Update...I Have Phlebitis

[LexiJaye23]

So gang...I visited my gp on today to get my leg examined. He told me that I had phlebitis. He didn't give me too much details and I kind of felt rushed. It may be time for a new gp. Anyways, curiosity got the best of me so I googled smh. Seen all kinds of scary things from rarely but possibly becoming deep phelebitis which can lead to those ugly blood clots. I feel no reassurance whatsoever. He told me to apply a warm compress and it should go away within 1-2 weeks but I am worried about it returning and becoming worse. Has anyone here experienced phlebitis and can provide me some insight? Please help me I am so worried.

[Jeff1943]

Yes, I had phlebitis once a few years ago, my doctor told me to just ignore it and it would go away. He was right, I ignored it and it went away. I never felt threatened by Deep Vein Thrombosis and this was never mentioned. In the extremely unlikely event of my lower leg getting worse, swelling up, feeling warm or painful I would have been round my doctor's like a shot. But it didn't.

That was about 6 years ago and it hasn't returned and I have no reason to expect it to return.

If I remember rightly it is caused by small blood vessels or capillaries rupturing and a small amount of blood is released into the surrounding area. In my case it happened after a day's walk along a shingle beach wearing walking boots that must have rubbed against my leg.

It's no big deal, Lexijaye23, certainly not worth worrying about.

[LexiJaye23 in reply to Jeff1943]

Thank you Jeff I am feeling so much better. You have been such a big help to me. The fact that you have your own battles to fight but still take the time to support and advise me is amazing. I think the only way I am gonna reduce my health anxiety is to immediately start making lifestyle changes i.e. losing weight, taking my meds and stop smoking. I really hope I have the stregnth to do this.

[Jeff1943 in reply to LexiJaye23]

If you ever discover a way to lose weight, Lexijay23, let me know. I stopped smoking after 55 years of 4 or 5 a day without a problem by switching to vaping whhich involves vapour not smoke. I use the e-liquids that don't contain any nicotine, they come in lots of flavours like cherry and mango. They say they're 95% safer that tobacco but it will take another 10 years before they know for sure if vaping is completely safe.

[LexiJaye23 in reply to Jeff1943]

I surely will Jeff. I was successful a couple of years back with the Atkins diet. Lost about 13 lbs in 2 weeks with 2 day a week exercise. If I would have stayed consistent I would be at my goal right now. I am going to try that again. Definitely going to try the vapor. I will be cigarette smoke free by Monday I am claming it!!!

[blackcat64013]

Hi LexiJaye23

I was treated by applying warm compresses, elevation of the leg, and encouraged to keep walking to increase the blood flow.

As I had a quite serious case I was prescribed medication, nothing heavy duty

External compression with fitted stockings available from the pharmacy was the last step.

Medication - I took an oral anti-inflammatory medication, Ibuprofen. Topical (rub on) anti-inflammatory medication diclofenac (Voltaren) was beneficial at night (wrap leg in plastic to increase uptake into the skin.

If things take a turn for the worse, get an ultrasound to rule out deep vein thrombosis.