Originally Posted by vascdoc .
Quote:
Originally Posted by enb14 vascdoc -- my internal medicine doc and my father (family doc) have both said that cycling would be fine, but I don't think they know that much about DVT. I don't have any swelling but am wearing a 30-40 stocking all day every day. Leg turns color slightly when standing without the stocking on but the color goes away immediately upon elevation. I am able to walk at good speed for 60 minutes (with the stocking on) with no "heavy leg" feeling or swelling in the evening when the stocking comes off. Do you think I should go see a vascular surgeon for a more informed opinion before starting cycling?
BTW, gang, I am a 38-year-old female who got the DVT as a result of flying while taking birth control pills and having one drink before a 2-hour flight. Genetic tests for thrombophilia have been negative. I am telling every woman I know who is over 30 to avoid the pill, and telling everyone never to have a drink before, during, or immediately after a flight. Since this happened to me I have many DVT horror stories (check out airhealth.org).
I must again state that my comments are in general and can not be used for patient care issues. In general the routine treatment of a DVT is with coumadin for often 6 months. To the best of my knowledge no papers have been published regarding the time after a DVT has been diagnosed and treated relative to the initiation of exersize. The concern is that a DVT could result in a pulmonary embolus. If a DVT were located behind the knee - in the popliteal vein - in principle, the risk would be greater than other forms of upper body exersize due to the significant movement at the level of the knee. Certainly a vascular consult could be helpful to consider your specific findings and potential risks with activity on an individual basis.
I would also add that I think that consideration for a hematology consult to rule out Factor V Liden mutation would also be an option.
These comments are made in general and not specific to any person reading this posting. I can not treat nor recommend treatments to individuals I have not completed a full and comprehensive exam and review.