Patient Stories:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can affect anyone and may lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism. Read what real patients have to say about their journey through seeking help, getting a diagnosis, receiving treatment and restoring their quality of life.
Getting Back to an Active Life with Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Two days after surgery, my left leg started swelling and hurting more than my shoulder."
Watch Reid's DVT Story
Reid Estes, 62
I was an active tennis player and usually played five or six days a week. I suffered a rotator cuff injury in my right shoulder and had surgery to repair it. The procedure went well and I was home recuperating.
Two days after surgery, my left leg started swelling and hurting more than my shoulder. It was aching and throbbing. It started turning a dark color. I tried to ignore it, thinking it would go away. The next day, when I tried to walk upstairs, I could hardly breathe. So I called my family doctor and he told me to come in right away.
I had difficulty breathing. They scanned my chest and found multiple pulmonary embolisms.”
Road to Diagnosis and Treatment
When I arrived at my doctor’s office, he was very concerned about my breathing. They scanned my chest and found multiple pulmonary embolisms (blood clots which block blood flow) in my lungs. They immediately wheeled me over to the hospital and I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Additional tests showed I had Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in my left leg, from my ankle to my groin, with substantial occlusion (or blockage). Clots had broken free from my leg and traveled to my lungs.
They started me on blood thinners and the vascular surgeon performed a thrombolysis procedure to clear out my vein. He went in with a tool that scraped or brushed out the clot and restored the blood flow. In my case, he did the procedure a second time to remove more of the obstruction. It turned out very well. I started having excellent circulation. Following my treatment, I was able to get my strength back and move around again in about a month. I was put on some medications for a few months. And now that my shoulder has healed, I am back to playing tennis five days a week and feeling great. I don’t have any lingering effects and I am very fortunate.
I am back to playing tennis five days a week. I am very fortunate.”
How Others Can Take the Step Toward Better Health
The first thing I would tell people is that if you experience shortness of breath after surgery, seek medical attention right away. It can be very dangerous. You should also call if you experience swelling in your leg. Don’t wait to get it checked out. Another thing I learned from this experience is to be careful about sitting too much. I was on a trip the week before my surgery. I was sitting on the plane for hours and then sitting while fishing for several days. It may have been a factor in my DVT. Now I wear compression stockings when I travel and make sure to get up and walk around often. Being active isso important.
Model for illustrative purposes only.
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Helpful Resources
PVD Doctor
Discussion Guide
Get helpful tips and advice on how to talk to your doctor about a PVD screening.
DVT Brochure
Find out more information on DVT by downloading this helpful brochure.
Third-Party Resources
Helpful Websites
Blogs
Apps
A mobile app built by cardiologists, to simplify understanding of most cardiac and peripheral vascular conditions and treatments.
Find a Doctor that Treats DVT
If you think you may have DVT, it is important to get help. Talk to your doctor, or use our Doctor Finder tool below to find a DVT specialist near you.
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