I had VNUS closure 8 weeks ago, but I'm still experiencing a lot of soreness in my calf. I'm limping and can't walk very well. I went back for my checkup, and they said I have a blood clot in my muscle. The doctor put me on Clexane injections and anti-inflammatory drugs. Is it normal to have a blood clot after VNUS closure? Is my doctor giving me the right aftercare?
It is a deep vein clot that they are treating with Clexane, which is enoxaperin, a LMW heparin. You should get scanned with a venous Duplex scan if your symptoms have worsened.
Subcutaneous injections are one way to treat this. In the U.S., physician use oral medications which are more practical as they need no monitoring and don't need needlesticks.
Appropriate therapy is 3 months of anticoagulation and longer if you have underlying risk factors or thrombophilic disorders.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is impossible to comment without seeing you, your ultrasound scans, the procedure notes, and knowing the experience level of the treating Dr. If you are concerned about the care your treating physician is or has given you, there is always the option of seeking a second opinion from an accredited/skilled vein specialist in your area.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Hi,
It is very rare to have a blood clot in the deep(muscle) vein. It is
standard of care to use Lovenox(Clexane is the generic) for muscle blood
clots.
The treatment may vary from one physician to another, like most treatments
for all diagnosis.
Did you also start on Coumadin(Warfarin is generic)? Any blood tests prior
to starting Clexane injections?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Based upon your post I would say you have developed a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) post-procedurally. You do not say whether or not you had your Greater or Lesser Saphenous Vein closed but based upon the location of the blood clot my assumption would be the Lesser Saphenous Vein. Your doctor has put you on an injectable anticoagulant Clexane (Enoxaparin) which is a low molecular weight heparin. If indeed you do have a DVT, your practitioner should be monitoring you closely and you should probably ask exactly how long they plan to keep you on the Clexane injections and if they are planning to start you on any other anticoagulant such as Coumadin. A DVT is a genuinely serious condition and can become life threatening. Again, from the description you have provided in your question, I would strongly suggest you be proactive about your condition and make sure you are in the care of anticoagulation specialists.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Clots can occur. That appears to be part of the right therapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The VNUS closure procedure and laser closure intentionally clot the treated veins (greater ands lesser saphenous). There is a risk of getting a clot in other veins post-treatment. If this occurs, it is usually diagnosed by ultrasound and treated as you are. You appear to be treated correctly.
Published on Jul 11, 2012