Getting back into riding following a DVT

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RPM

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I had a minor car accident in November and among other things I developed a DVT in my left leg as a result. I'm currently on Warfarin, but this is being reviewed at the end of March as, hopefully, the DVT was connected directly to the accident and is not the result of an underlying condition.

My leg was initially extremely painful and swollen. I'm now wearing a compression stocking and will have to do so for the next two years. My leg is improving and I'm managing to walk further but it is not painfree yet and is still swollen (I have been able to get my wellington boots back on for about the last two weeks. The swollen leg is a tight fit and the other one has definite clearance! I only wear them for short periods).

Has anyone experienced getting back into riding following a DVT? I know about the risks whilst I'm on Warfarin - so probably won't ride until my review - but not sure whether I can make my "bad" leg worse or if it will just eventually recover.
 
Part of my job is looking after patients on warfarin and adjusting their dose. My advice to any warfarin patient is keep up your normal activities as far as possible. Gentle exercise in the first 6 weeks when clot can still potentially be dislodged then just listen to your own limitations. If it is uncomfortable don't push it.
For calf DVT's the treatment period is 3 months, for anything more extensive it is usually 6 months. We routinely check for active clotting near the review date and don't stop the anticoagulation if it is not into the normal range.
If some of the valves in the vein have been damaged you may always have some residual swelling, but would have hoped the pain would be resolved by now. Has your INR been consistently in range?
 
Hi whilst recovering from cancer op and having chemo I developed DVT in calf...oh joy!! Had to stop riding for 3 months and then just carried on. Just hacked to start with as I was very weak from the chemo but have to say leg was no problem. Worse thing was nicking myself with razor when shaving legs in bath!! Looked like a scene from Jaws.......they were right it does make you bleed!!!
 
Hi Lgd, my INR took about 3 weeks to be consistently in range. I had readings from 1.3 to 4.3 before it settled! I was having two blood tests a week until recently, then the interval went to a week, then two weeks and now 4 weeks. I'm on a dose of 4mg.

Also, just wondered whether increased appetite is a side effect? Or maybe it's just because I'm feeling better (I had other injuries, too, which are improving). I just want to eat all the time at the moment and surprisingly haven't put on any weight.
 
Whilst not having had a DVT I was on Warfarin due to atrial fibrillation I was advised by my cardiologist that I should be very careful with riding and handling horses due to the blood being thinner and bruising so easily. He was worried if I should take a fall and bleed on the brain or getting stamped on.

Take care and if in doubt ask GP or health professional.

I have now been dropped to aspirin but I still bruise very badly. Good luck
 
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