DVT (deep vein thrombosis) prevention and treatment

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.

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.

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

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 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

I took apixaban, Eliquis, 5 mg twice a day for a year and a half since my DVT and PE episode. Since I take another medication twice a day my haematologist went with apixaban. It seems a lot of people forget the evening dose unless they are used to that routine. Rivaroxaban does the same thing but is 1 dose a day. Last week I learned I have a 6 inch clot in the same area again. I learned that the anticoagulant oral medications have about the same level of efficacy and that repeat clots can occur. They’ve doubled my apixaban dose for a week and will be doing a CT and a blood test for autoimmune disease. I have a heparin allergy and fewer options because of that.

@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!

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 !

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?
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?

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!