DVT (deep vein thrombosis) prevention and treatment

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?

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!

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!

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?

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!

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

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!

@rebecca58 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Wow, that sounds like a big clot to be worried about! I would definitely think about getting a second opinion on your case. If you have underlying health conditions, a second view may give you more answers and thoughts to consider.

Are you getting any exercise in? Was that part of what the doctor may have prescribed for you? Here is a link to an existing discussion from our forum, in Heart Health:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dvt-treatment-for-age-70/
You'll see some good information there.
Ginger

I recently was diagnosed July 28 with a long blood clot in my femoral artery from groin to foot in all my 4 pop lien veins
Baylor scott and white kept me 3 days with lovanox shots in my stomach and a heparin drip they sent me home with Eliquis blood thinners and said it would have to absorb 3 to 6 months.
It happened from a tibia plateau fracture I had in July. The clot is in my left leg and doctor in hospital said there are a lot of complications to go in and remove it. But everyone is telling me this is a death sentence but my doctor said it’s a very dangerous surgery so I’m just confused and don’t know if I should go to a vein doctor specialist. The hospital said if it’s still there in 6 months they will send me then to a specialist. What should I do.

Colleen, my wife and I have power walked 4 miles per day for the past 5 years, runners before that. I hav e been wearing compression socks. Thanks. Surprised to get 2 Dot’s in one year at age 73.