history of blood clots? does exercise help?

aprilgraciete
aprilgraciete Posts: 37 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Has anyone else had a blood clot that has left them with some permanent damage and pain? Have you noticed any improvement with exercise? I was hoping that maybe being fit and active would help with the pain I get in my leg.

I had a deep vein thrombosis in my left leg. The entire leg was clotted all the way up to my abdomen. Everything is great now but there is some valve damage in the veins which I think is pretty common. I am hoping that maybe years from now after staying fit and active the pain will lessen. I am only 27 so I am hopeful. It has been 3 years since my clot and I have a stent in my vein that holds it open. It doesn't get much better than that.

Exercise seems to help most things so I imagine it would help with the blood flow and stop any blood pooling.
I know, I know.....I should wear those sexy compression socks.

Replies

  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Exercise is good for just about everything - but with such a specific question, I'd save that one for your doctor. They know your particular medical history whereas none of us do.
  • trini14
    trini14 Posts: 110 Member
    Hey, first of all I'm glad your alive! I experienced a DVT and a bilateral PE, heck thank God I'm alive. Anyways, I know the pain your experiencing, almost like a reminder pain in your calf or in the leg you had the DVT. I work in the medical field in urgent care so I agree with the other poster to check with your doctor. Did they ever find out why you experienced the DVT? You can PM if you want.
  • ivikatasha
    ivikatasha Posts: 192 Member
    Yes it does help. When you use the muscles in your legs it will help promote venous return. I recently learned about DVT in my class and this is one the things we would do for our patients, is to get them moving to lessen the risk of DVT.

    It would be best to check with your doctor however :)
  • binglebandit
    binglebandit Posts: 531 Member
    In my experience exercise has helped. It has been six years since my DVT (clot was in whole left leg and possibly abdomen). I have obvious valve damage. On the occasion I wear compression stockings and take them off, I can feel the blood drain back down my leg. So I know that it won't stay out completely on its own. However it has gotten better over the years. I try to always walk around when I'm standing so my calves flex. This helps blood get pushed up them. I've also noticed the more often I go jogging the stronger my leg feels. I do still get an achey feeling if I'm on my leg too long or late at night when I need to raise it, however overall my leg feels pretty much "normal" now. I also have a habit now of tapping my foot while I'm sitting around and I think that helps me with any restlessness or aching I have in my leg and keeps fluid moving.
  • ifitkillsme
    ifitkillsme Posts: 77
    Thank you all. I don't feel quite so alone about my health condition (working on my second DVT right now). My veins are a mess. My leg starts to feel heavy and a "cool" feeling, although it isn't cool to the touch. Kinda like it is asleep. I hate being on the blood thinners, has anyone else experienced weight gain because of them or is it the lack of activity the dr. ordered the first time around?

Categories