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Discussion

DVT in Nurses

I was diagnosed with a DVT of the Right leg 2 weeks ago. I had leg pain for about 4 days, then finally could not tolerate the pain and discomfort I was having. I went from work to my primary physicians office (not the ED). He took one look at the leg sent me for a stat Ultrasound, and after confirmation by ultrasound, put me on 2 weeks of bedrest with bathroom priveleges, and place me on Lovenox injections twice a day for 7 days and coumadin daily. I have been checking my PT/inr weekly.

My question: Is there anyone else out there that has developed DVT?

Is this just one more thing that we as Nurses need to be concerned with?

It's not just the back aches anymore.

Kevin:crying2:

Featured Replies

Ouch! Take care of yourself!

  • Expert

Not being mean here, but do you have, did you think about, any of the risk factors for getting a DVT: over age 40, small diameter deep vessels, and being on the feet for long periods of time so that blood is allowed to pool in the lower extremities? Please say you don't smoke.

After this heals make sure the doctor gives you a prescription for Jobst stockings, you get measured for them and have them made (they will cost $100+) and wear them faithfully. If you need, get down to a normal weight. That should also correct your back aches as well.

  • Author

Thank you for your response. Weight is a concern as are varicose veins. Both are being treated at this time.

I am a critical care nurse, with most of my shift being spent on my feet. Age is a factor, but I can only wish time went backwards after the age of 40:bluecry1:. Have a great day.

  • Expert

primerk. . .I have varicose veins--bad--and worried about DVTs because there is a strong family history of heart disease in my family. I have a cousin that had a DVT recently that the docs have specifically blamed on complications of birth control pills and she is as skinny as a rail but smokes like a chimney. After I had phlebectomies I developed 3 stasis ulcers, one of which took a year to heal. I had insulin resistance. I was overweight too. I've worn Jobst stocking since the phlebectomies and I cry every time I have a new pair made because of the cost. I had gastric bypass some time ago and my weight is now nearly normal. You just do what you gotta do. When I worked on an IV team I carried a foldable stool around with me so I could sit down when working on people's IVs which minimized my standing time.

I threw a PE 2 years ago yesterday. I didnt even know i had a DVT. I went for a sleep study to dx sleep apnea. Went back a second night to get the settings on my bipap. I woke up that second morning and my lungs felt like they do when you've been outside playing in the cold and i had a horse cough. At work the next day I started getting short of breath but figured it was because I was getting sick and im fat. RT checked my sat and it was 70. heck, i just popped some O2 on and kept working at the desk because we had 6 admits coming in. still thinking it was no big deal. went back to work the next day and started having chest pains. by the time i got to the ER, i couldnt talk i was so SOB. sats in the 60s. the doc just rolled his eyes at me and said "nurses!" lol

so i totally empathize with you! definitely get some compression stockings for work. my legs feel so good at work now...all comfy and tingly.

it took a few months to get me back on my feet and not dependent on O2. be patient with your body. it's frustrating having to just rest when you feel good and want to get up and do things but your body needs the rest.

good luck to you!!

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