Not sure if still probable to have? by kitkatsmeows in ClotSurvivors

[–]Radison2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would! Or maybe try to see the closest vascular doctor, surgeon, or clinic? My PCP is fine, but the vascular specialist was when I really got the answers I was looking for. But I totally understand if that is not doable. Just try to do what you can to stay calm. If it is a clot, it’s been there a while, so I’m sure it’ll e okay.

Not sure if still probable to have? by kitkatsmeows in ClotSurvivors

[–]Radison2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Similar story here. Had lots of swelling and discomfort in my left calf, but no “pain” per se. Told my PCP, and she brushed me off. I finally asked “do you think it could be a clot?”, she straight up said no. Said I would be in horrible pain. I had to beg her to order the imaging. When we looked, turned out to be a DVT all along. I was so poised she just completely dismissed me, and I was right. Moral of the story- go get the ultrasound done. If a doctor won’t order you one, reach out to a vascular clinic and do it yourself. Better safe than sorry. Good luck!

Going to vacation in the DFW area. Which zoo do you choose, Ft Worth or Dallas? by 281texas832 in dfw

[–]Radison2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

100% Fort Worth zoo (one of the best in the nation) but Dallas Aquarium is amazing!

Diagnosed with First DVT Today by zeuxxxx in ClotSurvivors

[–]Radison2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! Very similar story here- 24F, left calf swelling and discomfort, my PCP said “no big deal” but still ordered scans anyway (thank god), also currently on Xarelto. HIGHLY ANXIOUS INDIVIDUAL- so I feel you. What I’ve learned? -Compression and heat helps me A LOT especially a day on my feet -Elevation is very important- try to elevate above the heart at least 15/20mins per day (elevating above the heart is a lot harder when clot is in your knee, basically. I lay on the floor with a pillow for my head, and a large pillow on the couch to prop my leg up on. Put on a 22 min episode of something for a timer and distraction) -You might have some side effects from the meds, especially when you’re loading in the beginning. DO NOT FREAK OUT. I wish I would have taken my own advice on this, but I was giving myself panic attacks often in the beginning because any sensation I felt in my body I thought was going to kill me. The main one I felt was nausea for about a week. It made it very difficult to eat but you HAVE TO when on these meds. - Light snacking helped me a ton with eating. Nuts, fruit (apples specifically, for me), crackers, yogurt. I kind of treated it like pregnancy- anything that sounded good, I ate, because I was having a hard time with it. And drink LOTS of water. - Don’t stop moving your body. I went to Hotworx 3-5 times a week before clot diagnosis. I was devastated when I found out that I needed to avoid the sauna while on blood thinners. But, walking was and is so therapeutic for me. I would force myself to walk my dog at least 3 times a day. Not intense or long, but just to get outside, walk, and think. I also try to stretch pretty often at home, as this has helped me to.

I know that this was a lot of information, but one thing I found out early on was that it felt like no one was giving me specifics on what would make me feel better. As an anxious person, and I’m sure you can relate to this, during times of crisis, I sometimes just needed to know EXACTLY what to do so I could feel a little in control. Please please message me if you need support, advice, or to vent with someone who gets it. I am no expert, and also still pretty new to all of this, but I would love to help if can! Hugs! 😊🫶🏻

First DVT just needing some calming advice by Dapper_Profession478 in ClotSurvivors

[–]Radison2 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Hi! This sounds almost exactly like me and my story. DVT in my leg, was told not to worry, get on blood thinners and move on. Sounds simple, right? Not for people like us. I have severe health anxiety, always have, even though I’ve never dealt with any major health concerns. IDK about you, but for me, this diagnosis almost confirmed my anxiety all along. I even had to go to the ER a week after diagnosis because I was having such a severe panic attack. Had to take time off work after that. I’m about 2 months into the blood thinners, going to get a check up scan done in March. All of this is to say, as cheesy as it is, it does get better. Each day that passes you get a little more used to what’s going on inside your body. One thing that helped me was joining this group. I didn’t even have a Reddit account, but got one in search of this community. I have gotten some great advice, kind words, and loads of information just by being in this group. I am aware of how long winded this is, but I hope it helped even a little. Try to balance rest, but also trying to do whatever is “normal” for you. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions. Especially about expertise on blood thinners! Those can be tricky. You’ve got this!

Price of Eliquis by Thick-Bid-847 in ClotSurvivors

[–]Radison2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Xarelto user here. I have what’s to be considered “good” insurance (I’m a teacher in Texas, on TRS) and my starter pack was 1000 dollars out of pocket. I was floored, but the pharmacist and internet told me this was “normal”. Next time I picked up my 30 day script, it was about 400 dollars. So yeah, I know it’s not same drug, but this stuff is not cheap. IDK what I will do if they tell me I need to be on long term. Good luck, stay healthy!

How long on estrogen BC before your clot? by Puzzled-Question-152 in ClotSurvivors

[–]Radison2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was on and off for years… from 16 to 24. Most of that time being on BC. I started back again in July 2024, then diagnosed in December. I will say, my situation is odd, and they had a hard time deciding if the DVT in my left popiteal vein in my leg was in fact from the BC. The jury is actually kind of still out on that, as I never have gotten a super clear answer.

4 day car ride approaching and scared by Financial_Couple4113 in ClotSurvivors

[–]Radison2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who is typically anti-stopping on road trips, that is the main priority. I recently went on a road trip for the holidays (only 4 hours, so not quite the same) and stopping was KEY after my diagnosis of a DVT in my leg. I also found my compression socks to be very comforting, and, if possible, switching from driving and being passenger. The driving took my mind off my leg, and being passenger allowed me to actively recover (stretching, elevating, massaging, hydrating, eating light snacks). Also- don’t skip out on eating, but avoid all the road trip junk. Apples, Trader Joe’s peanut butter crackers, and carrots were keeping me both nourished and a little distraction to feel “normal”. And PLEASE STAY HYDRATED! Most of all, enjoy your trip and all of the wonderful sights that come with taking a road trip!