DVT - Multiple times

[Pprashant]

Hi Everyone,

I have been diagnosed with DVT and later pulmonary embolism and post that I have suffered with DVT twice once I stop taking medication.

I want to know that I do not wish to continue with the medication what changes do I do with my lifestyle that DVT never occurs and I am also not on medication.

[wf234]

My experience is that having had 2 DVTs, you won't be allowed to stop anti-coagulants. I had 2 DVTs, 10 years apart, both caused by travel, and was told that anti-coagulants were for life. I lost a lot of weight after the second one (planned diet) and tried to persuade my GP to take me off them, but the advice was firmly no.

[Gramoss in reply to wf234]

I was diagnosed with DVT in 1994 and since then up to this time I am taking anti-coagulant (Warfarin / Coumadin). I am okay...

[mrdarcy1]

Hi Prashant,I've had 3 DVTS, 2 below the knee and one above the knee.

Not sure what's caused them, although I suspect a bad car crash

1st one was below the knee and I was treated with injections and the blood thinner Warfarin for 1 year, DVT stockings.

It was the most painful thing I've ever had!

After a year of constant monitoring at hospital I was eventually allowed to stop medication.

Skip forward 5+ years and another one, this one above the knee and near enough unbearable pain. I was crying like a baby it was that painful.

So I was again given injections and once again put on the warfarin. So again I couldn't get my numbers right.

Up and down like a yo-yo.

Full length stockings this time, under 50 and limping as it was that bad with pain.

Tried to get physiotherapy for the leg and then the third one hit, just after starting physiotherapy

This time I was told it's either warfarin or anti- coagulation drug for life

I hated the Warfarin (some prefer it these days as it can be monitoring at home)

I chose the anti-coagulation (Apixaban) for life I'm only 56.

I've been left with post- thrombotic syndrome and an awful pain when I put weight on my leg.

I would like to know WHY you would want to take a chance on having a stroke?

Why would you want to put your family or yourself thru that?

I'm sorry but, I'm all for coming of any medication "if possible" and my hats of to those that do.

Since, starting the anti-coagulation medication I've not had a repeat and live in fear of it happening again "still"

So I'll gladly stay on my medication and not put any more worry, on my family.

However the choice is always yours in the end and watching your weight and a good healthy diet is always recommended.

I would always wear my full length stockings now mine is up another class as my leg starts to ballon without the stocking.

I stopped wearing the stockings both times at the end of treatment. (I think this was also a mistake) I just wish someone was around to tell me how important these things were.

I'm just glad I never had a stroke, as that is far worse than any tablet taken every day.

So speak with your specialist and if he recommends a tablet every day then listen to him. Trust me, you don't want to have a stroke as I've seen what this does to you and people's family's!

Whatever you choose I wish you the best, and hope your free from this horrible affliction that can strike at any time.

[SpeedyH in reply to mrdarcy1]

Your advice is wise in practice but we live in a world where not everyone has access to free healthcare or insurance. It is important to acknowledge that everyone's personal circumstances are different and that life-long medication may be a challenge or not possible.

[mrdarcy1 in reply to SpeedyH]

Hey SpeedyH

Yes, quite right I never thought about that.

Not everybody has access to medical healthcare or insurance.

However the person who started using on this never mentioned that.

Just that they "wanted to stop" so I never suspected that from there question.

However your correct!