DVT (deep vein thrombosis) prevention and treatment

Hi Swede. I was told I had a blockage in my superficial femoral artery in my right leg back about 2 months ago now. Rather than clear the blockage with surgery they put me on statin's and daily low-dose aspirin. I'm turning 61 this month. They recommended a daily walk even if I had pain from the bad circulation. I'm not sure if this answers any questions you may have. So far so good. I guess they preferred that as a first line to try to avoid any kind of invasive procedure. I wish you well.
Peggie

My 71 yr. old husband for the first time had DVT two times in 6 months. The doctor put him on Eliquis and they disappeared on their own...good luck !

Hi @theswede1387, I'd like to add my welcome. @casey1329 and @mom23boys offered some helpful tips for prevention of DVTs. Did you start blood thinners? Did you doctor advise anything about daily movement such as walking or wearing compression socks?

Thanks

Yes, my wife and I power walk 28 miles a week, total of 45 miles most weeks. 10 years Now wearing compression socks. Thanks

How will one know the clots in the lung has dissolved ?

Hi Brenda,

From my own experience, I was told that after a few days to a week on an anticoagulant, the remainder of the clot get reabsorbed into the body. Many people stay on anticoagulants long term because once you've had a pulmonary embolus (or emboli meaning multiple clots), the chances of having another one increase. It becomes a preventative measure and for the most part, you can go on with an active lifestyle.

In my case, they were able to see the clots on chest x-rays. They might have better scans now as my case was many years ago. I' was on warfarin for maintenance for many years but now take something else which is better for overall health since there are no dietary restrictions for veggies.

I was recently diagnosed with DVT and PE. Started Eliquis immediately and notice a significant difference in the selling (ankle looked like a plum). 2 tablets 2x day for first seven days and then 1 tablet 2x day ongoing. After moving to 1 tablet, I see swelling still. Will share with Dr. to understand this better- concern or expected. Treatment for 6 months for treatment and prevention. Will see what Dr. recommends after the 6 months. I am 59. Good luck. I has caused me to be anxious as I now question what is DVT/PE and what is normal stuff going on.

Has anyone on here been diagnosed with Factor V Leiden? I am on Eliquis and was told I would have to be on a medication indefinitely due to this. Eliquis is expensive but I have not had another dvt or PE since taking it since 2017.

@brenda1231, I hope you saw @carriebythesea's helpful response to your very good question: "How will one know the clots in the lung has dissolved?"

I found this article is also helpful in explaining:
- How Do Blood Clots Dissolve? https://www.webmd.com/dvt/dissolve-blood-clot

A couple of key points from the article:
- Blood thinners don’t dissolve the clot, but they can stop it from getting bigger and keep new ones from forming. That gives your body time to break up the clot.
- Thrombolytics. These clot-busting drugs are used for serious conditions, like a pulmonary embolism. Unlike blood thinners, they do break down the clot. They work by turning on plasmin, which jump-starts your body’s natural process for clearing things out.
- A DVT or pulmonary embolism can take weeks or months to totally dissolve. Even a surface clot, which is a very minor issue, can take weeks to go away.
- If you have a DVT or pulmonary embolism, you typically get more and more relief as the clot gets smaller. The pain and swelling from a DVT usually start to get better within days of treatment.
- Symptoms from a pulmonary embolism, like shortness of breath or mild pain or pressure in your chest, can linger 6 weeks or more. You might notice them when you’re active or even when you take a deep breath. Exercise can help with this.

Brenda, can you share more about you? Are you taking medication to resolve a blood clot? What symptoms are you experiencing?