Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot

Apr 29, 24 6:02

Post #1 of 65 Views: 1453

Woke up Sunday morning with what I assumed was gas from the veggie tray I’d consumed for dinner the night before or as the day went on, the start of a kidney infection/kidney stones (or according to Dr. Google maybe a gallbladder issue). Pain was pretty constant and it hurt BAD to take in a deep breath. Spent the day wishing it would go away. Dumb dumb dumb! Tried to go to bed last night but couldn’t get comfortable. Sat up to take an Aspirin and Advil (for my post op knee pain from my knee surgery almost 5 weeks ago - nights still suck) and could not lay back down. Agony when laid down, agony when I breathed deep, agony when I tried to lay on my side. Husband asked if I was ok and I had a little panic moment where I said nope and couldn’t calm down to catch my breath because it hurt so bad to breath and cry and try to settle myself down while not panicking (not so easy to do). Woke up all the kids who were home (3 youngest), and hit the road at midnight to head to the ER.

Back story - had an ultrasound on Thursday (around 60 hours before waking up Sunday morning feeling off) to check for a DVT because my leg that had the knee repair has had some swelling when it’s not being elevated. No DVT, but a small clot in a superficial vein on the outside of the calf. Had I not mentioned something about the pulled muscle feeling in the calf they wouldn’t have even looked their and found anything since it’s not a deep vein. Anyway, doc said not a DVT, keep taking the aspirin and not to worry, so my brain did not go there yesterday.

ER doc is a friend (love small towns), but her first thought was clot. Got a CT and yep. Thankfully not huge and not in one of the bigger vessels in the lung, but it’s still a pulmonary embolism. Got a shot to start the blood thinner journey and will be picking up a prescription this morning for the blood thinners I get to be on for the next 3 or so months.

Feeling pretty stupid for not thinking clot, but having just basically gotten the all clear for a DVT 2 days prior my brain just did not go there. ER doc thinks it could have already traveled out of the leg before the ultrasound, and was just making its way to the lung already so it wasn’t in the leg to find any more. Either way, it sucks.

As for the knee, the repair went really well and I’ve got another 8 days non weight bearing. Had a cartiform graft anchored into the femur to patch where I ripped the cartilage off. Range of motion is great, leg is just weak and apparently likes to form blood clots…. Boo.

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Last edited by: RockyMtnChic: Apr 29, 24 6:18

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 6:23

Post #2 of 65 Views: 1418

That sucks. Glad you went in and they found it out before it developed into something worse.

Slowguy

(insert pithy phrase here...)

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 6:26

Post #3 of 65 Views: 1416

Wow, I am so sorry. That sounds terrible!
Gentlest hugs,
C

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 6:34

Post #4 of 65 Views: 1405

I had multi bi lat PE

It hurt - quite a bit 🤣

I was on self administered heparin for a week or so, 4 injections a day then warfarin for a year

I did get a medi wrist band for the time I was on warfarin in case of an accident and being unable to tell first responders.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 6:48

Post #5 of 65 Views: 1380

This is a clear sign that you need to drink more bourbon. :)

Best wishes for a full recovery.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 6:56

Post #6 of 65 Views: 1367

Yikes! Glad to hear you got it figured out. Continue the speedy healing.

--------------------------
The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 7:02

Post #7 of 65 Views: 1357

I’m so glad you got checked out and have a plan!

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 7:19

Post #8 of 65 Views: 1338

I second the suggestion about getting a medi-alert bracelet.

You may get widely varying advice about how much risk to take while on the blood thinners or anticoagulants. I don’t think there is a single right answer. My two cents is to basically live your normal life, while being somewhat more careful and perhaps curtailing or altering the riskiest stuff.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 7:45

Post #9 of 65 Views: 1311

Glad that there's a clear diagnosis, and path forward. Best of luck on recovering and getting back.

I had an ER event one winter night. Woke up w/a pain in my back that I realized wasn't a cramp and wasn't going away. Turned out to be a kidney stone. Glad it wasn't an overlooked tumor that had grown to the size of a grapefruit and impinging on my spine and organs (beware of self-diagnoses).

ER bill for a few hour stay (2am-8am) was $24K. It's a good thing there's insurance coverage for that.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 8:58

Post #10 of 65 Views: 1268

Glad you went in and got it checked out.

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 11:01

Post #11 of 65 Views: 1220

Wow, good thing you finally got yourself to the ER!

What was the knee surgery? Was it in the same place?

---------------------------
''Sweeney - you can both crush your AG *and* cruise in dead last!! 😂 '' Murphy's Law

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 11:21

Post #12 of 65 Views: 1191

Lots of similarities to my bilateral PE case in 2010.

Sudden onset of pain similar to a cracked rib that got steadily worse over the course of a day, until it got to a point in the evening where I told my wife I needed to get to the ER. Hours of tests, consensus seemed to be gall bladder (because the pain got worse after eating) until someone in Australia - which apparently is where US charts get sent to be read in our nighttime hours - luckily suggested it might be a PE.

Hematologist told me if I'd gone home that night with a gall bladder treatment protocol I probably wouldn't have woken up the next day. Couple of days in the hospital under observation until the meds broke down the clot. No sources of a clot found, nor any contributing risk factors, but 6 months of rat poison, dialed-back other forum training with no MTBing or surfing, and as mentioned above, a RoadID noting use of said rat poison.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Andrewmc] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 12:43

Post #13 of 65 Views: 1155

Andrewmc wrote:

I had multi bi lat PE

It hurt - quite a bit 🤣

I was on self administered heparin for a week or so, 4 injections a day then warfarin for a year

I did get a medi wrist band for the time I was on warfarin in case of an accident and being unable to tell first responders.

I can’t believe how bad it hurts. It’s crazy. I got some good drugs for the next couple of days but dang, as soon as it starts to wear off it’s right back to being stabbed with every breath. And it’s only on one side. I can’t imagine bilateral! 😱

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ike] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 12:46

Post #14 of 65 Views: 1149

ike wrote:

I second the suggestion about getting a medi-alert bracelet.

You may get widely varying advice about how much risk to take while on the blood thinners or anticoagulants. I don’t think there is a single right answer. My two cents is to basically live your normal life, while being somewhat more careful and perhaps curtailing or altering the riskiest stuff.

