I read a lot about pain in the posts. Where is the pain and how do we know we are not doing damage? I have a DVT in my right leg .

[kingfisher2]

I am told it is vital to exercise but how far how much etc who can advise me ?

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Hi Kingfisher2 really sorry to hear you have a DVT. You didn't say when this was discovered and what treatment you are on. I would suggest seeking medical advice from your practice doctor or nurse before you run though. However if you have been advised to do exercise why not go swimming, cycle, rowing (at the gym) the main aim will be to get your blood flowing well and sitting about is not good for this condition. Take care and keep us posted on your progress.

[kingfisher2 in reply to Oldgirl]

Many thanks. I was diagnosed with DVT over a year ago and am on a anti coag called Rivaroxaban. My leg has been pretty pain free and I wear compression stocking on that leg. However since starting the couch to 5 k my leg has become swollen heavy and aching. Week 3 So I suppose it's the gym instead of free running and fresh air.

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to kingfisher2]

Don't give up on the fresh air, its a great tonic to us all. If running is causing pain walking may well be the answer. If you have access to a gym and classes why not consider doing something less impact like pilates, yoga or stretch classes all very good for body toning and certainly give you a 'Feel goof factor' Cycling, rowing and weights can also keep you very fit and active and my favourite swimming. These are all things I have had to resort to while I've been on the injury bench. Don't hang up your running shoes though before you have got yourself checked out, it may just be a question of slowing down and an extra day rest that's required. Good luck.

[swanscot Graduate in reply to kingfisher2]

No, don't go to the gym. That will be so borin. Go to your doctor and explain about the swelling and get advice.

Do you have anywhere you feel safe to ride a bike? If you don't have a bike, you can probably buy something suitable for £50+ from a local 'home start/fresh start' or similar-sounding name charity. These are schemes where unemployed or disabled people repair old donated bikes and get them roadworthy to sell as low cost.

[kingfisher2 in reply to Oldgirl]

Many thanks. I was diagnosed with DVT a year ago.i wear a compression stocking and take Rivaroxaban anti coag. My leg has been pretty pain free until I started the couch to 5k now at week 3. It becomes heavy swollen and aching so I guess it has to be the gym and goodbye to fresh air and free running app!

[rr76 Graduate]

Sounds like you need to get yourself checked out at your doctors - don't give up running just yet. Even if it's not the best thing for you, as old girl says there are plenty of other things you can do to keep healthy and stop future clots. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[MrsMozzer Graduate]

Get back to the doctors. Everyone will get niggly aches and pains when running (especially when you're new to it) but this doesn't sound right at all. I have a couple of friends who have had DVT in the past and don't report any real pain or discomfort overall now their treatment is established although they aren't into running or high intensity exercise. Your doctor or practice nurse should be able to advise on whether running is the issue or not and if they're unsure then there's always the consultant!

[Badger484]

I too have suffered DVTs in the past - 2 in my right leg and 1 in my left. My last one was 9 years ago and I am on warfarin for life.

I am on week 3 of Cto5k and I have good runs and bad runs with my worst leg. I have experimented with different types of compression and have found that Sigvaris running socks work amazingly - they are proper medical compression but made specifically for running with padding in all the right places to prevent blisters, hamstring injuries etc.

I agree with the above posts, speak to your doctor. After only a year you may have some scarring of the clot site which can cause another DVT (that's how my second happened). To be fair I haven't spoken to a doctor about my starting running but I genuinely feel like my legs are improving after every run, so it really is helping.

[kingfisher2]

I am really grateful for everyone's responses. I have an appointment with my GP but feel I shall have to be determined to get proper guidance from him. I already wear sigvaris compression stocking for normal wear. I will report back!