Question:
I have a major DVT!

I have a major DVT in my left leg extending from my thigh to my ankle. I have been taking Coumadin for 3 years, and my last ultra sound shows in is not getting any smaller. How much of a problem is a DVT for major surgery. My Vascular Surgeon recommends a filter in my groin b4 surgery. My BMI is 45 & I am about 150 lbs. overweight. I am somewhat afraid "If the disease doesn't kill me the cure will" Has anyone gone through a similar situation, or has any advice. Thanks, Earle    — Earle B. (posted on September 15, 2002)

September 15, 2002
I have had 2 DVT's and just had surgery a bit over 2 months ago. First off, let me say that I would be highly suspect of the treatment you are getting if you have been on coumadin for 3 years and your clot has showed no change. I would definitely get a second opinion on this. Sounds like to me that your pro-time / INR scores are not in the theraputic range or something. Coumadin resolved both of my clots, and the first was from the ankle extending all the way up into the groin. My surgeon required me to have a Greenfield vena cava filter installed prior to my RNY. I seriously doubt any surgeon is going to do this surgery with an active clot of this magnitude, but I could be wrong. Personally, I would NOT move forware with RNY surgery until you have this resolved. If you have surgery, and the clot extends, or breaks off and hits the filter, what will happen is BOTH of your legs will swell up like balloons (probably causing vascular damage in the process). I wish you luck on this, as I know how problematic a DVT can be. Mine, and the resulting vascular damage it caused, ultimately caused me to gain weight because I simply couldn't exercise the damaged leg (swelling). If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me.
   — Greg P.