Due to recovering from knee surgery my next few months shouldn’t involve too much crazy. I’ll be happy to be able to walk my dog a month from now (she’s having knee surgery soon too). It’s the risky stuff that got me into this mess🤣🤣

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Sweeney] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 12:56

Post #15 of 65 Views: 1137

Sweeney wrote:

Wow, good thing you finally got yourself to the ER!

What was the knee surgery? Was it in the same place?

I felt pretty dumb for making everyone go (can’t drive yet), but boy am I glad we went.

I ripped a good size chunk of chondral cartilage off my femur snowboarding in Feb. The fix was a cartiform graft anchored into the femur and some microfractures to promote healing, so non weight bearing for 6 weeks (it will be 5 weeks tomorrow so almost done NWB), then a couple of weeks slowly adding weight. Surgery was in the same town, just a surgery center vs the hospital.

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 13:06

Post #16 of 65 Views: 1130

Thank you all for the kind words of advice and caring. It really means a lot! The Lavender Room peeps are the best❤️

The doctor more than once emphasized how glad she was that I came in when I did and never once gave me shit for not coming in sooner (if I knew then what I know now sort of thing).

I already ordered the medic alert bracelet (they make some super cute ones now)! And will be extending the rest and relaxation phase of recovery by a few extra weeks.

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 13:16

Post #17 of 65 Views: 1116

1. you're not stupid for not thinking clot
2. I'm glad you're ok
3. I'm glad you're toward the end of the non weight bearing. What do things look like after that? Big knee brace thingie?

Please keep us updated. I really really mean that. And I'm probably going to reply to the thread asking how you are if you don't volunteer updates.

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Dr. Tigerchik] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 14:10

Post #18 of 65 Views: 1099

Dr. Tigerchik wrote:

1. you're not stupid for not thinking clot
2. I'm glad you're ok
3. I'm glad you're toward the end of the non weight bearing. What do things look like after that? Big knee brace thingie?

Please keep us updated. I really really mean that. And I'm probably going to reply to the thread asking how you are if you don't volunteer updates.

Thank you thank you thank you!

No brace! Woohoo! I’ve had no restrictions on range of motion (no brace, no cast), so I’ve been trying to bend and straighten since 2 days post op and am almost normal there (but it is slow moving and very sore🤪). The leg is just super weak. At PT today she said I’ll start at a toe touch and over 2-3 weeks adding more pressure until I’m done with the crutches. Then to get the leg stronger. I can’t kneel on it for 4 months, and no clue about any jogging, probably somewhere around 6 months). Snowboarding again in November!

My doggy needs both her CCL’s fixed…. She was supposed to get one done tomorrow but the vet who fixes doggy knees can’t get here from his house (a bridge is out with ridiculous detours), so it’s been pushed back probably until June. She’ll be a great rehab partner since we’ll both be hobbling along trying to recover our knees!🤣🤣

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 14:30

Post #19 of 65 Views: 1083

Glad you figured it out!

Not stupid. But we should all listen to our bodies, particularly us athletes who should be pretty good at knowing what's normal pain, and what's not.

I made this mistake with what turned out to be a punctured lung. Was probably walking around with it for nearly 48 hours, which isn't great. Being an athlete compensated for the less efficient blood oxygenation...was never out of breath.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 14:36

Post #20 of 65 Views: 1073

Why would you feel dumb not being able to diagnose yourself with a clot. Sounds like you had a very good ER doc. When I worked in the ER and the hospital one of the diagnosis that people didn't think of often enough was a pulmonary embolism. It is likely something I missed a few times.

Having D-dimers (a blood test that can alert you to higher likelihood of a blood clot) is a help from the old days.

I had a guy tragically die of a blood clot after and ankle fracture repair in his late 30s. He was quite overweight but tragic nontheless.

They constantly try to escape from the darkness outside and within
Dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good T.S. Eliot

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [spockman] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 14:57

Post #21 of 65 Views: 1064

spockman wrote:

Why would you feel dumb not being able to diagnose yourself with a clot. Sounds like you had a very good ER doc. When I worked in the ER and the hospital one of the diagnosis that people didn't think of often enough was a pulmonary embolism. It is likely something I missed a few times.

Having D-dimers (a blood test that can alert you to higher likelihood of a blood clot) is a help from the old days.

I had a guy tragically die of a blood clot after and ankle fracture repair in his late 30s. He was quite overweight but tragic nontheless.

Hindsight’s 20/20 right? Felt dumb because after the ultrasound for a DVT 2 days prior I didn’t even attempt to connect that dot. Just went nope, clot was ruled out, it’s got to be something else. Had I not dismissed it, it would have been on our list of things we looked up on Google (I know, Dr. Google shouldn’t be trusted but it saved my kids life last February so I check it out on occasion). As for the ER doc, she was pretty positive, it was an PE, so aside from blood work we didn’t even do any other tests until the CT results came back so she gets props from me! I think it also helped that we chat almost daily at school pick up waiting for our kids so she knew I had recently had surgery… (at least before surgery, dad is on kid duty now, but she knew what was up).

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 18:00

Post #22 of 65 Views: 1008

Oh, man. I am sorry :( I had bilateral PEs almost one year ago.

The pain was certainly intense. I woke up up feeling like I had cramps in my diaphragm and it didn't go away. My wife said I seemed a bit off so I reached out to an online nurse and was at the ER within the hour. It was just uncomfortable at that point, but I couldn't sleep for two or three nights. Ended up napping while kneeling in front of the couch, face down elevated by a bunch of pillows. Took another week and change before breathing felt normal. General practitioner docs were pretty much useless. I got slapped on Xarelto for a cycle before moving to Pradaxa, which I have been on, and apparently will be on for the rest of my life.

"WannaB" on this forum was probably the best resource I had. I saw the doc in person for a follow up two days after the ER, then a virtual meeting. No contact since. Matt (WannaB) helped give me some guidelines and clarification. Took the summer and change (May 11 is my clotiversary, didn't really start training at all out until Sept/ Oct) but am almost back to where I was pre clot.

