right with your body 2. Keep "moving" even when you don't feel like doing much...moving just a little could really be a life saver! Blessings to All! Chris

Chris, I'm glad to see you on line - but I'm so sorry to hear about the DVT. PLEASE take care of your self. We're hear to be a support system to you. I'm glad you are back posting with us. I'll continue praying for you that you regain your health and strength. ((((((((((hugs))))))))))) Dee Dee

Chris, I am so glad to hear from you. Yes, you really have had quite the month! I know a little about DVT,and I must say that you are one lucky lady! Thank you so much for posting the warnings, I am positive that someone out there will be helped by that. I wish you the best this holiday season, and I hope that 2005 treats you good! Take Care, Cathy Martin

Hi Chris, So Sorry to hear that you have had such a bad month. So glad they you got someone to listen to you and get you all fixed up now. Heres hopeing that you have a Merry Christmas and a better New Year!! Martha

I'm so sorry you've had such a rough time, but I'm glad to see you back posting. We were worried about you! Please take care of yourself.

I am sooo glad to finally hear something from you. I was getting worried!!!! I called out to you online a couple of times with no response. I am so glad you are better!! Carol

Hello Chris, it was nice to hear from you. I am so happy to hear that you have found the problem, and that you are on your way to recovery! I've heard of DVT on the tv, and it's not something to mess around with. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm not that active, and reading your story will change that. Thank you so much again and God Bless. Tiffany.

Hi, Chris! I am sooo thankful that you were persistent in getting help! Thank you for the warning! Welcome back! Love, Becky