Wednesday, December 5, 2012

...2 Turtle Doves and a Leg Plagued with DVT

My schedule for blogging was thrown off a little bit this week because I was hit with some health issues.  Saturday in the middle of the night, I was woken up by pain in my thigh, a kind of burning, aching feeling with pressure in my inner thigh.  A few days before I had been feeling some aching in my calf as well. It was sore throughout the day but I didn't want to go to the emergency room if it was nothing and being that it was Sunday, my doctor's office wasn't open.  I had to wait it out until the next morning and then I called my Dr's office who told me to come in that afternoon.  After I explained my issue to the doctor she recommended I get an ultrasound just to check for blood clots and such. She didn't think it was that but just to cover all bases. She took some blood work as well.

I was unable to get an ultrasound for that day so I had it the next morning, and turns out, it is a blood clot ... in my inner thigh.  I was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and sent to the ER.  Once there, the doctors explained to me what the treatment was going to be.  

"A daily dose of Warfarin (blood thinner) and daily injections." 
"Ok, that's cool."  
"Daily injection done at home, by yourself." 

"...I'm sorry, what??"


I can't stick a needle in myself!!!  Lord have mercy!  ...but that is the treatment and that is what I have to do TWICE a day 0_0  It took a lot of positive self talk to get that needle in the first time, I'm telling ya!

The thing is, the treatment really just stops other clots from forming. It doesn't really do anything for the clot already there. My body has to break that one down on it's own.  In the meantime, I just have to hope that it doesn't break off and go to my lungs or heart because that could be potentially life-threatening.  I tell you! This has really put me in touch with own mortality. Seriously. I am fine when I am busy doing stuff but when I get a minute to myself ...mini anxiety attack.  The fact that it could take months for this thing to be gone means I get to think about suffocating every day for months.  How's that for stress?  But I am really trying to stay positive. It's my favorite time of year and in the words of the Grinch, "There'll be no sad faces on Christmas." 

But I just wanted to check in and let you guys know what was up and also ask you guys to shoot a few prayers my way.  Any extras would be great!!  

If you hung around for this whole story, THANK YOU!  and we will now return to our regularly scheduled programming ;)

1 comment:

  1. Nikki,

    I have so enjoyed reading your blog, and I want you to know that I am sending good thoughts your way. I'm happy the doctors caught this when they did - but really bummed for you that you have to worry about this now! From one worrywart to another - I hope you will find peace about the situation, because you've clearly got a lot of living to do :)

    -Sara

    ReplyDelete

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