It sucks. The recovery sucks. I really had to switch to focusing on process goals to make it through the first six months. It still pisses me off because I was 3 week out from the marathon I planned to BQ at, and Boston recently triggered me a little still. There's a thread on the main forum with a bunch of people talking about their experiences: https://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/?post=6472202 and a few Facebook groups. I am no expert, just a participant, but feel free to reach out if you want to chat more.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 29, 24 19:03

Post #23 of 65 Views: 989

RockyMtnChic wrote:

spockman wrote:

Why would you feel dumb not being able to diagnose yourself with a clot. Sounds like you had a very good ER doc. When I worked in the ER and the hospital one of the diagnosis that people didn't think of often enough was a pulmonary embolism. It is likely something I missed a few times.

Having D-dimers (a blood test that can alert you to higher likelihood of a blood clot) is a help from the old days.

I had a guy tragically die of a blood clot after and ankle fracture repair in his late 30s. He was quite overweight but tragic nontheless.

Hindsight’s 20/20 right? Felt dumb because after the ultrasound for a DVT 2 days prior I didn’t even attempt to connect that dot. Just went nope, clot was ruled out, it’s got to be something else. Had I not dismissed it, it would have been on our list of things we looked up on Google (I know, Dr. Google shouldn’t be trusted but it saved my kids life last February so I check it out on occasion). As for the ER doc, she was pretty positive, it was an PE, so aside from blood work we didn’t even do any other tests until the CT results came back so she gets props from me! I think it also helped that we chat almost daily at school pick up waiting for our kids so she knew I had recently had surgery… (at least before surgery, dad is on kid duty now, but she knew what was up).

One of my best friends she felt fluey during Covid on a Saturday. The next day she felt short of breath but figured maybe I have Covid. On Monday she is really short of breath and her husband calls an ambulance. Some ER doc doing a fellowship from Belgium sees her and in about half an hour figures out she has a hole in her heart. The community hospital she went to is right next door to the Ottawa Heart Institute so within three hours she is on the table getting fixed up. Another few hours and she would have been gone at 55 years old. She had an MI and it weakened her heart muscle and she had a pinhole leak which was gradually strangulating her heart. It's really great when it all works out.

They constantly try to escape from the darkness outside and within
Dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good T.S. Eliot

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 5:35

Post #24 of 65 Views: 924

I went on vacation with a friend. Friday she ended up in ER with a kidney infection. She had surgery. Then they found a PE. Anybody have any thoughts on flying a few days after discovery of PE? I let her know I was willing to drive the 17 hours to get back home.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [InMotion] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 7:05

Post #25 of 65 Views: 905

InMotion wrote:

I went on vacation with a friend. Friday she ended up in ER with a kidney infection. She had surgery. Then they found a PE. Anybody have any thoughts on flying a few days after discovery of PE? I let her know I was willing to drive the 17 hours to get back home.

Not a medical professional, but I would wait before flying after a PE. This site says wait 2 weeks.

https://thorax.bmj.com/content/77/4/329#

I am not sure about 17 hour drive either. I’d check with a doctor. There are at least two issues. One is the proximity of medical care in an emergency. Another is the inactivity of being seated for so long.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [spockman] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 7:48

Post #26 of 65 Views: 577

spockman wrote:

RockyMtnChic wrote:

spockman wrote:

Why would you feel dumb not being able to diagnose yourself with a clot. Sounds like you had a very good ER doc. When I worked in the ER and the hospital one of the diagnosis that people didn't think of often enough was a pulmonary embolism. It is likely something I missed a few times.

Having D-dimers (a blood test that can alert you to higher likelihood of a blood clot) is a help from the old days.

I had a guy tragically die of a blood clot after and ankle fracture repair in his late 30s. He was quite overweight but tragic nontheless.

Hindsight’s 20/20 right? Felt dumb because after the ultrasound for a DVT 2 days prior I didn’t even attempt to connect that dot. Just went nope, clot was ruled out, it’s got to be something else. Had I not dismissed it, it would have been on our list of things we looked up on Google (I know, Dr. Google shouldn’t be trusted but it saved my kids life last February so I check it out on occasion). As for the ER doc, she was pretty positive, it was an PE, so aside from blood work we didn’t even do any other tests until the CT results came back so she gets props from me! I think it also helped that we chat almost daily at school pick up waiting for our kids so she knew I had recently had surgery… (at least before surgery, dad is on kid duty now, but she knew what was up).

One of my best friends she felt fluey during Covid on a Saturday. The next day she felt short of breath but figured maybe I have Covid. On Monday she is really short of breath and her husband calls an ambulance. Some ER doc doing a fellowship from Belgium sees her and in about half an hour figures out she has a hole in her heart. The community hospital she went to is right next door to the Ottawa Heart Institute so within three hours she is on the table getting fixed up. Another few hours and she would have been gone at 55 years old. She had an MI and it weakened her heart muscle and she had a pinhole leak which was gradually strangulating her heart. It's really great when it all works out.

That’s story is insane Spockman! Glad she is ok. It is really great when it works out!!

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ike] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 8:59

Post #27 of 65 Views: 573

ike wrote:

InMotion wrote:

I went on vacation with a friend. Friday she ended up in ER with a kidney infection. She had surgery. Then they found a PE. Anybody have any thoughts on flying a few days after discovery of PE? I let her know I was willing to drive the 17 hours to get back home.

Not a medical professional, but I would wait before flying after a PE. This site says wait 2 weeks.

https://thorax.bmj.com/content/77/4/329#

I am not sure about 17 hour drive either. I’d check with a doctor. There are at least two issues. One is the proximity of medical care in an emergency. Another is the inactivity of being seated for so long.

I hope your friend is ok and you can get home safely. You’re a great friend to offer to drive. I have no clue the answer - that’s something I need to look into as well.

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [InMotion] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 11:26

Post #28 of 65 Views: 559

What do her docs say?

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 11:33

Post #29 of 65 Views: 554

So sorry to welcome another to the "club" Had mine in 2009. Had classic shortness of breath but because I did not fit a "profile," I spent 8 weeks with my GP, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, etc. No one suspected PEs even though in retrospect had a classic symptom. All this time I kept trying to work out... it's a wonder I am alive

One day I was in so much pain I drove myself to the ER, was the only time i ever considered calling an ambulance. That morning, the pulmonologist declared my lungs 100% healthy (02 sat of like 95%) and gave me a scrip for an asthma inhaler. That night i was in the cardiac stepup unit, where I stayed for a week. The ER doc ran a few tests, and was just about to let me go but said "I/m just gonna do one more to rule something out." D Dimer came back elevated, CT confirmed. Morphine didn't come close to touching the pain, and every time the dilaudid starting wearing off 5 minutes before I could press the button, it was excruciating.

