1st blood clot ever

[Cass30]

I found out in the ER last wednesday that i have a blood clot behind my right knee. I went to the ER because i couldnt walk and the pain was making me physicaly sick. I am now taking 2 shots a day at home of Lovenox (which sucks!) and having to go to the hospital almost every day to get my blood checked to get me at the right INR level and then wait for the doctors office to call to tell me how much Coumadin to take. Its been 6 days and im not even close to the right level and im so uncomfortable, wiped out and in pain.
Has anyone ever delt with a blood clot? How long did it take for the pain and discomfort to go away? I know its different for everyone when it comes to the INR level but i dont know what to expect and would love to hear about others experiance with this, this is a whole new experiance for me...one that i could have done without

[mrsD]

I would get some extra evaluation for this.

Some blood disorders where thickened blood occurs can
lead to blood clots.

Some forms of lupus, and some bone marrow disorders thicken the blood and can cause PN as well.

Blood clots sometimes come from Birth control pill consumption,
and may also precede some form of cancer.
Some clotting disorders are genetic too.

[en bloc]

I agree with MrsD. You really need to have the cause evaluated. There are several clotting factors (labs) that should be checked as well as some autoimmune testing. You should see a hematologist for starters.

MGUS, diabetes, BC pills, and APS (antiphospholipid syndrome) are the first that come to mind. I have MGUS, APS, and pre-diabetes, so I'm on lifelong anticoagulation.

As for the pain, clots take a while (months--all depending on size) to go away. It may be uncomfortable for a while. However, once it starts to decrease in size, you should notice some relief.

If you experience any shortness of breath, get to the ER without delay.

[aussiemom]

I started with a cough. Couple rounds of antibiotics. Then my leg started to hurt, and swelled up. An EKG at docs, he said go to hospital, we'll call and tell them you are coming.

I had multiple clots in both legs, and lungs.

They started me on heperin right away, IV. The cough was gone in a night. My leg went down a lot.

I stayed 3 days and had had enough. They sent me home with Lovenox, twice a day. A home health nurse came for about a week for the PT/INR. Then she only came a few times after that. I am now on coumadin for life. It took a few weeks to get me regulated. Now I go monthly for PT/INR draws. The dose may or may not change. Its different for everybody.

I will say I found that if I DIDN'T pinch up, and went in on an angle, the Lovenox didn't hurt as much, or bruise as badly.

[Cass30]

Thanks everone for the helpfull info. It definatly helps. its strange how long it takes to get it under controll, my leg is feeling a little better but i just found out my level went down from yeaterday...even the doctor seems confused by that. Im eager to get this done and over with! Its crazy how much the meds are taking out of me, i have no energy at all

[Sallysblooms]

I hope it gets resolved soon and you feel better!

[aussiemom]

One more thing. When you are sitting for long periods of time, Plane trip or work, get up and move. Just walking around can help.

[dotmo68]

I have also had a deep vein thrombosis when I was 35, and it was located in my right bicep. My doctor ran a litany of blood tests, and it was found I have Factor V Lieden, which basically your blood doesn't know how to stop clotting and you are at a 7 times higher risk for deep vein blood clots than everyone else. I had to do the Lovenox shots for 10 days also, and I am on blood thinners for life because of my diagnosis.

Since then I have also been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and PN...I am falling apart at a young age lol.