Filter is an option but since the haematologist is apprehensive about it, clot extraction can be tried followed by blood thinners to prevent further formation; following which the orthopedician can take over.
I know this was a few years ago but I hope you still get this message. I am 46 and going through the same. I had a total knee replacement and then they found a clot in my calf of the surgical leg. I am now waiting to get a manipulation waiting for clot to be gone but it has been over three months now. Things just keep getting worse for me and I am going crazy with concern and being so still for so long. I truly hope all turned out well for you, that would give me much hope.
Thank you for the response. My plot thickens. I am now 3 months and 8 days post op. I've been back to PT for 2 weeks to try to gain ROM of my knee in lieu of MUA. I started at 35 degrees, progressed and have now reached a plataeu at 55 degrees. I started having intense throbbing cramps in my calf area where the DVT was spotted, went back for a follow up scan with Vascular Dr to rule out growth of DVT. Two techs had to scan me because they werent sure they were seeing right. It was determined I had extreme swelling in the calf area and they are unable to see my venous system or the clot. The techs wrote down that I had sufficient flow above and below the swelling (although I heard them question it when they were viewing and discussing), so vascular dr is indicating it appears clot is gripping tight (where they can't see) and is not growing (where they can't see) and I'm in the chronic stage of this clot now....that may or may not still be there.
They are reaching out to ortho dr to allow him to proceed with manipulation under anesthesia and will discuss with hematologist about allowing me to stay on Coumadin (vs. bridging with levanox) while I have the MUA done. The ortho agrees that I may have some bleeding in the knee but that even while on Coumadin it shouldnt be significant and he doesn't intend to do this via arthroscopic methods....so closed only, no incisions. What happens if I do have bleeding in the knee while on Coumadin?
No one has given me any sort of options about clot extraction, although all my non medical friends have asked if I could just get it 'sucked' out.
I don't understand why my calf is swelling so much if I don't still have a DVT.
I'm trying to get a second opinion with a vascular surgeon but am striking zero due to their schedules are soo booked up!!
I feel like I'm being forced into the MUA regardless if this DVT is there or not with no regards just so the surgeon can get the unresolved knee surgery off his books.
Hi there!
Wo! That’s a long n round story to go! Well, Let’s look at the key facts here; we have a clot, that the vascular and the haematology doctors are concerned about and I would agree with them. Unless we get rid of the clot, a manipulation would be risky but is still required if we aim at a functional knee. Also prolonged immobility is another risk factor for clot formation. Now this clot would either need to be dissolved or extracted or prevented from reaching vital organs. Filter is an option but since the haematologist is apprehensive about it, clot extraction can be tried followed by blood thinners to prevent further formation; following which the orthopedician can take over. I would suggest talking to the vascular surgeon regarding the possible option.
Hope this helps.
Take care!