I did 6 months of coumadin (didn't even have xarelto back then), but then 3 months after that deadline, had another set. So now a lifer.

Took a lot of reflection and discussion with my wife, but now I *generally* do everything I used to, ski, snowboard, MTB, 5 IMs, several halfs. Have had a couple good crashes including 7 ribs, scapula and punctured lung. I test at home generally and try to keep my levels in the low range.

Good luck to you!

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 13:05

Post #30 of 65 Views: 536

When I had mine, I was given vicodin to start with. They did nothing. I was prescribed oxycodone I think, whatever it was, I was so high I actually stopped taking it because it freaked me out.

I wasn't admitted, I'd have been admitted if I wasn't comfortable with self administered heparin but I took that, got my INR sorted and spent a year on Coumadin.

The pain was up there, amongst the most uncomfortable things I've had

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Andrewmc] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 13:26

Post #31 of 65 Views: 527

One thing that stands out between all these stories and my own story is that I experienced no pain whatsoever.

Started with some swelling in my calf/foot (like, isn't that the classical sign of a DVT?). Didn't know what it was, so kept training. Finally, out on a bike ride and my power was so low compared to my effort level, I had to stop about five miles from home and take a break. Wife convinced me to get it checked out, and an ultrasound showed the DVT. Right to the ER we went (Thursday afternoon). It was pushing midnight when we were finally admitted. As an afterthought, I mentioned to the admitting doctor that my bike power was lower than it should have been. So, a lung scan was done and showed bilateral PEs. Spent the next four days in the hospital on heparin until it stabilized. After discharge, within days my bike power was back to normal, which indicated that the PEs were gone.

Tests showed no clue as to the cause. Go figure.

Six years later, I'm still on 2.5mg Eliquis 2x.

----------------------------------
"Go yell at an M&M"

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [klehner] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 13:59

Post #32 of 65 Views: 518

Honestly, this post should be in tri talk. When I got sick I was amazed at the correlation between endurance athletes and clots, and since then have had numerous friends in endurance clot as well.

I did a full workup at UCLA, no significant findings and recommended only one course of ACs. Until the second, of course.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 14:36

Post #33 of 65 Views: 512

ChrisM wrote:

What do her docs say?

Good question. I haven't talked to her doctors. So I have no idea. I'm guessing they recommended to not fly but she is bent on flying. We are going from Florida to Chicago. If I drove we could stop every few hours. And take a couple three days to get there. It's not my decision to make. And its not like I'd rather drive then fly.

Looks like we are flying. I think going straight out the ICU door to the airport is not a good idea. But what do I know.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 16:52

Post #34 of 65 Views: 497

Between all the responses here on this thread, all of the DM’s I’ve gotten and just chatting with friends yesterday and today - I’m kinda shocked at how many people have had clots/PE’s! Everything from surgical complications, sports related, and just seemingly out of the blue. I’m kinda blown away. I’m very grateful for everyone who has shared their story as well. I also want to thank everyone for the well wishes. We are for the most part strangers but I feel the love! I love the Lavender Room - you guys and gals are the best!

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 17:07

Post #35 of 65 Views: 492

ChrisM wrote:

So sorry to welcome another to the "club" Had mine in 2009. Had classic shortness of breath but because I did not fit a "profile," I spent 8 weeks with my GP, a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, etc. No one suspected PEs even though in retrospect had a classic symptom. All this time I kept trying to work out... it's a wonder I am alive

One day I was in so much pain I drove myself to the ER, was the only time i ever considered calling an ambulance. That morning, the pulmonologist declared my lungs 100% healthy (02 sat of like 95%) and gave me a scrip for an asthma inhaler. That night i was in the cardiac stepup unit, where I stayed for a week. The ER doc ran a few tests, and was just about to let me go but said "I/m just gonna do one more to rule something out." D Dimer came back elevated, CT confirmed. Morphine didn't come close to touching the pain, and every time the dilaudid starting wearing off 5 minutes before I could press the button, it was excruciating.

I did 6 months of coumadin (didn't even have xarelto back then), but then 3 months after that deadline, had another set. So now a lifer.

Took a lot of reflection and discussion with my wife, but now I *generally* do everything I used to, ski, snowboard, MTB, 5 IMs, several halfs. Have had a couple good crashes including 7 ribs, scapula and punctured lung. I test at home generally and try to keep my levels in the low range.

Good luck to you!

What is the home test you reference? I did not know there was such a thing.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 17:31

Post #36 of 65 Views: 482

This article offers a theory of why, in addition to dehydration, endurance athletes are at elevated risk of clots. No idea if it is sound science — consider the source.

https://www.bicycling.com/...lthy-active-cyclist/

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 17:45

Post #37 of 65 Views: 478

There is also considerable literature on whether living at altitude increases clot risk. This study found that shoulder surgery at altitude came with a much higher risk of a clot.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/...ticles/PMC6203697/#:~:text=High%20altitudes%20lead%20to%20physiological,and%20pulmonary%20embolism%20(PE).

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ike] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 17:56

Post #38 of 65 Views: 473

Coagucheck meter, same one my Coumadin clinic uses. I just buy the strips

https://medicaldiagnostictools.healthcaresupplypros.com/...uLamAWRoCoxMQAvD_BwE

That said after I deal with another health issue I’m seriously considering switching to xarelto- although I need to bone up on reversibility. Only really Coumadin was widely available for clotting issues when I first got sick

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [InMotion] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 17:57

Post #39 of 65 Views: 472

Well it’s probably the better of two bad choices. Stay hydrated, get up move around, use compression socks. Good luck

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 19:40

Post #40 of 65 Views: 454

So replying to last, but wanted formally to contribute to the thread as this is something that I manage on a regular basis, and is one of my personal areas of expertise. In addition to being a Pulmonologist, I am also chair of my health system's Clotting and Anticoagulation committee and co-director of our Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. PERT team is available 24/7 to anyone who has a question or concerns regarding management of high risk acute PE. Most calls come from ER.

Below is a collection of very general advice I have given over the years in the main forum. Of course, each case is different and there are many variables often in play. But, hopefully folks will identify with or better understand some of how they are managed.

