my story

Hi my name is Glenda and I had my first DVT in January of 1998. Mine was a result of the birth control pill which I had only taken for 6 months when I developed a massive clot in my right leg. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks and was scared to death. I was 24 years old and had never been hospitalized for anything before. It was the worst pain I had ever experienced. I was on coumadin for 6 months after my release from the hospital and then told to take an aspirin a day. Everything was fine until January of 2010. Yep...another clot. I had not taken any birth control after the first incident so they said this one was just a result of the poor circulation in that leg. So now I am on coumadin for the rest of my life as well as two aspirin a day which, to me is better than risking another clot. I have had multiple ulcerations on the inner lower ankle of that leg and constant swelling. Some days it aches to the point that I fear another clot but so far I've been ok. I'm very greatful to have found this site and know that I am not alone with all of this. I just can't help but wander what this leg will be like 10,20, or 30 years from now. I am 38 years old and some days wish they would just amputate (which I know would be worse but...).

Welcome Glenda, as much as I hate doing it, wish I did not have to welcome you to LADVT, pains me to see other people with this ...But, anyhow, I'm glad you found the place.

Just a shot in the dark, the pain when it is at it's worst, can you relate it to the times you are not wearing your sock?

I know for myself, if I have a long day (12 hr day on my feet) at work and it is a day I omitted to wear my sock,(yes it does happen) my leg will be swollen and very painful, so I try not to have those days.

Just wondering...

Yes if I am on my feet for extended periods of time and do not wear the sock the swelling and tightness is much worse. As for actual pain there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. Sometimes it almost seems weather related. It gets very achy before a rain a lot. I also get very painful cramps in the inner thigh area which are so much worse then the typical calf cramp. It feels like someone is stabbing a knife through my thigh when the cramps hit. I notice I seem to get them if I have been out in the cold damp air for a time period. Itchiness is also a problem for me. My leg gets very itchy but if I scratch it too much I could get ulcerations so it's a challenge sometimes.

Glenda, Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm so glad that I found this website. I understand your pain, and hope that maybe we can inspire one another.