Post Thrombosis Syndrome (PTS)

 
I experienced my first bout with PTS recently. This occurred after 7-8 years since my treatments for hereditary Deep Vein Thrombosis. The pain was excruciating, and I wondered if I may have developed blood clots once again in my legs... this time my left leg instead of my right leg experienced the pain, but there was no swelling. My initial three blood test indicated some sort of an elevation - a trigger, but the ultra-sound revealed no blood clots, only the empty holes from the original clots were clearly visible.

I once again put on my compression sock on the painful leg and elevated my leg any time I was not out walking - walking to stimulate blood circulation. I also quit using salt… just my personal concern for excess water retention. I did not use salt in my younger years except for corn on the cob if the corn was not sweet enough…rarely a problem if you grow your own corn.

It was difficult sleeping due to the pain and the fact that my right knee has injury damage and is painful if not maintained in a careful position day and night.

After a few weeks, the pain has subsided - I still wear my compression sock during waking hours. Before, every step was horribly painful for my left leg. I could not use my left leg to climb stairs either or put any weight on that leg alone.

 

Post Thrombosis Syndrome: a chronic and potentially disabling condition, caused by damage to the veins.

Sometimes also known as Post Phlebitic Syndrome, PTS results from damage to the veins resulting in increased pressure on the vein walls. This damages the valves which normally work to keep blood flowing up the leg. With the reduction in the amount of blood being carried away from the foot and lower leg, severe pain occurs, and in some cases, swelling is also experienced. About 1/3 of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) patients who have had thrombosis in the leg will develop some post thrombotic symptoms within five years. Most cases occur within six months to two years of the initial DVT/Blood Clot treatment period.

 Physical signs and symptoms of PTS may include:

    aching or cramping;

    a feeling of heaviness in the limb;

    itching, tingling or pins and needles;

    swelling;

    discoloration of the skin;

    hardening of the skin;

    varicose veins; and

    venous ulcers.

Risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis include the following:

    Previous deep vein thrombosis

    Previous deep vein thrombosis in the family

    Cancer and its treatment

    Known thrombophilia (sticky blood)

    Long-distance travel

    Immobility

    A recent stay in hospital due to any illness or for surgery, especially on the hips or knees

    Increasing age (but it can and does affect younger people)

    Pregnancy

    The use of the combined oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

            Below is from Cedars Sinai:   HERE

How is post-thrombotic syndrome treated?

Compression therapy is the main treatment for post-thrombotic syndrome. This helps to increase the blood flow in your veins and decrease your symptoms.

You may be given prescription-grade compression stockings. These apply more pressure than the type you can buy over-the-counter. These are worn during the day, on the leg that had the DVT. You also may also be given an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device. This device applies pressure on the veins of your leg.

Proper skin care is also essential. Your healthcare provider may advise that you use a product to lubricate your skin, such as petroleum jelly. Barrier creams that contain zinc oxide can also be helpful. In some cases, you may need a steroid cream or ointment to treat your skin. If you develop leg sores (ulcers), they may need special treatment.

In some cases, your provider may advise surgery. This can be done to remove a blockage in a major vein. It can also be done to repair the valves in your leg veins.