Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Worried about DVT.

51 replies

Methe · 16/05/2012 20:08

I've got a pain in my calf, it's been there for maybe 10 days or so. It feels like cramp, but very small cramp just in one spot, if that makes sense. My leg is not swollen, or red and it doesn't really hurt when I walk. I have had this pain before and it eventually went away on it's own. The reason I am worried about it this time is that I've had 3 surgeries in the last 8 weeks, ( 2 laproscopic abdominal surgeries and a gynae op under spinal) and a late miscarriage. I am also being investigated for Antiphospholipid syndrome which is a clotting disorder due to recurrent pregnancy loss/abruptions. I am 32 and a bit fat but general healthy and am pretty mobile now.

The pain isn't severe, it's just a niggle but I suffered with Health Anxiety as a part of PTSD after the birth of my son 3 years ago. I find it very difficult to keep things in prospective and anything health related sends me in to panic.

What should I do?

OP posts:
alphabite · 18/05/2012 19:44

Go to your GP. Probably nothing but worth checking out, especially as you've had operations recently.

vigglewiggle · 18/05/2012 19:48

I'm not medical, but I have had a DVT. I think it is highly unlikely that you have a DVT. I think you are pretty much guaranteed to have some swelling and redness. Mine was just below my knee and my leg was very swollen and hot and red and I couldn't stand on it.

I hope this reassures you, but I still think it is worth checking out.

Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 19:51

Thanks for replying :) The pain is still there but masked by other pain as i've ridden both a horse and a bike for the first time in 10 years over the last 24 hours so my entire legs hurt! My calf feels like a dead leg though. Will go to the Drs on monday if it hasn't gone off.

OP posts:
rubyslippers · 18/05/2012 19:51

Get checked out for sure

I have had DVT without swelling and redness - 'just' the pain

rubyslippers · 18/05/2012 19:52

You can go to a & e if it doesn't go

Another 48 hours is a long time if the pain doesn't subside

3littlefrogs · 18/05/2012 19:53

You need to find a tape measure and measure each calf at exactly the same place. Is there any difference in the measurements?

Now look at the veins on both feet. Are they more swollen/visible on the sore side?

Does your calf hurt more when standing, or lying down?

Given your risk factors I would say go to A&E and get them to look at it.

Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 20:02

My legs are both the same size and my feet look the same. I tried finding my pedal pulse (?) on both feet yesterday but couldn't find it at all and my legs havent dropped off so it must be there. Calf hurts more when standing that sitting with legs up but sitting with legs crossed hurts more and thats my habitual way of sitting.

I can't go to a&e now, i've had wine and the children are in bed, I could go tomorrow morning?

OP posts:
Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 20:05

I really struggled with the HA and have 95% got over it now. If I m being blase it's because I cannot let myself get anxious about it as I know that is the way to mental misery.

OP posts:
3littlefrogs · 18/05/2012 20:10

See how it is in the morning. If you feel unwell and/or feverish, or your leg becomes more painful/swollen/red you can reassess.

Did you have anything to prevent clots after your surgeries? Injections in your tummy for example?

Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 20:13

No nothing and I only wore the stockings until I was discharged. It is probably nothing but I will go to A&E first thing in the morning if it is still there.. hopefully it'll be quiet at 8am!

OP posts:
Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 20:16

Oh and thanks Thanks

OP posts:
3littlefrogs · 18/05/2012 20:59

That's ok. You are welcome. I work in this particular speciality, so pm me if you are worried. Smile I will probably look in a couple of times before 11pm.

Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 21:02

If I go to A&E they wont think i'm being ridiculous?

OP posts:
supernannyisace · 18/05/2012 21:04

I had a DVT a few years ago - and it just felt as if I had pulled a muscle. After a few days when it didn't go away I mentioned it to GP. I was actually visiting th eGP for the results of my blood test for Factor V leiden - which is a blood clotting disorder.

She sent me straight to hospital for an ultrasound.

Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 21:06

What happened the Supernanny ?

OP posts:
Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 21:06

Then

OP posts:
supernannyisace · 18/05/2012 21:13

I had a heparin injection - and had to have a further five, one per day. I could either have gone in each day for them to do it - or take them home wiht me and do it myself. I chose to do it myself. The nurse made me do the first one to check that I could.

I also had to take Warfarin for 6 months - which required me visiting once a week at first for blood test - to check INR levels ( I can't remember exactly what that means now).

However I don't take any meds now - but am quite aware of any pain in my legs - but as of yet haven't had to go back.

Don't worry too much about it - but you should get it checked out. If nothing else to put your mind at rest.

Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 21:17

Thank you :) Was your FVL test positive? I think that is one of the things I am being tested for.

I will get it checked out tomorrow, especially as it sounds like the diagnostic test is quite quick!

OP posts:
supernannyisace · 18/05/2012 21:19

Yes - I do have it. Only found out at the age of 38 though - which is when all this happened. Managed years of smoking, being on the pill, having a baby - and had no issues.

good luck! Hopefully it is nothing.

chipmunksex · 18/05/2012 21:22

Please get it checked out; not all DVT presents with pain, redness and swelling although they are of course the classic things to look for.

Considering your medical history I think it's sensible to be cautious.

Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 21:24

I think I am probably wound myself up about it a but tbh.. I have history being a bit neurotic about my heath.

I hope you continue to have no issues!

Thanks again :)

OP posts:
Tinkerisdead · 18/05/2012 21:30

Please get this checked out. I had a c section 14 weeks ago, no dodgy history, dont smoke, not huge bmi and im 33. 4 days after my section i was having horrific crushing pains in my chest.

I have bilateral pulmonary embolism. I had absolutely no clue about a dvt, no swelling etc and put any aches and pains down to pregnancy. Im not trying to frighten you but if it is a dvt you need to start treatment. Better to be safe than sorry.

Im on warfarin for 6 months, had heparin injections for weeks and as my INR wont fall into therapeutic range im in the clinic about every four days.

Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 21:37

Thanks TDW. It sounds like you've been though something really terrifying :( I will get it investigated tomorrow, I promise.

Hope your feeling ok and enjoying your lovely new baby Envy

OP posts:
Original poster
Methe · 18/05/2012 21:39

You'RE!

OP posts:
EightiesChick · 18/05/2012 21:43

Another one here with Factor V Leiden and a history of DVT. As chipmunk says above, it can develop without symptoms (or all of them) so definitely get it checked out. I assume you will have been given Fragmin (injection in the stomach) at the time of each surgery so you'll have had some protection. These things can be frightening but are treatable. I've survived 3 now!

TheDoctorsWife46 have you been diagnosed with a clotting disorder now? I do feel for you and can understand your situation. I've had PE too.