AboutLauri Ordway Expertise I can answer your questions related to peripheral vacular disorders. This includes all arteries and veins except those inside the head and inside the heart. IE: neck (carotid), arms (carotid subclavian bypases to Thoracic Outlet) belly (aortic aneurysm & occlusive disorders, renal artery stenosis), legs (iliac, femoral, popliteal, peroneal, dorasalis pedis, posterior and anterior tibial) arteries. Aneurysm & occlusive disease, atherosclerosis, leg pain, arterial wounds and gangrene, amputation prevention. Vein disorders: Blood Clots (DVT), post-phlebetic syndrome, varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers. I can help with vascular wound treatments. Also, Raynauds, Buerger`s disease, Thoracic Outlet and other miscellaneous vascular disorders.
I CANNOT answer questions about your heart disease, blood pressure, brain aneurysm, although I can help with questions about the arteries that go to and from those organs.
Experience I am a nurse, I have worked for 14 years with two terrific peripheral vascular surgeons, one of them is also the inventor of very innovative wound care products and surgical instruments to make vascular surgery procedures better and faster. I wrote and manage our clinic website and field questions from patients all over the world.
Expert: Lauri Ordway Date: 10/25/2002 Subject: DVT Followup
Question Hi again lauri,
Recently emailed you about DVT. If you recall, my
right leg(calf and ankle) was swollen. Had a
ultrasound at the hospital and DVT was found. I
stayed in the hospital for 8 days on heparin
and coumadin. Now I'm on coumadin after released.
While in, a Greenfield Filter was put in my main
vein to stop the clot if it breaks off, etc. I'm
a 52 year old male who, up until this, was an
avid jogger and health-conscious. My question is:
My right calf and ankle get swollen daily the
longer I'm on my feet. In the morning when I awaken, they aren't swollen. Do you have any idea
how long I'll be experiencing this before I revert
back to normal? During the day, I have to wear
a sandal or slipper on my right foot. It's not
at all painful, just very annoying. Thank you
again.
Answer unsure how long it will take some folks swell forever, some get over it in a few weeks, but there are some things you can do to make it easier:
sounds like you should be wearing a compression stocking, this should be 30-40 mm pressure and it MUST be applied BEFORE your leg swings out of bed (because once you swingthat leg out, gravity starts to fill it with blood, this is why it is smallest in the AM).
compression stockings should feel snug at first. It will take a few days to adjust to the pressure.
some hints
Skin should be dry
Applying a thin layer of cornstarch or powder will help the stockings or sleeve slide over your skin
Remove your rings and jewelry that can damage your garment
Wear rubber or vinyl gloves to prevent fingernails from damaging the fabric
The gloves also help provide grip to distribute the fabric more easily
Avoid rolling, gathering or bunching the fabric, as this will only increase the pressure – like creating a super rubber band.
Apply moisturizer to your legs or arm in the evening rather than just before putting on your stocking
how to put he damn things on:
Begin with the garment inside out. Tuck the foot portion inside up to the heel and hold with both hands.
Stretch the sock as wide as possible and pull it onto your foot.
Pull the garment over your foot, past your ankle. The garment should be right side out now
Work the garment up, little by little. Avoid over-stretching the fabric.
Smooth out any wrinkles and adjust for comfort.
