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This does not sounds like a clot. If you had a clot you would have localized pain and swelling, although clots can be almost asymptomatic. However you do need to see a doc about that platelet count.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombocytosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378315
Hm. Are you able to get a standing desk? You could also try something like a desk mini-cycle.
I know, realistically there's no way to just switch off the fear. It's such a bizarre feeling, like your own body is betraying you. I'm still in that phase. Irrationally pissed off at my body for doing something so random and life-changing. From everything I've read here it's completely normal to go through stages of anxiety, so don't ever think you're wrong or weak for being afraid. It's scary.
This may sound hokey, but while I was in the hospital a friend visited and told me how she and her husband coped while he was undergoing testing and surgery for prostate cancer. She got me to load an app on my phone called Headspace. It's basically just guided breathing that helps to calm your racing mind. I, a skeptic, tried it for 3 minutes twice a day, and I found it actually did help to get me out of my own thoughts for a few minutes. I'm still using it at home when I catch myself getting overly panicky about every little twinge in my ribs; my Fitbit shows me that I'm actually lowering my heart rate by doing it. There's a website explaining it, if you're interested. Anything that adds to our coping toolbox, right?
I can't help for the core question specifically, though I recall pain after diagnosis and while I was on Eliquis I don't recall still being in pain two months later. As the other redditor said, make sure to drink a lot of water and get up once an hour to stretch and pump blood. Even tensing your thighs periodically and bringing your heel up and down while sitting can help keep the blood flowing.
Also, consider getting a pair of compression socks - I fly A LOT, and these have really helped me for example if I fall asleep and forget to get up during the flight. My doctor says she recommends these socks even for people without history of clotting, it's just added support for your body to handle the stress of sitting so long.
These are the ones I use, they're not medical grade and they're a bit pricey, but I feel much better after my flights when I wear them. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BKIPW0/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Does the doc know you are still having breathing difficulties? Once you get the pulse oximeter and get some numbers on your O2 saturation you can call the doc back and say look, I think I will have a problem flying. But you know, maybe your readings will be good. And if they are then you will definitely feel less anxious about the whole situation.
I see your dad is coming, he can ping the doc as well, do the whole papa bear protective act.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hypoxemia/basics/definition/sym-20050930
So it seems to be out of stock, but this is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MG4GZX0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 -- it's ok, but honestly I slide down on it a lot when I move around during the night. There might be better options out there :).
Compression stockings are not prescription items. https://www.amazon.com/JOBST-Relief-Compression-Closed-Medium/dp/B001O1EXDE
The important thing is that they are fitted properly. You buy them based on calf size not shoe size.
I like open toe, but the edge can get annoying. I really like Wanderlust (Amazon link) graduated compression socks. They have arch support and a really open toe that's super comfortable. Highly recommended!
What dosage are the pills? 2.5 or 5 mg?
Note that they often start you on a 10 mg 2x dosage when first diagnosed. If you took two 2.5s I wouldn't worry one bit. If you took two 5s, well, I wouldn't worry either. If you took two 10s, well call your doctor.
If you are worried call the doctor who prescribed the pills.
Get a daily pill reminder. You can get ones that have AM and PM compartments. https://www.amazon.com/EZY-DOSE-Organizer-Compartments-Arthritis/dp/B001OK1YUA/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=B001OK1YUA&psc=1
Mine was hard to notice until I almost died unfortunately. I had extreme shortness of breath, like walking up 4 stairs from my living room to the kitchen was a marathon. I didn't think anything was really wrong (I'm obese) until I nearly blacked out and couldn't sit upright or make any moves without going down.
I'd recommend getting one of those finger hear rate and blood oxygen % things they use at the Doctor's office. This is the one I got (after my PE of course) and it matched up to my apple watch readings well. I think you'd see you O2 % low if you had a PE, but I haven't tested this since I got the monitor after my PE. It does give me a sense of security knowing what my reading is now though.
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There is no such thing as a DVT diet. Being overweight is bad.
Eat a good diet. The Mediterranean diet is considered the best from a health standpoint. But any diet, like heart health, diabetes, whatever, that is health promoting is good.
If you are having trouble sticking with a particular diet try reading https://www.amazon.com/Beck-Diet-Solution-Train-Person/dp/0848732758 which is a CBT approach to sticking to a diet. It doesn't tell you what to eat, just pick a diet and use CBT to stay with it. Or you could try an app like Noom or join WW for the support aspect.
The other helpful thing is plan your meals for the week in advance, as opposed to winging it every mealtime.
More help can be found over in /r/loseit in their wiki.
Best exercise: Walk an hour a day. Cycling is good because your calves are pumping. Swimming is good because the water puts pressure on your legs. Generally anything that makes you move your legs because your leg muscles act as a pump to push blood thru your veins. Weight training can also help.
