This is me

Hi Madeline!

I'm back!

Yay about your INR!! woohoo!!

How are your compression stockings, did you try them yet? I thought the worst of my leg aches were long over, but had the limp back this wkd. (I overdid it--will tell you about it later--had fun though!). Yep, the limp from pre-diagnosis! So I will go pick up my stocking tomorrow probably to test it out. What kind did you get? The hospital Dr. wrote me a prescription (weird... 'cause you can just buy them regularly) for "TED"? medium strength, ankle to thigh... hmmm.. sounds sexy don't it?!

Ok... your foot contraption thingy sounds like a GREAT idea!!!! I could sooooo use one for when I'm sitting at the computer! Where did you find it? (What kind of place?) Do you have a weblink for it? Would love to look it up, how it works, the price, etc. and compare to what I can find here.

AND a pill cutter! You are organized indeed! Very impressed with your shopping this wkd.!!

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Blebs,

I'd have to say I'm with ya on that one! Luckily I have not been more than one hour out at latest! (Knock on wood & all that!)

Hi Brenda

Welcome back – glad to hear that you had a good time! Ooooh yes, its really super cool – you should really invest in one. Mine is called the “Ergonomic foot rest” and I bought it at “The Back Shop” (although I don’t see it listed on their website) http://www.backshop.co.za/products/products.htm
I paid R599 ($75) for it. Check out this website: http://www.relaxtheback.com/foot-rests-subcategory-6389777 - goes for $49 and looks like the same thing to me.

It is unreal how much pressure it takes off your back too. It is so comfortable to rest your legs on it and its fab for circulation as the top part moves as you press your toes down (like putting your foot on the gas) and then back again with your heels. Highly recommend it! I’m definitely going to get one for the office too.

As for the compression socks – I am AMASED at what a difference it makes. My leg was so sore again on Saturday and after buying the socks, by Saturday evening the pain was soooo much less, Sunday ALL gone. Was saying that it’s the first time in absolute ages that I was not constantly aware of my leg (not necessary sore always, but aware of it).

I bought the knee high medium compression socks…in ultra sexy black lol.

Okay, lastly my pill cutter – erm crap lol. All its good for is keeping my pills in, the cutter smashes the pills to dust! So best I continue the old fashioned way: “hold pill with both thumbs, apply pressure and Al Pesto! – two halves! LOL

Sorry to hear the limp is back! I have a feeling the compression socks will do the trick. I cannot believe I never bought any earlier. My doctor never mentioned it and I never gave it too much thought either (like a total cluts!). Anyhoo, I’m glad I finally got some. They are great! Hope your leg feels better soon!

Do your feet hurt also? Mine are killing me most of the time. No, I'm not diabetic, but man oh man, my feet sure feel like it.

Hey Blebs!

I know I'm jumping into Madeline's journal (again!)... just want to say that my foot of my DVT leg does have small bits of crampy stuff happening from time to time, which one of the GPs said is par for the course (in my situation). Not killing me though! What does your GP say?

Hi Blebs

Nope, my feet don't hurt. I have the occasional cramping in my foot that Brenda mentions but mine happens very seldom and I cannot really complain about it.

Shame, what explanation does the doctor have?

None. He blames the swelling, but I never had it until I got a staph infection from accidentally kicking the top of one of my oxygen bottles crawling into bed one night. I guess it's some kind of neuropathy.

Argh...here we go again!!

Today's INR @ 3.48 (my therapeutic range should be between 2.0 and 2.5)

Sooooo, altered dosage again and back for a follow-up INR again in a week. Ho hum!

Today's INR is 1.74 ... and so the saga continues

Have to go for the next INR next Monday again.

Holy moley girlfriend! Here goes the roller coaster again! Let's hope next week is back on track!

Okay, the latest...

I've been to see a Gynea after making the decision to try and fall pregnant. A family member referred me to him (he helped a few of her friends and her sister to fall pregnant after they battled for a long time). Anyhoo, long story short...what a brilliant Dr! I was not even aware that he specialises in treating patients that have DVT/PE and high-risk pregnancies. This I only found out when I went to see him. Also, the patient he saw before me is 12 weeks pregnant and has a PE. I believe that he currently has 6 patients that are pregnant and either have PE or DVT. Well that was fabulous news and I now feel ultra safe knowing that I'm in good hands! He also took the time to do a thorough check-up and explain the whole process of pregnancy with PE/DVT to me.

Soooo, I've stopped taking Warfarin on Thursday and started taking 40mg Clexane daily since Friday. So far, so good!

Madeline that is such GREAT NEWS!!!!
I also have hooked up with a Dr. (hematologist) that specializes in pregnancy with DVT/PE (no, not for me...) I'll see what I can dig up.
Keep us informed!!!!

Thanks - I'm very excited about it

Thanks Denis, that will be fab!

Hey you! You must be totally excited!! So how is the Clexane going? Do you have to inject it or ?? Chat with you on email later gator...

Howdy you

Clexane is going okay so far. Yup, injections I'm afraid

I have one major bruise (size of a golf ball) on my tummy lol but the others have been more successful. Wonder what my tummy is going to look like after a few months hehehe

Hey, but its all good. I'm very excited and holding thumbs, and hoping and praying that I do fall. Hmmm, will keep you posted

Been running around a bit (my colleague is on holiday for 2 weeks).

Yup, chat to ya later on email ... in a while crocodile

I think I read somewhere in DVTland, that rubbing ice on your belly before(?) the shot helps to reduce bruising. Something to check out? Maybe someone here will know.

Have a super day!!!

I believe you are right Brenda. Thanks!

I've also since read that you should not rub the spot where you injected as this causes bruising too. So now even if it stings a little, I don't touch it lol. No rest for the brave hey

Hi there Brenda (my new friend), Gismo (a fellow south african and hopefully soon to be new friend)...
I am new to this forum and already I feel that by reading about your experiences you have provided me with much needed support...as have you Dero. This forum is fantastic.
As a DVT "survivor", I too am on this rollercoaster ride with you.
Thanks for sharing and caring...
Inbal