10 replies to this topic

[DandyDon]

Vein blocked by blood clot in leg, coumadin therapy started

(I was asked to share this personal story here...)

I thought I'd pulled a muscle, along with getting older and not in as good as shape as I have been at times, so I didn't pay much attention to the leg pain. It's odd that the other option for my usual stoic approach to such is to become a hypochondriac, but it is, and I do try to avoid such, so I went on with life. I took several aspirin a day over the weekend of practice diving to deal with the probable cause and affect, and - just in case of the always present risk of a cardiologic problem.

My leg wasn't any better by Monday a week ago, tho, so I headed for my doctor's office calling DAN on the way to rule out any possible diving injuries, and the medic I usually speak with there advised that he didn't think it was diving related, but that I shouldn't make any stops on the way to the Doc's. I saw the physician, who thought I was in good enough shape to walk myself to Admissions and ultra sound - along with a few other offices and stops during the afternoon, confirming a pretty good block on a major vein. The artery was still pumping right along, with lesser veins handling the return flow in a reduced manner yielding the swelling. We started the daily shots for a week to help get recovery going and the coumadin for the long term recovery. After 4 days at 5 mg of the rat poison, a blood test indicated that I needed more (my metabolism seems to always required more of everything except calories) so the Doc increased me to 7.5 mg a day for now.

It's certainly too soon to say much. My Doc thought I could be on the thinner for as long as 12 weeks, but I'm sure that could go either way. Really, it just all depends on how well my body does with the recovery; typically - I recover from most problems twice as fast as most, so I am certainly optimistic.

The cumulative stress of the weekend did mount up a bit, i.e. worried about equipment needs & deadlines, limping on a sore leg, humping bad tanks back to the fill shack to be replaced on more than one dive, and then this. It is also interesting how the stoic Cowboy/Marine deals with stress as a non-problem until the load is overdone. I stopped to ask someone directions to the business office with my paperwork and broke out crying. I know that this happens to us "tough guys," - I've seen it end experienced it before, but it's not in any of the Cowboy or Marine movies, so it still feels weird.

I spent a full week on very light house rest, a little more than ordered. I don’t cowboy anymore, and my office/sales work is not strenuous, but nonetheless - gave the leg every chance to heal and the clot time to dissolve without breaking out in chunks. My dive buddy offered to fly back and nurse me, but I assured her that I did not need assistance at this time, yet - she might interfere with my light rest healing. I am happy to say I do feel a lot better after a week and a half , but still taking it very easy.

I ran searches and was encouraged to find other divers who had continued diving with blocked veins and/or on coumadin. Called DAN again 5 days into treatment, tho, and was strongly advised by a different medic to not dive at all on the med?! I asked for an explanation, and she gave me anecdotal evidence based on her dealings with divers who had incurred some bad experiences. Yes, well - I’ve helped save some lives and failed on others in my life, too. I didn’t tell her my immediate feeling, tho - rather holding them for the weekend.

Monday this week, on the way to the office for the first time back, I chatted with the DAN medic I usually speak with, relating what I’d heard from the lady medic, as compared to my other sources, and went ahead and told him: “You know, I might live longer if I didn’t dive, didn’t walk on a boat, didn’t drive on the hiway or busy streets, or do much else in life - but that’s just one step short of a nursing home, and I’d rather die than live in one of those. I have postponed my Deco training until this passes, I am certainly thru with cowboy-diving for now, and while I have always been one to wear long wet suits (shorties are surfers, damn it) and take other precautions on ladders, I do plan to dive and behave much more carefully. Telling me not to dive is not acceptable, but I would appreciate comments I can use.”

He agreed. More will be decided after the next ultra sound, I’m sure, and I’d prefer to get this coumadin treatment behind me as soon as reasonably possible, but that‘s where it stands for now.

If anyone has any helpful comments, I will greatly appreciate them. Thanks...!

[ScubaPunk]

Good Luck to you. I'm sure you'll be back to diving soon. Found an ariticle you might be interested in.

Diving and Blood Thinners

[cmt489]

Best wishes to you Don!

[DandyDon]

Thanks ladies. Helpful article, Punk - thanks.

[annasea]

Good luck to you, Don. I hope all goes well with your next ultrasound. (fingers crossed)

[Dejah]

Hey DD,

I hope all works out ok for you and your in my prayers.. keep us informed on how things go.

Dejah

[Divegirl412]

Good luck Don. Hope you do get back into diving soon. On the other hand, don't discount the advice from your docs, because you will always be at higher risk of furure blood clots than the average person from now on. Just learn the different things you can do to minimize the risk Ileg exercise during long plane rides/ travel etc).

DG

[ScubaDadMiami]

I would suggest using some of this time to learn as much as you can about your condition. See if DAN can suggest reading materials that deal with the condition in relation to diving.

At least you will know enough to ask the right questions to your medical providers. Then, you will be able to make an informed decision about what to do from there.

Feel better soon.

[DandyDon]

Thanks for the support. Not surprised, but grateful still...

Today's blood test shows coumadin level is staying fine. I find it challenging to remember to take it in the evening, so I'm going to take it a couple of hours earlier each day until I can move it to mornings without a big change. My farm boy eating habits (six fruits and veggies is a good start) are probably the main reason I'm taking 7.5 mg a day, but as long as the level stays what the doctor ordered, then cool.

The doc said no exercise therapy yet, but wanted me to stay active, perhaps with support stockings. Gonna try to wear some. When sitting, he wants the leg up as much as possible. I kinda' suspect sitting at my kitchen online too much is involved. I like the new chairs I got a few months ago, and while cushions for the hard wood seats was suggested, I didn't bother until today. I pushed back a practice dive trip until next month and Deco training and cowboy diving indefinitely.

And things are slow at work today, so I'm taking the afternoon off in bed with the leg on a pillow.

[BeachBunny]

DVT's can be very serious. Fortunately for you there are lots of different things you can do to minimize the risk for reoccurance as I am sure your Dr went over with you (stop smoking and stay off of those dang birth control pills!!!). I am sure you will make a speedy and full recovery and be back in the water soon. Just take it easy for a while!! Best wishes and keep us posted!!

[DandyDon]

Thanks! I no longer need birth control pills.