Pulmonary Embolism is a big deal with many implications. It can also be frustrating to manage due to numerous factors, as there isn't always a perfect black and white answer. Risks for, and consequence of can be variable, and treatment often ends up being individualized with shared decision making with patient.

In very general terms, need to first identify risk of why DVT or PE occurred. Having more than one event in a lifetime increases the need for vigilance. Because at the end of the day a large PE is life threatening. And each event statistically increases risk to have another. Why this is important is it factors into duration of therapy. At absolute minimum we treat for three months. In selected populations we treat for 6 or even 12 (based on recurrence, severity of event or evidence of chronic clot burden). And in anyone deemed to be persistent risk, we consider lifelong therapy. Again, this decision is also shared with patient as there is not a perfect answer and patient lifestyle or fear/anxiety factor in.

Putting someone on lifelong anticoagulation is obviously a huge decision, and not taken lightly. When that is ultimately best decision, I have some comfort based on the other major reason people are on long-term anticoagulation. Stroke prevention due to Atrial Fibrillation is an indication for indefinite/long-term anticoagulation, and there are many many people on long-term therapy as a result.

The treatment for DVT or PE is systemic anticoagulation. Full stop. There are sometimes scenarios where one may consider an Inferior Vena Cava filter. But the only true indication for an IVC filter is a contraindication to being on blood thinners. There is some nuance and there are special circumstances, but IVC filters when used should only be used as a short-term option. You still ideally need to be on blood thinners, as you can develop collateral vessels around, and they are thrombogenic in and of themselves. Also, trying to remove them after too long can cause major complication.

Heparin is good in the acute setting as an IV agent. Lovenox is also appropriate. Then Warfarin and the Factor Xa inhibitors (Eliquis and Xarelto) are the main oral outpatient therapies. Pradaxa is an additional option that works similar to Eliquis and Xarelto, but is a bit older. None of these "dissolve" clot. The body resorbs clot. But the thinners help prevent more clot from forming, and help in the breakdown or resorption process. There are thrombolytics (clot buster), but this is reserved for absolute life or limb threatening situations.

Warfarin is the old mainstay. It is a Vitamin K antagonist, and subject to labile effectiveness based on dietary changes. Therefore, dosing can fluctuate and it needs to be monitored closely with frequent INR checks. A concern here is if dose is sub-therapeutic, you at risk to clot, if super-therapeutic, you at risk to bleed. The Factor Xa inhibitors are fixed dose, and much more stable with their effect. They don't require monitoring.

One issue is emergency reversal. Warfarin does have an anecdote to immediately reverse. Vitamin K given in conjunction with 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate reverses. Pradaxa has an agent called Praxbind. The Factor Xa inhibitors Xarelto and Eliquis now have an agent called Andexanet Alfa. It is not universally available as it is: 1. very expensive, and 2. not without risk as the initial studies do show 1/10 patients had a thrombotic event within 30 days of use (DVT, PE, Stroke, Myocardial Infarction). You see, people are on blood thinners for a reason, and reversing their effect increases risk for what they are trying to prevent.

Regarding risks. Clots are either provoked (associated with a risk factor) or idiopathic. Risk factors can be related to long travel and immobility, orthopedic/routine surgery with prolonged immobility, smoking, hormone therapy (testosterone, estrogen), malignancy (everyone with a clot should be assessed for age appropriate cancer screens). May Thurner is a rare, but anatomical risk factor. Then there are inheritable and, or acquired thrombophilia or clotting disorders. This work-up is complex, does not need to be performed in the immediate setting, and should be done by a thoughtful sub-specialist (Hematologist). Lastly, there is idiopathic, meaning no clear contributing factor is identified. Treatment duration is based on whether or not there is a modifiable risk, or not. If there is a clear clotting disorder, or clot is large/life threatening and idiopathic, then treatment is often indefinite/lifelong.

Activity level. Many people are very active on long-term full dose anticoagulation. But, obviously, hypervigilance becomes important. Regarding exercise tolerance, everyone is different. If clot is limited to extremity (DVT), then generally want several weeks of stability and tolerance of anticoagulation before attempting to return to vigorous activity. With pulmonary embolism, there will likely be some effects on endurance, but that can and should improve.

As far as training. I have taken care of many active/high performance people with clots. I have not had major endurance athletes who red line it the way we do. But there are a few things that work as general principle. Bleeding risk is obvious. Want to avoid any and all head trauma. Cardiovascular fitness should recover. Small to medium size clots typically resolve within ~ 4-8 weeks. There can be some local inflammation/injury to lung tissue as a result of clot, that should heal as well. So from a Pulmonary standpoint, you really shouldn't lose much lung capacity. The concern is from a cardiac standpoint. Blood clots put secondary stress on the heart (the right side). You can develop acute, and in a worst case scenario, more chronic pulmonary hypertension. That is not the case for most people. But that would be where exercise limits will likely be felt.

Monitoring HR, O2 saturations, and symptoms have to be your guide. I would advise anyone to keep your Medicine team informed if an when you plan to ramp up intensity, as they are the ones that know you, and would want them to be the ones to support your regimen.

I hope this is a good reference for many moving forward. Sorry for all that deal with this, as I fully appreciate the stress that comes from losing confidence in your body, and the frustration that forced limitations cause.

Last edited by: WannaB: Apr 30, 24 19:43

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [WannaB] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 20:05

Post #41 of 65 Views: 447

Thanks. Great stuff.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ike] [ In reply to ]

Apr 30, 24 22:24

Post #42 of 65 Views: 417

when I got mine, I was living in Boulder and one night we went to Evergreen which is higher - not high - but I think a couple of thousand feet higher, the following day I woke up, could hear squeaking when I breather which it turns out was pleurisy then the blood came and that was that........

To be fair, at the time, the pathway was super smooth, my PCP took an x-ray at their offices, immediately referred me for a CT and by 4.30 that afternoon, they'd called a prescription in for the heperin, a community nurse came to my house at 5 and showed me how to administer it and the whole thing worked exceptionally well.

I later had a load of genetic tests in Qatar and absolutely nothing came up as a potential underlying cause other than I was at the high end of the "normal" range for factor VIII - a factor associated with a risk of PE and DVT

Knock on wood, it resolved and I have not had a issue since

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [WannaB] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 10:36

Post #43 of 65 Views: 378

Thanks for the comprehensive post.

