DVT Danger

[Bob]

Hi everyone,

I'm dealing with a potentially fatal DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) issue, most likely incurred through running.  I'm laid up for at least six months, and would like to share what I've learned the last few days.  As endurance athletes we are all in danger of suffering a DVT.  Please read and share a Word doc I've attached on my experience, maybe it will help someone.  Thank-you,   

Bob Pike

[runningwild]

I have a friend who is on the road to recovery from a clot that moved into her lung.  She is not an active person, and actually very sedentary in nature.  Her doctor told her that it was a total fluke.  Same deal for her, blood drawn every week, drugs to keep her blood thin, no traveling, no exercise and regular check ups.

Her warning signs were extreme fatigue that progressed into severe shortness of breath.

Scary, but knowing your body and what isn't "normal" for you is definitely a take away from both of these stories.

Cheers,
  Stephanie

[Sandy]

That's terrible Bob, so sorry you have had to deal with this and thank you for sharing. 

Another very important way of preventing DVT particularily for those athletes who travel right after racing is to wear compression socks and better yet a full pant.  Look for gradient compression.  Some athletes wear them while racing which is helpful in regulating body temperature as well as o2 delivery and therefore performance but it is especially important to wear them afterward and while travelling.  Even when wearing compression products you must still get up and move around frequently and/or stretch and move in your seat...keep the blood flowing.  Remember this is prevention, once you have it or think you have it get to your doctor ASAP and follow his/her directions.

[Bob]

Thanks Sandy,

Those all sound like good ideas.  Thanks to the excellent medical staff at CFB Trenton and Belleville General the old leg looks and feels a lot better already.  I managed to squish a finger in my van seat mechanism today and it started bleeding heavily, but it seems to be stopped now.  I almost feel like I could do a light jog but the doc assured me that would be very stupid.  One more tip I remembered from the med staff is not to massage the DVT area.  It's  tempting to do, and I did this while flying, but I think you run the risk of dislodging the clot in a large piece and endangering your lungs.  The nurse said tight boots, socks, pants e.t.c. are bad, I suppose that's only AFTER the DVT has occurred.  I read about a soccer team that travels in compression pants after every match, team orders, as you suggested. 

Happy Easter!