Answers from my new doctor

Met with my new doctor (Dr. R) today. Thankfully, she was very patient and answered most of my many questions.

Among the most useful bits of information:

• Twinges, cramps, etc., are almost certainly not new clots. The anticoagulants make it virtually impossible for new clots to form. And hyper-awareness of every new twinge and ache is very normal for a DVT patient at this stage.
• Driving is okay! I just need to stop and walk around every 45 minutes or so. Anticoagulants are protecting me against clots now, but this is good practice for when I'm not longer on the drugs. Plus, this way I can hopefully avoid exacerbating the swelling of my "bad" leg.
• Ditto for working at my desk (hence here I am back at it). Need to be conscious of proper hydration, and getting up at least once an hour. Taking care of the former should make it a no-brainer to accomplish the latter. Proper body mechanics are key, too -- no leg crossing, etc.
• Surprisingly, she had no problem with air travel. As she put it, "everything in medicine is a trade-off. With anticoagulants working, you have no risk of a clot from air travel. But the trade-off is risk of bleeding." I've been considering a trip to Europe and one to Mexico. Having never been to Mexico, I'm a little nervous about the prospect of navigating the emergency medical system there (even though my Spanish is good). It's brightened my mood enormously to think my European trip might still be possible. A lot depends on how my leg progresses between now and then; if the swelling is pretty intense, it might not make sense. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks before deciding.
• Very moderate exercise is okay (casual strolls outside, provided I'm cognizant of any risk of injury, are okay). She wanted to get back to me about brisker exercise that would raise my heart rate. And I might want to wait for my Medic Alert bracelet to arrive before venturing too far on foot.

All in all, a reassuring visit. I feel better informed, and like I'm on the mend. I don't think I've ever been so excited about the prospect a little walk! I'm truly stir crazy at this point.

One thing I forgot to ask about: the compression stockings. I've been reading more and more about the benefits of these (especially to reduce the risk of long term damage to my veins). I've emailed Dr. R and will post her opinion once received.