When I went on AC in 2009 all they really had was warfarin. I’m managed fine, test at home, am fairly stable in the low 2s and don’t really pay attention to diet. Didn’t want to switch to rue DOACs when they came out as there was no reversal agent , and I continue to do tris, skiing, MTB etc.

But 14 years of reporting my INR to a clinic only for them to bill me $45 (with insurance) and say “carry on” is getting super old

I was google medicine-ing this morning and found the xarelto approved reveal agent and got excited about finally switching. But sounds like maybe it’s still not a thing yet. Thoughts?

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Andrewmc] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 10:37

Post #44 of 65 Views: 377

I had the same load of testing and the same factor VIII result, which wasn’t seen as a reason alone to continue thinners. Then I went off Coumadin and promptly had another

Last edited by: ChrisM: May 1, 24 10:38

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 11:58

Post #45 of 65 Views: 324

ChrisM wrote:

Thanks for the comprehensive post.

When I went on AC in 2009 all they really had was warfarin. I’m managed fine, test at home, am fairly stable in the low 2s and don’t really pay attention to diet. Didn’t want to switch to rue DOACs when they came out as there was no reversal agent , and I continue to do tris, skiing, MTB etc.

But 14 years of reporting my INR to a clinic only for them to bill me $45 (with insurance) and say “carry on” is getting super old

I was google medicine-ing this morning and found the xarelto approved reveal agent and got excited about finally switching. But sounds like maybe it’s still not a thing yet. Thoughts?

Further to WannaB’s point that the reversal agent has limited availability, an ER doc at a major urban hospital told me that they don’t stock the reversal agent for Eliquis. I think that is the same as for Xarelto, but not sure.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 12:19

Post #46 of 65 Views: 315

Welcome to the unfortunate club.

I had a DVT in my lower right calf about 4 years ago, being an idiot i ignored it to the point where i was limping around work and in so much pain my wife had to come pick me up and take me to Urgent Care. D dimer was elevated and a scan showed a clot. The Doc put me on Xarelto for 6 weeks and then nothing. No cause was ever found and it was put down as an "unprovoked DVT".

Fast forward to April this year and i got another one in my left calf but as higher up. I was a little smarter this time and went along to Urgent care as soon as I felt the symptoms so at least i beat the pain this time. d dimer was slightly elevated and white blood cell count was low. I'm on Tiva-Rivaroxaban this time.

I've been referred to a thrombosis clinic so I'm on the waiting list for that. I'm not in any of the traditional risk categories so I'm on meds for life now.

Getting old sucks.

..........................................................................

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 14:19

Post #47 of 65 Views: 293

ChrisM wrote:

Thanks for the comprehensive post.

When I went on AC in 2009 all they really had was warfarin. I’m managed fine, test at home, am fairly stable in the low 2s and don’t really pay attention to diet. Didn’t want to switch to rue DOACs when they came out as there was no reversal agent , and I continue to do tris, skiing, MTB etc.

But 14 years of reporting my INR to a clinic only for them to bill me $45 (with insurance) and say “carry on” is getting super old

I was google medicine-ing this morning and found the xarelto approved reveal agent and got excited about finally switching. But sounds like maybe it’s still not a thing yet. Thoughts?

So there is now an FDA approved reversal agent specific to both Xarelto and Eliquis. Andexanet Alfa. It is given as a continuous infusion. As I mentioned above in my little Wikipedia page, there is a real risk of downstream thrombosis associated with it, so it is reserved for life threatening bleeds. The biggest role at present is for intracranial hemorrhage with an indication for emergent neurosurgical intervention. Also a role in emergent cardiac surgery. The other scenarios aren't well defined, and may evolve over time. It is anywhere in the range of 20-45K a dose, last I was updated. So base on all of this, it is not universally stocked and available at all hospitals and systems. More the large centers that can absorb cost burden of stocking and have the surgical subspecialties for emergent surgery.

I don't have a lot of heartburn with people on Eliquis or Xarelto. We manage many people well with acute hemorrhage on these agents, can try to use 4-Factor Prothrombin Concentrate (PCC) to reverse, which may have some effectiveness (there is debate regarding how much). But if you want the absolute easiest to reverse agent while being highly active, then Warfarin makes sense if you are dialed in over years.

ETA: Head to head studies actually show long-term Eliquis and Xarelto more effective with less bleeding risk than Warfarin, mostly due to steady state of dosing. I really use these as go to.

Last edited by: WannaB: May 1, 24 14:33

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [WannaB] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 15:18

Post #48 of 65 Views: 268

Hmph. 15 years on coumadin with the monitoring, I'm really over it. Have had one pretty bike bad accident in 2015 with lots of broken bones, and a 2023 concussion skiing where i lost all memory for an hour (clear CT), and it does not seem the coumadin made the situations worse. But still, over it.

If male 57 y/o came to you, MTB, road ride, scuba dive to remote places, ski, snowboard... xarelto > coumadin? Hypothetically, of course

Last edited by: ChrisM: May 1, 24 15:20

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [ChrisM] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 16:12

Post #49 of 65 Views: 249

ChrisM wrote:

Hmph. 15 years on coumadin with the monitoring, I'm really over it. Have had one pretty bike bad accident in 2015 with lots of broken bones, and a 2023 concussion skiing where i lost all memory for an hour (clear CT), and it does not seem the coumadin made the situations worse. But still, over it.

If male 57 y/o came to you, MTB, road ride, scuba dive to remote places, ski, snowboard... xarelto > coumadin? Hypothetically, of course

Not a real question. Because a 57 yo Slowtwitcher is actually 35. :)

So I would be pretty comfortable with Xarelto, with the obvious caveats that your already know. You are hopefully a little more conservative, within reason, due to the risks.

Blood thinner is blood thinner. If you have a major trauma you are in trouble no matter what you are on. If you are in that severe of an accident and somewhere remote, you are in big trouble by the time you get to a trauma center. And, again my issue with Warfarin is that if it is a day where your INR happens to be higher (super-therapeutic) then you actually at even more risk. If day to day you are in a major city or near large center, then there is good chance they are going to have or will soon have Andexanet, and then you even more comfortable knowing it is near. I would even go so far as investigate.

