And the saga continues . . .

. . . went to ER to be safe regarding shortness of breath. Result. . . Multiple bi-lateral pulmonary emboli. Started on Heparin in ER & put in ICU as a precaution. Ultrasound of legs done the next day and severe DVT throughout left leg. . . right leg completely clear. Stayed in icu. Did heart echo yesterday and heart functioning exceptionally well, so no ivf filter. Began transition to Coumadin and moved to regular room last night.

Cause, inactivity at the beginning of July while treating fissure at it's most painful (spent 90% of time lying on my left side). They suspect another cause of what created the clots and inactivity just exacerbated. Testing me for "factor five?" and other genetic, etc.reasons like cancers (mom had colon cancer)..
So will be having colonoscopy within the next couple of weeks. Already notified my pcp, hematologist and bariatric surgeon for follow ups. My doc was head of icu and pe specialist. Starting coumadin clinic upon discharge.

That's all I can think of at the moment - been an overwhelming few days, but I would appreciate any insight, advice you have regarding your knowledge of or experience with coumadin and/or managing clotting issues as a DSer. Oh, I already was not taking extra K, beyond what's in my multi cuz my levels were fine.

Thanks, all.

I am so sorry you are going through all of this.  My Mother had something similar early last year after her cancer surgery (uterine cancer).  She had an IVC filter placed ASAP and is still on Coumadin (she hates it).  But I am pulling for you, it sounds like your Physician's are right on top of it.

My Mother, my two children and all have Leiden Factor V.  It's basically a clotting disorder, if you have it, it just means that your blood clots really easily. People with Factor V have a tendancy to have more DVT's and strokes then that of someone without Factor V.

I have had 4 surgeries in my life (2 c-sections, gallbladder removal and a right leg fracture with rod and screws) and I have NEVER had a clot.  I guess a lot of it is genetics and/or luck.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Jeez Louise, can you not catch a break or what?  Get well soon :(

Aww diva I am sorry. I hope things get better for you soon!

Oh Diva Jojo!
I am so sorry you are having such awful struggles! Keep your chin up, this too shall pass. Thank  God you went to ER to be safe, and that the doc's recognized and treated you properly. I am sending prayers and hugs your way! Thank you kor keeping us updated.
Hugs,
~CC 

****HUGE HUGS***** Dang, you do it up right when you get sick :-(.

If I were in your shoes, I would be DEMANDING an IVC filter ASAP. That sucker is life insurance. You're gonna be on anticoagulants forever now anyway. I have one and it gives me one less thing to worry about healthwise IMO. Once you get this kind of condition, it's likely to happen again.

There is such a thing as an anticoagulant that does not get messed up (at least not as much) by K. Of course I can't remember the name of it now. Yooohoooo medical people, provide product info please?

This might have zippo to do with your DS and malabsorption. Vitalady might have useful input, but as of last night she was behind to the tune of over 500 emails, so don't expect a personal response if you contact her. However, I'm going to text her and send her to this thread right now. (Might take a bit for her to get here; they are hopefully out enjoying Yellowstone-related activities today.) She has some interesting blood issues going on that led her to learn more about some of this kind of thing, so she might have a thought or two.

No words of wisdom, Jojo, but sending you cyber {{{HUGS}}}. I'm glad you got to the ER when you did and got good medical care.

Good grief.  You have been through too much already.  Sending vibes and swinging dogs.

~Becky

 

Thinking of you, Jo....