Yes. I'm on a DOAC so I would want the hospital to know which reversal agent to use if I were in an accident. This is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4JCLPI/ref=cm_sw_r_apanp_lh7JgzxxMJTfe
I got some basic tags from Amazon and keep one on my keychain and one attached to my phone case, figuring I'm never outside of the house without one or both of them - they were pretty inexpensive and are customizable for us lifers and our doses! (Kind of like these, though I got mine in purple so they're more noticeable. It fits a name, your medication & dose on it. Super handy!)
Hey! I’m glad to see I’m not alone. I had actually been prescribed iron for years but it wasn’t enough for the amount of blood I was losing. I ended up getting 2 more transfusions after I posted this but there’s good news. An RN I work with recommended an all natural supplement from Amazon. The brand is called Mega Foods the product is called Blood Builder Iron Supplement, it’s made with beets, broccoli & oranges and it’s made a huge difference vs the artificial stuff I was prescribed. I’ll try to post a link or picture, hope that’s allowed. I went from being transfused monthly to having labs in normal range. I highly recommend.
I was lucky - I was on holiday at a cottage when I went off mine the first time, so my usual schedule was interrupted enough that it didn't seep into my mind every spare minute. Six months after going off them I had another clot, so now I'm a lifer. There have been a few occasions, though, when I've had to change my dose or skip a couple of pills (with my hematologist's knowledge and approval), and the anxiety is real. Man, is it ever. The hypervigilance over every change in physical sensation? I relate to you so much.
Mostly I'd say it's therapy that has helped. I saw someone for a few months early on, and I just finished a 16 week program for health anxiety specifically. If you have access to mental health care I can't recommend it enough. One of the resources my most recent therapist used was this workbook so if you don't have easy access to a professional you might be able to work through some of it on your own in the meantime. I hope that helps <3
This is more the rule than the exception for a lot of us - you're not alone! I've gotten some therapy and just finished a 16 week treatment for health anxiety specifically, which I have found really helpful. (If you're looking for a workbook kind of thing this is the book my therapist had me using.) Aside from that, I think it's just time, really. You start getting to know your "new normal" and can more easily identify sensations that are not actually scary. Making sure you have access to a doctor or nurse who you can call or visit if there's something of concern is also huge - it's always better to get checked out if you're not sure, and once you've done that a few times and get reassuring results it'll take the anxiety down a bit.
You've got this!
Can you try a tens machine? Helps with pain and to get blood flowing. Can get a decent one for $30 now days.
Hope you find relief!
Not at all! This is the one I use and I love it.
Braun Electric Series 3 Razor with Precision Trimmer, Rechargeable, Wet & Dry Foil Shaver for Men, Blue/Black, 4 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0115I2DRI/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_B1909XFE1KR1PDGS6JVF
It's fine to shave your legs, and if you nick you MIGHT notice that it's a bit more blood than usual. Just add some Wound Seal to your first aid kit jic. (For me it's more of a concern that I would cut myself in the kitchen with my chef's knife or mandoline.)
I'm not one to recommend anything without the approval of a doctor but.. You might consider looking into https://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Natto-Serra-Non-GMO-Gluten/dp/B00DBEVTDE
It sounds like you doctor selected Xarelto for you rather than offering you a choice (eg,, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa). It may be that Xarelto is your best option, but it's unfortunate that your physician didn't provide you with the pros and cons of each and consider your input.
With Xarelto, Eliquis, and Pradaxa, there are no dietary restrictions. Warfarin requires that patients consume low amounts of Vitamin K, as larger quantities reduce the medication's effectiveness. Some physicians suggest that it isn't as important that patients consume low amounts of Vitamin K, as long as the amount is consistent over time, allowing the medication to be prescribed at a therapeutic level. Here's some info from the Mayo Clinic about warfarin, which can be extended to Eliquis.
It might also be worthwhile to set up an appointment with your current physician to discuss your questions and concerns, as well as to tell them that you need them to communicate more openly with you and educate you about your health issues and the full range of treatment options. Another option would be to shop around for another physician who's willing to do that. Unfortunately, the onus of advocating for our health falls on patients, and having physicians who can't or won't be on our side 100% is a real roadblock. Best of luck!!!
[Edited to include Eliquis among the medications that do NOT require a dirty low in Vitamin K.]
Generally speaking, if it's green it has vitamin K. But the amount can vary quite widely. As long as you keep your K in the hundreds of micrograms then your INR should be stable. Once you break 1000 mcg you start getting into trouble. At least in my experience.
If you want to track your vitamin K use https://cronometer.com/. You can customize it so that your vitamin K intake is displayed at the top of the list. (You can customize just about anything in it, click on anything or hover and you can do all sorts of stuff.)
http://inrtracker.com/nutrients/vitamin-k-in-seaweed-kelp-raw
>If you have a tower computer put it on that.
