Update on DVT post (blood clots)
TL;DR I knew I had a blood clot, docs sent me home twice. I indeed had a blood clot. 30 day post op
Friday, I had onset calf pain, a charley horse that won’t let up, exactly as they warned me about pre/post surgery. It was impossible to control the pain all night into sat afternoon. I called the after hours doc and they sent me to the ER. They didn’t have a radiologist on staff on the weekend in my tiny town ER :/ but they ran a blood clot test looking for ddimer, mine was pretty high (1330 ng/ml feu) for 30 days post TKR. The ER doc managed my pain, called my surgeon, but said they weren’t worried even tho the number was high because I already had a follow up scheduled with my surgeon the following Monday.
Monday Follow up surgeon checked my joint because I’m having seperate issues due to the complications, then he quickly scanned my leg, didn’t think calf pain was a big deal. He ended the conversation with a tiny insult referencing my anxiety pre-surgery. When he mentioned anxiety, I shut down angry.
Several other surgeons in the same hospital were vocally nervous about the high risk I faced because of my previous three leg bone surgeries. I chose him because he had a good plan, he is the top in his field in my area. This is my 11th major surgery, it’s the 4th invasive surgery in the last 3 years. I was nervous pre surgery, for a host of reasons! No matter, I was appropriately anxious and shared it with him. My surgery went good, my scar and swelling is nil. I have a long road ahead but so far it’s all as expected according to the doc.
By Tuesday, it still felt like a calf muscle tear with each step. I called again and told them I can’t take it anymore and this time they called back and sent me to get an ultrasound.
Today I drove for the first time post op to the hospitals radiology department. JFC the tech pushed down on the spot where it hurts with the machine and I nearly jumped off table. It was excruciating, I cried and yea, it was a blood clot. Turns out they are pretty fucking common post knee surgery.
Anyway, fight for your rights peoples. It’s easy to accept doctors when they tell you that you’re wrong. I’m always right when it comes to my body, but somehow i fall for doctors that gaslight me. I feel stupid for not listening to my body.