When did you get your most recent DVT diagnosis? Have you been seen by a vascular specialist or a haematologist with an interest in coagulation? In a young(ish), fit patient with an extensive acute DVT (ie extending beyond the lower leg to the groin or above) we often do recommend so-called clot-busting treatment (aka thrombolysis). This often dissolves most of the residual clot and may lead to improved function in the affected leg.
However, if your DVT was diagnosed >2-4 weeks ago it may be too late for this type of treatment to work and conservative management with anticaogulation (warfarin)and compression (ie old-fashioned compression stocking) would be best advised. Usually, the thrombus does recanalise to some extent and the collateral venous flow is enhanced. However, there is a risk of developing the so-called post-thrombotic syndrome in which there is residual swelling and discomfort in the affected leg due to incomplete venous drainage through the deep veins as well as dysfunction/destruction of the valves in the veins which keep the blood from flowing back, causing venous stasis.
As has already been pointed out, you will need a workup in order to identify any triggering or predisposing factors. When was your previous DVT? For how long were you on warfarin after that? When (if at all) did you go back to flying after the first episode?
Last edited by AngioJet; 25th Aug 2014 at 20:16.
Reason: Spelling