Veinous stasis and ulceration Options

[sober.biker]

As a result of the DVT I developed in my left thigh, the valves in the primary vein running through the center of the major muscles in that leg were basically rendered useless.

The capillaries in my ankle can't handle the excess blood, as the blood now doesn't circulate properly (this brought to you by Captain Obvious and the letter 'Duh').

I have ulceration on both sides of my ankle. I recently had a visit with a vascular surgeon, who after an ultrasound, more or less threw his hands up and said "keep your leg over your heart as much and as often as you can."

Evidently, there aren't any reliable transplant options for that vein known in science at this time.

I wear compression socks daily. I (naturally) was already aware of the leg-elevation. I also have the need to work to support myself.

My ulcers haven't completely healed in 2+ years, & I'm at wit's end.

Does anyone else deal with this? Anybody have suggestions?

Sorry for any undue sarcasm, and thanks for reading

[orangefoot]

I have a DVT in the main vein running through the middle of my left leg from ankle to groin too but touch wood, compression is working for me and in 6 years I have only had a couple of bouts of phlebitis. I slipped and gashed my shin a year ago and freaked myself out about it not healing but it was ok thank goodness.

Has your doctor put you in touch with specialist ulcer nurses? I don't know where you are but they do exist in the UK. If you get some specialist advice but heavy duty medical ulcer treatment doesn't fix your skin then you might want to consider homeopathy.

My dad had a large ulcer on his shin which didn't respond to treatment by nurses despite several different approaches and he went to a homeopath in desperation. After a week of homeopathic treatment the nurses were getting cross because his ulcer was weeping copiously but the following week it began to heal and eventually shrank from about 8 inches across down to a pin prick and then fully healed.

My other thought is to up your compression to a higher grade to see if that helps

Sarcasm is totally appropriate in this kind of situation, don't worry

[PrisonBull]

Lots of experience with ulceration (ankle to hip right leg and left knee). My ulcers came from not wearing stockings. I totally agree on upping your compression level. Try swimming as an exercise if the ulcer isn't too bad. Need to get oxygen to the tissues.