Swollen feet after DVT - Blood and Blood Vessel Message Board

Nassau one · 06-03-2004, 07:41 PM

My husband recently (6 weeks ago) came to the end of his coumadin treatment having been diagnosed with DVT after his flight to the UK to be treated for rectal cancer. During the time he was on coumadin, he wore compression stockings and was really glad when he could do without them....such a struggle to put on!!

However, his feet and ankles are swollen and I asked his haemotologist/oncologist about this and he said this can happen as a long term effect of the DVT (venous damage, he called it) I have read that this can be the case but I am still concerned that we should be checking into it more. Has anyone else had this long term effect and does it go on indefinitely?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

flutterby2574 · 06-18-2004, 07:54 AM

Hi alison,
I had a DVT in my left leg from middle calf to my upper thigh in 2001. I was put on the shot (I think it was Warfarin) and then Cumadin pills after that for two years. My leg had swelled to twice it's size and I used the stockings as well (yes they are a real pain, I sympathize with your husband

) for that timeframe. I am now off of the pills but my foot is still swollen to this day....when it's hot or humid out it gets worse...when I wake up in the morning it seems less then it gets puffy by the end of the day...especially if I am sitting for long periods.
Now I think that answers your question, well I sincerely hope it does, but I thought I would also mention that my family doctor had said it would be a good idea to take the daily dose asprins (81mg) because I may get another clot. Well I actually didn't take her advice till about three weeks ago, and I will tell you I noticed a remarkable difference in my left swollen foot....it went down considerably. Now, I don't know if your husband's doctor mentioned taking the daily asprin or not but it might be something to look into. Just make sure that it doesn't affect any other medication he's taking. I was told that you cannot take Asprin with Advil.
I really hope I helped you and your husband in some way because I know it is REALLY hard to find shoes that fit properly!! Good luck and take care.

Sincerely,

Flutterby

Nassau one · 06-18-2004, 09:24 AM

Thank you so much for the information...it really helps. The problem is that my husband cannot take aspirin and it does concern me that he might get another clot. His feet are not that bad but are definitely swollen. I have noticed a slight difference since I removed practically all salt from his diet. Not that I was cooking with any as such but sodium is everywhere! Thanks again for responding!

MargieRuth · 06-20-2004, 01:01 AM

Hi - I had a DVT about 3 yrs ago. I was on Coumadin for 6 months. My Dr's associate told me before I left the hospital, I didn't have to wear compression stockings. But my leg and ankle were quite swollen. When I saw my Doc for follow up, he said I should wear them. My R leg and ankle was swollen for a long while (don't remember how long) before it became "normal". When I look at both legs, I feel that my R one is slightly bigger, but not really noticable. My ankle on that leg, however, has a remarkable shade of plum/purple area on both sides. Not big but definitely noticable so I don't go without panty hose, so since I don't, I wear compression panty hose. They also help my arthritic knees by giving some support. Good luck to you and your husband. Maggie

Nassau one · 06-20-2004, 07:49 AM

Thanks, Maggie, for the information...it helps to know what experiences other people have had. All the best to you!