Leg cramps and a cautionary tale

(Darlene Horsley) #1

Yesterday my adult son was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. Started having leg cramps on Friday. We all chalked it up to being a charley horse. I suggested magnesium and by yesterday the pain was worse accompanied by swelling. Long story short that leg cramp can kill you if it’s a clot and not a cramp! No insurance and the recommended prescription is $465.00 a month!!! He needs to be on it for 6 months!
My cortisol is through the roof right now as is worry. So please don’t always assume it’s just a cramp. Familiarize yourselves with DVT symptoms. For the record he has not been on a long flight nor a long automobile trip.
Edited to add that I am fighting a sugar, pastry and pasta binge and have been all day from the stress of it all.

#2

I don’t have insurance for drugs either. For my clotting problems, I currently get a 3-month supply of Jantoven (7.5 mg) from Costco for $14.17.

I had a pulmonary embolism in 1979 (I was 21 at the time). It started as a pain and burning sensation in the ankle in the evening, moved up into the thigh, then to the lower back. By noon the next day, I was gasping for breath.

Because of swelling in my leg (a clot had “calcified” behind the knee, blocking the vein), I had to keep my leg constantly elevated for nearly 3 months afterward.

I’ve pretty much used warfarin (or its equivalent) since then. About 18 months after I had the PE, they took me off warfarin (because at that time, they weren’t sure of the long-term effects). Within 3 months, I had another blood clot in the leg. So they put me right back on warfarin for the long haul.

About 10 years ago, my brother had a similar blood clot and was tested for the blood clotting gene (Factor V Leiden). He tested positive for it (so I assume I was as well, but such a test didn’t exist in 1979). I have no kids, but of my niece and nephew, one doesn’t carry the gene and the other is a carrier.

Did they check your son for Factor V Leiden? If he has it, any kids he has should probably be checked, as well as any other children you have. Any of them could have it as well. They could run into a clotting problem if they do. Even you and his father maybe should be tested? If he does have the Factor V Leiden gene, both you and the father would both need to be at least carriers of the gene.

(Darlene Horsley) #3

No he wasn’t checked for that but will definitely suggest it but he has no health insurance either; I paid for the Doppler study and subsequent Dr visit as well. He’s been out of work. He’s 37 , no kids and single. Definitely need to inform his 35 year old brother who does have a child.
He was put on Eliquis and the physician did give him 2 months worth of samples.
Thank you for responding with your story and advice. Wow! We’re lucky to still have you with us!