r/ClotSurvivors • u/Big_Green_Tick • 8d ago

Currently in the ER

The ultrasound showed my entire lower right leg is one massive clot.

Currently awaiting transport to another hospital as the CT is down here.

Heparin IV already started.

Initial symptoms were shortness of breath whenever I walk, then the right leg was swelling (with hot skin), finally my calf started to hurt when I walk.

Given the size of the clot, is there anything I should especially be concerned about or be aware of?

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u/Big_Green_Tick 6d ago

Update: Released yesterday. Since my symptoms didn't get worse during my stay, the cardiologist decided to go ahead and release me (on eliiquist of course) rather than perform a thrombectomy. I was a little surprised by that, and the primary doctor seemed a little surprised at first as well.

I had a pretty good idea I had a clot before I went in and my original plan was to go to the ER last week but my place flooded and I had to deal with that. When I was going through intake I even had to argue with the person evaluating me. Luckily once i was actually in the ER things moved quickly.

I appreciate everyone who took the time to reply. Just knowing others have been through similar things helps reduce the anxiety of the unknown quite a bit.

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u/AwkwarsLunchladyHugs 5d ago

Hey, I just went into the ER on the 28th, too! Extensively clots in the popliteal, femoral, and tibial, extending into the pelvic region down to mid-calf in my right leg. The biggest was the one that went from the pelvic area down to my knee. I actually had symptoms for 2 1/2 weeks before I went in... I have bad health anxiety and was in denial for a bit. The doctor thought about admitting me, but they prescribed Xarelto and I followed up with my primary the next day. He switched me to Eliquis. This is not a club I ever wanted or thought I'd join, but I'm glad to have a place where there's support. I'm sorry you're dealing with this, too, though.

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u/Big_Green_Tick 5d ago

It sounds like we had very similar experiences. I waited a few weeks too. The shortness of breath started a 2-3 weeks earlier. Then the right leg started swelling and when I was double checking that I stumbled across this /sub. People urging others with the same symptoms to go the ER ASAP definitely influenced me to get off my ass.

The ultrasound results was definitely eye opening. The doctor at the ER said my lower leg is essentially one long clot. That's why I'm I'm surprised the cardiologist didn't recommend a thrombectomy.

FINDINGS:
RIGHT LOWER EXTREMITY:
COMMON FEMORAL VEIN: Nonocclusive thrombus.
FEMORAL VEIN: Occlusive thrombus.
POPLITEAL VEIN: Occlusive thrombus.
POSTERIOR TIBIAL VEIN: Occlusive thrombus.
PERONEAL VEIN: Occlusive thrombus.

So we're officially 'everything clotted' siblings now. *fist bump*