After thinking about it, discussing with family, and then your physician who has likely known you all these years while on Warfarin, I would support changing if all agree.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 16:14

Post #50 of 65 Views: 246

RockyMtnChic wrote:

Between all the responses here on this thread, all of the DM’s I’ve gotten and just chatting with friends yesterday and today - I’m kinda shocked at how many people have had clots/PE’s! Everything from surgical complications, sports related, and just seemingly out of the blue. I’m kinda blown away. I’m very grateful for everyone who has shared their story as well. I also want to thank everyone for the well wishes. We are for the most part strangers but I feel the love! I love the Lavender Room - you guys and gals are the best!

If you compare the people who post here vs the general population there seems to be way more pulmonary emboli. Like many times.

They constantly try to escape from the darkness outside and within
Dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good T.S. Eliot

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [WannaB] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 16:25

Post #51 of 65 Views: 704

WannaB wrote:

ChrisM wrote:

Thanks for the comprehensive post.

When I went on AC in 2009 all they really had was warfarin. I’m managed fine, test at home, am fairly stable in the low 2s and don’t really pay attention to diet. Didn’t want to switch to rue DOACs when they came out as there was no reversal agent , and I continue to do tris, skiing, MTB etc.

But 14 years of reporting my INR to a clinic only for them to bill me $45 (with insurance) and say “carry on” is getting super old

I was google medicine-ing this morning and found the xarelto approved reveal agent and got excited about finally switching. But sounds like maybe it’s still not a thing yet. Thoughts?

So there is now an FDA approved reversal agent specific to both Xarelto and Eliquis. Andexanet Alfa. It is given as a continuous infusion. As I mentioned above in my little Wikipedia page, there is a real risk of downstream thrombosis associated with it, so it is reserved for life threatening bleeds. The biggest role at present is for intracranial hemorrhage with an indication for emergent neurosurgical intervention. Also a role in emergent cardiac surgery. The other scenarios aren't well defined, and may evolve over time. It is anywhere in the range of 20-45K a dose, last I was updated. So base on all of this, it is not universally stocked and available at all hospitals and systems. More the large centers that can absorb cost burden of stocking and have the surgical subspecialties for emergent surgery.

I don't have a lot of heartburn with people on Eliquis or Xarelto. We manage many people well with acute hemorrhage on these agents, can try to use 4-Factor Prothrombin Concentrate (PCC) to reverse, which may have some effectiveness (there is debate regarding how much). But if you want the absolute easiest to reverse agent while being highly active, then Warfarin makes sense if you are dialed in over years.

ETA: Head to head studies actually show long-term Eliquis and Xarelto more effective with less bleeding risk than Warfarin, mostly due to steady state of dosing. I really use these as go to.

s.

What are your thoughts on how quickly xarelto and eliquis stop being effective. My understanding is that it is fast compared to warfarin. But cannot reverse in hours as is the case with warfarin. I like xarelto and eliquis for patients going in for planned surgery because we don't have to do a lot of bridging like we did with warfarin which was a pita. Do you have idarucizumb in America. Apparently it reverses dabigatran in minutes. And only costs 4000 dollars.

They constantly try to escape from the darkness outside and within
Dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good T.S. Eliot

Last edited by: spockman: May 1, 24 16:34

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [spockman] [ In reply to ]

May 1, 24 17:19

Post #52 of 65 Views: 691

This is sort of interesting, and gets into some of the theoretical. Bare with me, as I may ramble.

Half-life of Xarelto is about 5-9 hours, or 11-13 hours for older patients. Eliquis is about 12 hours. So over the course of 1-2 days, the effectiveness wanes. When I do lung biopsy procedures, I have folks hold 36-48h and we good to go.

This is the issue with using 4-Factor PCC as the default reversal agent for DOACs in places that don't have Andexanet. PCC is II, VII, IX, and X, which is why it is immediately effective in reversing Warfarin when given with Vitamin K.

The DOACs are Xa inhibitors. Andexanet works to block this pathway immediately. PCC doesn't, but the idea is that it at least has Factor X, so hopefully you are overcoming the DOAC effect by providing more X. And then maybe some additional benefit of adding other clotting factors. But, there are studies that suggest it isn't really PCC that helps with hemostasis, but more the timing of bleeding event relative to last dose of medication. So if I admit an ICH, and last dose of DOAC was 18 hours before, and repeat CT in 6 hours is stable, did I get hemostasis because we gave PCC or because they were far enough out from last dose that they were able to achieve spontaneous hemostasis? Similar argument for any other routine bleeding event on DOAC, and we give PCC.

As I mentioned in my initial post, I chair our clotting and anticoagulation committee. We meet monthly, and one of our roles is to review every single anticoagulation reversal given in our system each month. Pharmacy residents prepare, and we have a database of every patient who presents on Warfarin, Xarelto, Eliquis, or Pradaxa, what their bleeding event is (GI, ICH, massive epistaxis, etc) and then what they are given. We do have idarucizumb, btw. So I am privy to all cases.

Our data shows pretty similar outcomes whether presenting on Warfarin or DOAC, when managed aggressively. It should be hard to bleed to death in a hospital, in general. Outcomes are overwhelmingly pretty good. Unless it is a complication of a terminal disease state, and then goals of care become deciding factor.

So my long-winded answer to your questions is that within two half-lives, you are likely starting to approach near normal, or at least reasonable spontaneous hemostasis. If you end up in a center that only has PCC, I think that likely has some effect and benefit in emergent setting. And in my bias, I remain cautious of Andexanet. It is a great agent when needed by surgeon for emergent intervention. But then risk of thrombosis later is real. Head to head study Andexanet vs. PCC. Andexanet is more effective but higher incidence thrombotic events.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 2, 24 7:18

Post #53 of 65 Views: 637

Hey lady. Status update requested. 5 days left of non weightbearing? How are you feeling?

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Dr. Tigerchik] [ In reply to ]

May 2, 24 8:13

Post #54 of 65 Views: 628

Dr. Tigerchik wrote:

Hey lady. Status update requested. 5 days left of non weightbearing? How are you feeling?

