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February 10, 2012

Patient Discussions: Phlebitis - Describe Your Experience

Question:Please describe your experience with Phlebitis.

Comment from: Browneyes, 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: October 07

I was recently told by my doctor that I have phlebitis. It started about a year and half ago with slight swelling where I had broken my leg about 10 years ago and I thought it was pain from an old injury. The swelling would start at the point where I broke my leg then down to my ankle. It would last about 3 weeks and go away as fast as it came. The second time it happened was similar to the first time. The 3rd time my leg swelled and 3 weeks later it was not any better. My leg and foot swelled and I could not even wear shoes. The slightest movement or touch hurt. It has been 2 months now. I am taking medication for it but my leg is still tender and slightly swollen and I still can not wear shoes that touch the ankle. I had an ultrasound and thank God there is no blood clot. I am going to start doing a lot of walking.

Related Reading: phlebitis | ultrasound

Comment from: Mrs M, 65-74 Female (Patient) Published: May 10

I have had 2 experiences that I now believe to be Phlebitis. 1. A day after a transatlantic flight I noticed a hot red area with a hard center above my left inner ankle. I treated it like a bite and it grew larger. Soaked in hot water - no help, finally saw a physician who prescribed 2 strong antibiotics - took this course and then treated with cortisone cream. I can still feel a hard center in that area of slightly darkened skin. About 15 weeks ago I broke the fibula of my left leg and used crutches for 6-7 weeks. Mobility has been limited since getting off crutches - no long walks with dog or friends - no long shopping trips until the last week or so. Two days ago I noticed another hot, red area with a hard center about 3 inches above the first and a bit more toward the back of my calf. I have used moist heat, hot to cold running water therapy and elevation and it is not getting any worse and in fact is not as sensitive as in the beginning. Will add ibuprofen today and contact my physician if it worsens or does not improve.

Related Reading: ibuprofen

Comment from: Dawn, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: August 27

I had a varicose vein removed. I recently had laser treatment to remove spider veins that developed. I have now developed phlebitis. My surgeon said I need to have further surgery and suggested that the original vein removal was not done very well. My leg is very tender and is discolored. I am not overweight. I go to the gym most days. I think I will not have any further surgery. I will just have to manage the condition myself.

Comment from: bsu94, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: August 04

Was in hospital for C-diff colitis and was administered an IV. Long story short, they blew the vein and now the inside of my left arm hurts like crazy. It's very sore to the touch. I have been using moist heat, massage, and aspirin every day. It has almost been two weeks. OUCH!!

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Comment from: Jimmie, 75 or over Female (Patient) Published: July 18

I am 76 years old and have varicose veins (treated when I was younger (50's) and since the treatments are expensive and only temporary (new veins get involved) I never had more. On Friday, I had 4 hours of Moh's therapy for 2 skin cancers on my face. On Friday, I noticed redness above my right ankle. I am out and about, not bedridden. Today the area is very dark red and warm, with minimal pain. I cannot take my usual baby aspirin or Aleve for a week.

Related Reading: varicose veins

Comment from: Rose, 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: August 16

I developed a sore left calf which worsened the following day. I have varicose veins in that leg. It hurt to touch, was hard, and slightly reddened, and swollen. To bear weight on it after having it elevated was very painful. An ultrasound found superficial thrombophlebitis. It occurred at the time I would normally have a period, but skipped it. It has not yet resolved after 1 week.

Comment from: Ruth, 55-64 Female (Patient) Published: January 07

About three weeks ago I was awakened about 4:00AM with a very severe cramp in my left lower inner leg. This was so painful and I went though the usual procedures of dealing with the cramp; rubbing, stretching out the muscle and walking. I took a couple of aspirins and went back to bed. In the morning when I got up I had a huge bruise around the area of the cramp and felt a lump about the size of a chick pea. Gradually the bruising went and the lump has become slightly smaller. I had my Dr. examine it and he said that it was superficial phlebitis and it would subside in three or four weeks. I still have the lump and the leg is sometimes sore and numb. I continued to take aspirin until last Friday I had had to go off them as I am having hand surgery on Friday Jan 8/10. I am a little concerned as I have Factor V Laeden which makes a person susceptible to having clots. To my knowledge this is the first time I have experienced phlebitis.



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Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain


Phlebitis

What is a pulmonary embolism?

The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and blood. The lung is composed of clusters of small air sacs (alveoli) divided by thin, elastic walls (membranes). Capillaries, the tiniest of blood vessels, run within these membranes between the alveoli and allow blood and air to come near each other. The distance between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries is very small, and allows molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide to transfer across the membranes.

The exchange of the air between the lungs and blood are through the arterial and venous system. Arteries and veins both carry and move blood throughout the body, but the process for each is very different.

  • Arteries carry blood from the heart to the body.
  • Veins return blood from the body to the heart.
  • The heart i...

Read the Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) article »




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