Venous Thrombosis Treatment in India

Anika Chopra, a 42-year-old software developer...

Anika Chopra, a 42-year-old software developer and mother of two, had always been active. Her life changed after a 14-hour international flight to visit family in India. A week later, her left calf became swollen, red, and painfully tight. Initially dismissing it as a pulled muscle, the pain worsened until she could barely walk. Her primary care physician, concerned about her recent travel and swelling, ordered an ultrasound which revealed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in her left femoral vein. The vascular surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that while blood thinners were the first line of defense, the clot was large and posed a high risk of breaking off. He recommended a catheter-directed thrombolysis procedure to rapidly dissolve the clot and preserve the vein valves, preventing long-term post-thrombotic syndrome. Anika was terrified of the procedure and the potential complications, but more scared of a pulmonary embolism. The treatment involved a thin catheter threaded into the clot to deliver clot-busting medication. She spent two days in the ICU for monitoring. Post-procedure, the swelling and pain subsided dramatically within 48 hours. She continued on blood thinners for six months. Her recovery involved wearing compression stockings and gradual return to activity. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and frustration, feeling her body had betrayed her, to immense relief and a new caution. She now takes regular walking breaks at work and is an advocate for DVT awareness, especially for travelers.