DVT (deep vein thrombosis) prevention and treatment

I found out I have Factor V Leiden after my DVT years ago. After Warfarin/Lovenox I was out on 325mg aspirin until recently. Now on 81mg but this was before Eliquis was introduced. No DVT’s since but starting to have more swelling now that I hit 60. Happy to hear you’ve had 5 years DVT free!

I’m sorry I’m just now answering and thank y’all for caring. My family is wonderful but they don’t understand and I don’t want them worrying. I still have blood clots existing and few little ones that will show up here and there. This has went on since last November. I was on elequis 5mg until February and ended up inthe hospital with chest pains really bad. It showed more blood clots. I was ther 2weeks with it meds. They sent me home with the shots. Within 2 weeks my stomach was almost large knot and black and blue so they stopped the shots and started me on elequis 7.5 twice a day. My right knee will swell every now and then. I’ve been in the er so many times with bad chest pains.
I was told I would live with the dvt/pe the rest of my life.
On top of 11brain surgeries leaving me with chronic pain, diabetes, fibromyalgia, depression/anxiety and so any other things. I hate feeling sorry for myself with so many way worse. I really appreciate y’all so much. It’s nice to know other people that understand. Y’all will be in my prayers and thank y’all

What kind of surgery do the preform on a deep vein thrombosis that has been since April, it’s still swollen, red rash like symptoms, numbness, pain!

Hi @cynthiasf. Welcome to Mayo Connect. You’re wondering what surgery can be performed to clear a deep vein thrombosis. The procedure is called a Thrombectomy. This is an area out of my experience so I’ve done the liberty of providing a link about the procedure from Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22897-thrombectomy

I remember my mom having a DVT after a lengthy illness years ago. It took months for that to clear out while she was on blood thinners. It was really uncomfortable for a long time,. I’m sorry you’re having these prolonged symptoms.

There are several members in the forum who also have experience with Deep Vein Thrombosis and have shared their stories in the discussion link below. I’d like to introduce you to @theswede1387, @casey1329 and @mom23boys @carriebythesea @mjvaca

DVT (deep vein thrombosis) prevention and treatment
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dvt-treatment-for-age-70/
Two more informational articles that might be helpful for you.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557
https://surgery.ucsf.edu/conditions--procedures/deep-vein-thrombosis.aspx
Are you currently taking blood thinners?

I recently had a hysterectomy and unfortunately about a week post surgery I developed some small blood clots in my lungs. I am really worried about what to do and what not to do over the next few months during the healing process. What foods/beverages are ok and what to stay away from; my family wanted to fly for spring break in another month however we’ve decided against flying. However my husband wants to drive 10-11 hours to Florida and hop on a cruise ship for a few days and I’m wondering if that’s smart. We would have to break up the trip and drive it in 2 days and I’d have to get out of the car for stretch breaks to exercise my legs. Is that doable or too risky? I am worried I could possibly have other clots in my legs and am wondering if I should be wearing compression socks during the day in addition to taking my blood thinner. Will they help or should I trust the thinner is working? If anyone has any tips or can provide any help with my questions please let me know. Thanks!

I recently had a hysterectomy and unfortunately developed some small blood clots that went to my lung and I’m on Eliquis blood thinner. I’m very worried about what to do and what not to do as I am healing over the next few months and would like some input. Foods to eat and not to eat. Is alcohol OK in moderation or should be avoided completely? My family had planned a trip to fly for spring break in four weeks however we’ve decided not to fly and are considering driving 10 hours to Florida and hopping on a cruise ship. Obviously we’d have to break that drive up and drive it in two days. And I’d have to get out and stretch legs every hour. Is that smart or should we cancel trip? I’m also worried I could possibly have other clots in my leg and I’m wondering if compression tights are helpful or is the blood thinner doing its job? Lots of questions and just seeking some advice. Thanks!

Hi @marywilkinson, welcome. You're asking all the right questions. I'm sure you have many after being recently diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT.

To help you get answers, I moved your posts to this existing discussion:
- DVT (deep vein thrombosis) prevention and treatment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dvt-treatment-for-age-70/

I did this so that you can read previous posts and connect easily with members like @jwb1948 @thankful @mayofeb2020 @brenda1231 @carriebythesea @kbrowne @nodvt4me @mercuryrose @hortgirl @theswede1387 @loribmt @gingerw and others. They may have tips about food, alcohol, travel and exercise and stretching to share with you.

Mary, what has your doctor suggested about safe travel for you?

Hi Mary, I haven’t had any DVTs but I do have a history of varicose veins…work related. I had surgery a few years ago which worked amazingly well to help with the circulation and beautify the ‘road maps’ on my legs. 😅

My doctor has encouraged me to always wear compression stockings when I sit or stand for any length of time. They don’t have to be TED stockings or full tights. Calf sleeves work wonderfully. You can have them fitted at a medical supply store. To fit properly, the guides on the boxes will have you to measure ankle and calf circumferences. I actually have sport sleeves that runners use. They’re thin and comfortable but not tight around the top of the calf. You don’t want to shut off circulation. (Just google runner’s calf sleeves).

If you ride in the car, make sure you move your legs a lot. I actually do ‘bicycles’ every hour when riding in the car…you know, mimic peddling while I’m sitting in the passenger seat…much to my husband’s amusement.
You can also put your feet flat on the floor then pump your toes any time you’re sitting.
This next one is only if your doctor feels exercise is appropriate:
Another good thing to do is stand next to a chair or countertop, then raise up on your does and down rather quickly at least 25 times…several times per day. My vein doctor said to think of your calves being a second heart. You can pump those calf muscles to encourage your heart to pump harder and the blood to circulate.
Staying hydrated is very important and so is walking. As far as a little drink or two, I found these articles about drinking while on blood thinners and home care after a DVT:
https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/alcohol-blood-thinners-ate
https://www.healthline.com/health/dvt/home-treatment#What-is-deep-vein-thrombosis-(DVT)?
Hopefully some of the members @colleenyoung mentioned can give you some first hand experience about being on Eliquis…and having a normal life style.
Personally, I’d go and have a great time. Did your doctor give you any guidance about traveling?

My husband has had DVT twice this year. Each time when he left the hospital. We think it was because he was bedridden in the hospital. Anyway the doctor put him on Eliquis both times and the DVT cleared up within a few weeks. Wish you all the best, good luck !

@marywilkinson, Greetings Mary!
Back in 2021 my annual ECHO showed a clot in my heart and was put on Warfarin immediately. The thing about Warfarin is that there are a bunch of blood work involved so your INR #'s stay in a good range. I was taken off Warfarin after being on it for 4 1/2 months because my heart MRI showed no clot. I had another ECHO late last year and I was clear so continued off any blood thinners. I had my medical records sent to my new Cardiologist here in AZ and he viewed my 11/2022 ECHO and although my Drs in OR saw no clot, my Dr. here saw something and out of an abundance of caution placed me on Xarelto till after my heart MRI this Tuesday.
I'm hoping for good news!
I think both Xarelto & Eliquis are very similiar and I was told to be careful especially about falls. I am very active and work with my carpentry tools often so I also need to be extra careful while using sharp tools. I enjoy a glass of wine a few times a week and was not told to abstain. Everything in moderation!
I think some of the advice you were given I would agree with. Driving or flying you just want to get up every once in a while and stretch your legs and stay hidrated. I would definitely go on the cruise!