Happy to have found you!

I was diagnosed with a DVT 5 weeks ago after a flight back from Thailand, I'd also picked up an infection in my leg which I believe contributed. I have a large clot at the top of my thigh and I'm still trying to find out exactly what this means for me... I see the same basic advice everywhere but it doesn't seem to answer my questions, so I'm so glad to have found this forum and have learnt so much already! (Thanks ladies for your open discussion on contraception... I'm a single 35yr old so this was really useful!)

I struggled with why this might have happened as I followed all the advice (flight socks, hydration, exercise etc.) I'm relatively fit and compete in lots of sports, including triathlons... I never dreamed this would actually increase the risk! Thanks to this website I now have lots more info and also plan to write an awareness article for my running club magazine.

Does anyone have any helpful hints on returning to doing some sports? I've been advised to stick to walking and swimming for the next six months so I'm looking for a bit of hope that my life might return to some sort of normality at some point!!!

The first step will be going back to work next week.

Thanks to you all for just giving me some hope!!!

Charlotte (Lotte) from UK

Lotte,

Welcome to the website!

I had a DVT in November 1992. The clot began in my ankle and went to my hip. While hospitalized they also found I had suffered a Pulmonary Embolism. The physician told me I was lucky to be alive and that I probably would not regain full use of my leg due to the anticipate damage. In 1993 I had my best cycling season of my career finishing 9th overall. All was well until 1995 when I suffered a 2nd blood clot (opposite leg, less extensive). I now ride mountain bikes recreationally, plus now that I'm older I came to the realizataion that it actually hurts when you crash and it takes longer to heal


Once your physician gives you the okay to exercise, keep it low impact. By next season you should be able to return to running. Here is a link to a blog written by Roland Varga in the U.S. Roland is a triathelete who raise for blood clot awareness. On his webpage you wil find a link to "atheletes of the month". These folks have all survived DVT/PE's and returned to their sport. Some are professional athletes, some olympians, some everyday people; all are inspiring. Please check out the story about Leslie Smith who is a medically retired Army Captain. Leslie's courage and genuine cheerfulness is truely inspirational:

http://clot-buster-triathlete.blogspot.com/

Feel free to ask questions. When it comes to our medical condition, knowledge is truly power and it helps to not only understand what we are going through but also provides insight that there is "Life After DVT".

Regards,
Tom from Connecticut (USA)

Wow, Leslie's story really puts things into perspective... what an amazing lady! The NATT site also has some great information - thank you.

Thanks for the good advice too... your own story is pretty inspirational!

Lotte

Lotte,

I should have mentioned a resource for you in the UK. Over here in the U.S., the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT) (see www.stoptheclot.org) is the large Patient Advocacy Organization promoting DVT/PE Awareness. For you, Lifeblood performs the same task. Their website is:

http://www.thrombosis-charity.org.uk/cms/index.php

Just wanted to pass this info along.

Regards,
Tom