Ha, this is actually what I do at home. It's a nice warm $1500 footstool.
Do you know how much elevation is needed to get that benefit? I'm wondering if something like this is still effective, or if it really needs to be something that holds my legs more even with my hips: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSQDE0U/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_KKRFGF68653DS8QW9D31
I know this is an oddly specific question but you seem like a veteran foot elevator.
IANAD but usually a clot in a superficial vein is not dangerous. But you do need to see a doctor ASAP for a correct diagnosis and treatment. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/phlebitis#1
There is very little you can do in the way of home treatment. Take an aspirin, keep the limb elevated, apply low heat if it's painful, drink plenty of water. But there is no substitute for proper care from a doctor.
If you have superficial phlebitis then there will be minimal treatment. If it is a DVT then you will be put on anticoagulants. Nowadays they tend to start you on one of the newer oral anticoagulants since they are effective within hours. If they go with warfarin you will have to be bridged on an injectable form of heparin for a few days until the warfarin starts working.
Do see a doc ASAP because clots are very dangerous.
Oh yes, lots of crazy advice from nurses, like, never eat greens! Uh no, you can eat all the greens you want as long as it's the same every day. Consistency.
You may want to plan your meals in advance and get used to eating the same thing. Make your own meals as much as possible. For now avoid the things that are very high in vitamin K, which is a lot of the hard leafy greens and some oils. With oil it's okay to use some oil in cooking but use a lot less. You can measure out a teaspoon or you can get cooking oil spray and/or use nonstick pans. You water saute or use broth instead of oil. You can use light salad dressing which has less oil or squeeze fresh lemon juice on salad or use balsamic vinegar or even apple cider vinegar.
Watch out for restaurant food. Soybean oil is cheap and often used in Chinese takeout. Olive oil is liberally applied in Italian food.
Once you get your monitor life will be a lot easier for you. I didn't have that option and by the time it was available I didn't really need it anymore.
This is a site people use for calorie restricted diets, but it also makes it possible to track nutrients in what you eat. I think they track vitamin K. https://cronometer.com/
So I just want to start out by saying different need compression socks for different reasons and you should probably talk to your doc about some of the options. I've tried a bunch including TED and found that the ones that work *best for me* were not traditional compression socks but graduated compression socks.
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They were great at getting me back on my feet and were comfortable enough that I could wear them all day. The TED socks had a tendency to create a painful ring around my leg wherever they ended. The graduated compression socks below really helped with that by easing up on the compression as you get closer to the sock opening.
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This may not be right for you. Maybe for medical reasons it's really important that you use specific socks. I can't say - but the socks below worked really well for me
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RHVJTF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You should pull them up as high as they go. To prevent them from coming down, the best thing I found to keep them up is roll on adhesive, something like this.
You should pull them up as high as they go. To prevent them from coming down, the best thing I find is roll on adhesive, something like this. https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Up-Adhesive-Applicator-Hypo-Allergenic/dp/B01GDW1CKU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=19ZNGH7A3FMT8&dchild=1&keywords=roll+on+adhesive&qid=1634412267&sprefix=roll+on+a&sr=8-3
Leg Elevation Pillow with Cooling Gel - Memory Foam Leg Rest - Elevating Foam Wedge- Relieves Leg Pain, Hip and Knee Pain, Improves Blood Circulation, Reduces Swelling - Breathable, Washable Cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082XHSLQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_728J4B5XBV6KP5CZQRR5
I personally use this one. It’s a nice hard foam & really helps when my legs/ankles swell up. It says it has cooling gel but I don’t feel any sort of coldness at all..there are identical ones to this on Amazon without the “cooling gel” that are cheaper and would probably work just as good.
I remember seeing the ads a few years ago but thought it was just another infomercial. I feel like they've improved. I can actually get a bit warm if I go hard.
I'm a Warzone guy myself but know how quickly a few games can turn into much more. This way I can use it between games, when I'm waiting to be bought back or when I'm working.
I bought the Sunny Home and fitness from Amazon. It's currently $185 CAD but I got it for a bit cheaper. Like many things, I think the pandemic supply and demand have driven prices up.
I needed thigh-high so your milage may vary. For the first few months I used the white-with-beige-elastic type with an open toe, and I HATED them. After a bit I tried the Ames thigh high black sheer tights off amazon and they're IMMENSELY better, stay up all day even when I exercise, I flipping LOVE THEM.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001205RB4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_i6XWFbXCS8BEG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The 15-20 mmHg is enough for me most days, but I tried the 20-30 open-toe ones as well and they're great. My issues are that the 20/30 are a FIGHT to get on, and they hurt behind the knee if you sit too long (which is a part of me that, uh, hurts, so not awesome).
