It's Been A Year ...

... and I'm very happy to say that I'm still here! 

I was fascinated by the pulse oximeter.

I went to the emergency room a year ago because I was experiencing severe shortness of breath and I was fairly sure I had a pulmonary embolism. It turns out I was wrong; I actually had two clots. This had most likely happened when I flew back from visiting Ryan the previous Friday. I went to the doctor in NJ on Saturday due to slight shortness of breath and they treated me for allergies. By Monday I was much worse and I remembered that my mother had experienced these same symptoms during her breast cancer treatment; in an opportune moment of remembrance, I knew exactly what was wrong. I was in the hospital for four days, and incredibly grateful for a kind and knowledgable doctor, great nurses, a hard-working patient advocate, decent health insurance, and an excellent prescription plan when I was discharged. My doctor told me that in about 40% of people who experience a PE, the first symptom is sudden death. I'm so thankful that was not my experience. 

I'm on an anticoagulant and feel good most of the time. I've resumed walking, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and flying out to see Ryan several times. It's a bit scary to think about sometimes, but I stay hydrated, try and get enough exercise, never forget to take my Eliquis, and wear compression socks when necessary (to prevent a deep vein thrombosis). 

It's even scarier to me now because, in addition to being 62, this is my underlying health condition. My doctor thinks I may have some lung damage due to the pulmonary embolism, but as he said during my last visit, "Let's hope it's not too much!" 

I did have a check-up scheduled a week ago, but it was canceled because the doctor tested positive for the coronavirus. My well-washed fingers are crossed for him, myself, and all of you. I'm glad and grateful to have had this last year and hope to have many more.