Hey Dr. T - thanks for checking in.
Knee is feeling good. I’ve got great range of motion - can fully flex and extend the leg - just slowly. Doing my old school Jazzercise exercises (running joke with my 20 something PT who doesn’t know what Jazzercise is) to try to keep some strength in it because damn that leg is weak. And honestly the PE has kicked my butt. I’m back to being exhausted from doing very little, but I know that will get better soon. Thank goodness for pain killers and blood thinners!

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 24 8:02

Post #55 of 65 Views: 543

Hey you. I think you can stand on your own two feet right now. I hope you can. How are you?

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 24 2:30

Post #56 of 65 Views: 457

Checking in again. How are you?

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 25, 24 7:45

Post #57 of 65 Views: 361

Checking in on you again! How are you?

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Dr. Tigerchik] [ In reply to ]

May 25, 24 10:53

Post #58 of 65 Views: 332

Dr. Tigerchik wrote:

Checking in on you again! How are you?

These check ins with no response make me nervous for my fellow internet denizen.....

----------------------------
Jason
None of the secrets of success will work unless you do.

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [wannabefaster] [ In reply to ]

May 26, 24 9:46

Post #59 of 65 Views: 273

wannabefaster wrote:

Dr. Tigerchik wrote:

Checking in on you again! How are you?

These check ins with no response make me nervous for my fellow internet denizen.....

Sorry everybody!! I truly have just missed DTC’s check up q’s the last few weeks.

Doing good. The blood thinners are doing their job. The lung pain subsided in about 2 weeks. Same with the leg swelling/discoloration - those were gone in about a week. As WANNAB let me know might happen, it’s more a mental thing now. What’s going to happen in a couple more months when I stop the blood thinners? Things like that. But for now, I take the meds and just do my thing and am insanely grateful that it wasn’t worse and was caught and treatment started fairly quickly!

I’ve been given clearance to start walking with no crutches as tolerated - so I’m doing some walking without and some support later in the day with a single crutch. The knee is slowly coming along, the leg is just weak as hell so doing PT to strengthen it up. No leading with the right leg up stairs but if I lead with the left I can even make it up a flight of stairs.

For now, all is well!! Thanks for checking up and I’ll do better giving updates!!

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [wannabefaster] [ In reply to ]

May 26, 24 11:19

Post #60 of 65 Views: 253

Quote:

Checking in on you again! How are you?
These check ins with no response make me nervous for my fellow internet denizen.....

me too :-(

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 26, 24 11:36

Post #61 of 65 Views: 248

So glad you are doing well!!!

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Dr. Tigerchik] [ In reply to ]

May 26, 24 11:39

Post #62 of 65 Views: 246

Dr. Tigerchik wrote:

Quote:

Checking in on you again! How are you?
These check ins with no response make me nervous for my fellow internet denizen.....

me too :-(

I beat you by one post this morning with an update!! All is well😊❤️
(See post #59)

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Last edited by: RockyMtnChic: May 26, 24 11:40

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 26, 24 12:33

Post #63 of 65 Views: 236

Quote:

Sorry everybody!! I truly have just missed DTC’s check up q’s the last few weeks.

Doing good. The blood thinners are doing their job. The lung pain subsided in about 2 weeks. Same with the leg swelling/discoloration - those were gone in about a week. As WANNAB let me know might happen, it’s more a mental thing now. What’s going to happen in a couple more months when I stop the blood thinners? Things like that. But for now, I take the meds and just do my thing and am insanely grateful that it wasn’t worse and was caught and treatment started fairly quickly!

I’ve been given clearance to start walking with no crutches as tolerated - so I’m doing some walking without and some support later in the day with a single crutch. The knee is slowly coming along, the leg is just weak as hell so doing PT to strengthen it up. No leading with the right leg up stairs but if I lead with the left I can even make it up a flight of stairs.

For now, all is well!! Thanks for checking up and I’ll do better giving updates!!

I'm just glad to hear from you and gladder that all is well! I know you're busy with kids. I don't mean to pester. We all just kinda care that you're ok, ya know?

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [Dr. Tigerchik] [ In reply to ]

May 28, 24 18:05

Post #64 of 65 Views: 144

Dr. Tigerchik wrote:

Quote:

Sorry everybody!! I truly have just missed DTC’s check up q’s the last few weeks.

Doing good. The blood thinners are doing their job. The lung pain subsided in about 2 weeks. Same with the leg swelling/discoloration - those were gone in about a week. As WANNAB let me know might happen, it’s more a mental thing now. What’s going to happen in a couple more months when I stop the blood thinners? Things like that. But for now, I take the meds and just do my thing and am insanely grateful that it wasn’t worse and was caught and treatment started fairly quickly!

I’ve been given clearance to start walking with no crutches as tolerated - so I’m doing some walking without and some support later in the day with a single crutch. The knee is slowly coming along, the leg is just weak as hell so doing PT to strengthen it up. No leading with the right leg up stairs but if I lead with the left I can even make it up a flight of stairs.

For now, all is well!! Thanks for checking up and I’ll do better giving updates!!

I'm just glad to hear from you and gladder that all is well! I know you're busy with kids. I don't mean to pester. We all just kinda care that you're ok, ya know?

So very appreciated!

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."

Re: Spent the night in the ER - Blood Clot [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]

May 28, 24 21:18

Post #65 of 65 Views: 111

RockyMtnChic wrote:

wannabefaster wrote:

Dr. Tigerchik wrote:

Checking in on you again! How are you?

These check ins with no response make me nervous for my fellow internet denizen.....

Sorry everybody!! I truly have just missed DTC’s check up q’s the last few weeks.

Doing good. The blood thinners are doing their job. The lung pain subsided in about 2 weeks. Same with the leg swelling/discoloration - those were gone in about a week. As WANNAB let me know might happen, it’s more a mental thing now. What’s going to happen in a couple more months when I stop the blood thinners? Things like that. But for now, I take the meds and just do my thing and am insanely grateful that it wasn’t worse and was caught and treatment started fairly quickly!

I’ve been given clearance to start walking with no crutches as tolerated - so I’m doing some walking without and some support later in the day with a single crutch. The knee is slowly coming along, the leg is just weak as hell so doing PT to strengthen it up. No leading with the right leg up stairs but if I lead with the left I can even make it up a flight of stairs.

For now, all is well!! Thanks for checking up and I’ll do better giving updates!!

:-)

----------------------------
Jason
None of the secrets of success will work unless you do.

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