Hmm I guess I’ll look into investing in one of those portable thread mills to turn into a desk.
Or maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KMNVXCT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_b-nHFb8GWS5WJ
Not a doctor.
You won't get brain bleeding from a small bonk like that. It has to be pretty significant. Not a normal little bang unless you're elderly. I've had a clot in my right arm, now it's chronic scarring and narrowing... Post Thrombotic Syndrome. Sometimes I sleep on my back with a soft pillow wedged underneath my right arm to elevate it slightly (sometimes I'm kind of hugging it with the arm). Otherwise I sleep on my left arm with my right arm propped up in front of me like a body pillow, so my shoulders can remain somewhat in good posture with arms getting "good" blood flow.
What caused your clot? Where in your arm is it?
No, this is very prominent on the lock screen of the phone, with a banner across the lock screen that says "In case of emergency". Tapping it opens the emergency information without unlocking the rest of the phone. No face ID, no passcode, nothing except tapping the banner on the lock screen. No one can use the phone, but an emergency responder can then contact my emergency contact. Here's the app I have: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.clusor.ice&hl=en_US
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Get some open toe open heel ones.
https://www.amazon.com/Futuro-Therapeutic-Stocking-Symptoms-Compression/dp/B0057D827S?th=1
Also, water will exert pressure on your leg and that will help.
Pharmacies sell plenty of non prescription stuff. What you really want is a surgical supply store. But now that you know your calf size you should be able to find stuff online. The sub wiki has an article on compression stockings including where to buy them. For instance, Amazon has them https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Socks-Large-Full-Calves/dp/B01NCMNST1?th=1. You may find that open toe socks are more comfortable too.
If you can, lose weight, not just to find socks but because it will help reduce the pressure on your (possibly damaged) vein and also reduce your risk of getting another clot.
Usually the big worry is internal bleeding because it's not obvious. Having said that I've had a couple of head injuries and not bled internally. The only uncontrolled bleed I've had is biting my tongue and it bled for 4 hours before it stopped. A year ago I fell down and severely lacerated my hand and hurt my knees so badly I had to be transported by ambulance to the ER. 5 stitches to the palm. Did not bleed heavily, did ooze for a couple of days.
Be aware of the signs of internal bleeding. If you are concerned about external bleeds keep some Quickclot or similar on hand. https://www.amazon.com/Quikclot-Advanced-Clotting-Bleeding-Package/dp/B001BCNTHC
Do get a medical alert bracelet with the name of your medication on it. You can get them on Amazon or elsewhere. This way if you're in an accident and unconscious then emergency personnel know about the risk of bleeding.
> I still don't really understand how that is even possible and it makes me feel angry because I've lived a pretty healthy lifestyle.
It's alright to feel angry, it sucks, but there was pretty much nothing you could do to prevent it. Being pregnant really increases your chances, as well as immobility, which was hard to avoid with all of your issues. It's likely not a genetic thing in your case (but only the tests your doctors due can completely rule it out) so it probably won't be something you'll have to worry about unless you get pregnant again. If you do get pregnant again they will start you on prophylactic injections to try to prevent another clot.
> 3 minutes of jogging and I felt like my leg had gained 20lbs and I had to stop. I'm scared of compression stockings making it worse.
Try just walking. Jogging is going to be more difficult obviously because of your clot and your pregnancy. Compression stockings should help, not make it worse. They provide support, and even pregnant women without clots wear them to help with swelling and the pressure associated with the increased blood volume. You should be wearing full lower body stockings if your clot goes from your hip all the way down your leg. Try them out, they will make a big difference.
>Due to the size of the blood clot and the inability to take oral medication to dissolve it, am I ever going to be able to run/jog again?
Yes. Just keep moving as much as you can tolerate and you will be able to build back up to running/jogging just like you used to. You might not be back to 100% until after delivery and recovery from birth. It can take a while to fully recover, but your leg won't feel like this forever.
I took my measurements and took to Amazon! A lot of them are nude or black with lace at the top.
EDIT: Here are some links to my favorites /u/satumaatango , and congratulations on your big day!!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WFWL0U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_KszIwbA0S3C9V
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SKUPVE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_luzIwb3QGYBH6
> ..I think every little pain in my chest is a PE..
Get a pulse oximeter and ask your hematologist what readings you should look out for, for example I've been advised to go to the ER if my oxygen saturation falls to 93% and has been accompanied by other symptoms.
32/F Currently on Pradaxa. Last July I survived a massive bi-lateral PE which also resulted in a pulmonary infarction, this was followed by a second smaller PE a week later. Having a finger pulse-ox gave me much needed peace of mind during the healing process.
Feel free to PM any questions or if you just want to chat/vent :)