The First Signs
When I suddenly started experiencing pain in my lower calf one evening, I assumed I had just pulled a muscle or sprained something. I couldn’t remember injuring myself, but it felt like the natural answer. I was aware of the risks of DVT, but I told myself it was unlikely to be that — surely just an injury.
Over the next five days the pain in my calf grew and I began to feel slightly wary. Shouldn’t a sprain be healing by now? The pain was intense, particularly when I would rest for too long, but I wasn’t showing any other symptoms yet. I began to note that anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants were having no effect.
Getting Answers
By day six, the pain was so unbearable I made an appointment with my GP. At this point I had begun to see a slight discoloration of the skin behind my knee and a small amount of swelling. I explained that the pain was growing worse and that I didn’t recall any specific injury. I outlined everything I had tried without success that week. Thankfully, my doctor was aware of the risks of DVT and insisted I have a scan immediately and begin blood thinning medication. So far, I haven’t experienced any further complications.
Life After
I’ve been advised to switch to a non-hormonal form of birth control, which I’ve wholeheartedly agreed with. I typically keep pretty active and don’t meet a lot of the other triggers for DVT, but as my case is currently undetermined I may need to remain on blood thinners for life. This experience has taught me not to doubt myself when I’m having concerns or tell myself I’m overreacting. Seek medical attention if you even suspect something is wrong — it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
My Advice
While I was personally aware of DVT, I hadn’t seriously considered it as the source of my pain. I didn’t have all the symptoms — and muscle injuries are so common. I think it’s important to be aware that you might not present with every symptom instantly. A lingering pain that doesn’t improve can be the only symptom for five days.
Don’t doubt yourself. Get educated. Seek medical attention if you even suspect it could be clot related, and advocate for yourself. You know your own body, and you should have the right to access simple medical testing to confirm. If you think there’s even the slightest chance you could have a clot, don’t wait. The initial test is only bloodwork, followed by an ultrasound scan. It’s quick, it’s simple and it could save your life.
