I went to my PCP last week to ask about my results and if I needed to be on blood thinners. He was great about explaining the result about my test. He told me that I had a past DVT and it look like my vein reopened. He sent me to a vein specialist in Bentonville, Arkansas. Once there, they performed another ultrasound. I had to stand up for images as well as lay down for images. They taught me how to read the ultrasound. That part was pretty neat for me and makes me think about a secondary career. :-) Anyway, I had a lot of large, black spaces on my images. The blackness indicates edema/swelling. It was hard for them to see anything. So the plan is for me to wear these super strength compression hoses for 3 weeks to see if the swelling would go down. He feels like if they can get the swelling down, then we could get a better image. I really need it to decrease so that we can pin point the real issues that I have been having for the past 14 years. Technology is steadily advancing so I'm remaining optimistic.
Here is an example of some recent measurements:
Measurements at the doctors office were the following:
Right Ankle: 30 cm Right Calf: 47 cm Right Thigh: 69 cm
Left Ankle: 30.5 cm Left Calf: 45 cm Left Thigh: 67.5 cm
Today is Day #5 and my measurements are the following:
Right Ankle: 28 cm Right Calf: 44 cm Right Thigh: 58 cm
Left Ankle: 30 cm Left Calf: 41 cm Left Thigh: 59.5 cm
The compression garments that I am wearing are called Juzo Basic. They are a two-way stretch, graduated compression. Model: 4412, Type: AG, Size: IV, Color: Beige. Just a basic thigh high compression with silicone. I will keep you guys posted on future measurements. I have noticed that where my skin was hardened around my ankles, it is nice softer. The hoses are starting to be easier to put on too. I pray that they continue to decrease. I do want to say that the first few days were really hard to function. I walked very slowly and seem to be worn out. Today was my first day working out (aerobic weight lifting class) and I won't know the damage (i.e. soreness) until a day or two. Just keep me in your prayers and I will keep fighting the good fight. Until then, be blessed! :)
