If you have reason to suspect that you may have a {*filter*} clot in
your leg (have you had one before?) it would be in your best interest to
have this suspicion confirmed or ruled out with appropriate investigations
without delay.  Such investigations might include an IPG or Doppler
Ultrasound (non-invasive) or a venogram (invasive).  These investigations
normally do not require admission to hospital.  However, if a {*filter*} clot
is diagnosed, it is usual to be admitted to hospital and receive a
medication called heparin by continuous intravenous infusion for a minimum
of 5 days in which the heparin dose has been adjusted to therapeutic
levels.  i.e. some time in addition to the 5 days may be required to
determine which dose is right for you.  Furthermore, depending upon the
extent of the clot, how your leg responds to treatment, and the
circumstances surrounding the formation of the clot, additional days of
therapy may be considered.
        While on the heparin, an {*filter*}medication (warfarin) may be started
which, like the heparin, is an anti-coagulant. (Makes your {*filter*} less apt
to clot).  It is not usual practice at this time in Canada to give the
{*filter*}medication alone without the benefit of a course of intravenous
heparin therapy provided in hospital.  (There are new approaches to
therapy which are currently under study.)
        A major consideration in dealing with {*filter*} clots of the legs
(deep venous thromboses) is the possibility that they may break-off and
move to the lungs.  Such an event is called a pulmonary thromboembolism
and is associated with significant illness and possible death.  Thus, it
is important that the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis be established
or ruled-out in a timely fashion.

        Finally, there are risks and benefits associated with everything
that we do in life.  Medical tests and medications are no exceptions to
this rule.  If you might be pregnant, inform your doctor.  Also, the
internet is not a substitute for a proper medical assessment which should
take into account the specifics of your personal medical history, physical
examination, and results of any tests.  The approach taken by your
physician will depend upon what is uncovered during your assessment and
maybe different from what is done in someone else's case.

        I hope this is of some help.

                                        Best wishes,

                                        Jeffrey P. Schaefer

:       If you have reason to suspect that you may have a {*filter*} clot in
: your leg (have you had one before?) it would be in your best interest to

nope, I've never had one nor have I had a pulled muscle.  The day my leg
"tightened" up, I had done ALOT of walking, way more than usual and I
assumed that my sypmtoms were related to this extensive exercise I got
all at once.  When it still wasn't cleared up after two weeks however, I
started getting alittle concerned.  I stayed home for a couple of days
and just laid in bed.  It was also alittle bit swollen at that time so
put ice packs on it.  I finally told my mother and she freaked.  
Apparently this runs in my family (thru the women) and I'm overweight and
my weight rests mostly in the lower half of my body.  My sister, an RPN,
was consulted via my mother, and she freaked.  She told me that if I
pulled my toes forward and it hurt on the back of my leg, then it was
probably a {*filter*} clot.  That was exactly what was happening, but then it
got so much better that I went back to thinking it was just a muscle
problem.  Thank you for such a lengthy and informative reply, I will
probably go on to the doctor now per your suggestion.  I just don't like
the doctors generally, too many tests and needles for my taste.  I do
have a really good doctor that I trust alot though so I guess I'll bite
the bullet and go on down.

Thanks again.

Dr Khesh Sidhu    "Shere Punjab" _
                                  \


(Lao Tsu)                            \__ ~