Tuesday, March 24, 2020

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. 

19 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you are here too Bonny! And wishing you many more healthy years. Stay well my friend!

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  2. Has it been a year? I am so glad you are still here as well. A PE is nothing to sniff at, and you are a tough broad, Bonny! I mean that in the most flattering of ways, BTW. I think lots of appointments will be cancelled during this time. We have already cancelled one of my husband's Dr. appointments. Better safe than sorry! Stay safe, Friend!

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  3. I'm so grateful that you knew what the problem was and that you had great care enabling you to get back to your normal life! And I hope that you'll continue to be healthy, especially during the current crisis. Stay safe!

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  4. I am very grateful that you are still here too! Hopefully you get your appointment scheduled relatively soon. And, yes... stay safe and well!

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  5. Wow - a year ago. I am happy you were able to find medical care, to be heard. Stay well.

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  6. So glad you are better! I developed a clot years ago after a surgical procedure and had to be on anti-coagulants for about 9 months. Glad to be off. You take care of yourself!
    Support hose, good idea since so many hours are watching COVID-19 up-dates.

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  7. I'm so glad you're here too! Keep on truckin' Bonny! xo

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  8. I'm so grateful you were able to get the care you needed, Bonny -- and I'm so pleased you're still here! (Celebrating a "health anniversary" every year is like having a second birthday in my book.) Fingers crossed. And so much good juju for all of us. XOXO

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  9. I'm so glad that you are here! Stay safe and well!

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    1. Thank you, Debbie, and I wish the same for you! Here's hoping we ALL stay healthy and enjoy many more wonderful years.

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  10. It is helpful to count one's blessings. I'm so glad yours outweigh the risk factors. And I'm doubly glad that this happened to you last year and not right now! Stay healthy...

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  11. OH I am so glad you shared that information. You are a success story! Stay well. Keep crafting!

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  12. Yes, so glad that you are here as you add so much to my life. I love reading your posts! We have a couple of routine doc appointments in April and I feel they too will be canceled. By then who knows where we'll be. The doctors are on the frontlines and we need them to stay well! May we all stay well! xo

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  13. I am glad and grateful that you're here, too!!

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  14. I add my voice to the others! Thank you for sharing and giving us all hope and strength to weather these times, too.

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  15. Hooray for your intuition that told you what was wrong and got you to seek treatment immediately. My best friend had a PE as a side effect of tamoxifin and it was terrifying. I'm glad you're with us, Bonny!

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  16. Thank you, Bonny! for being here and for sharing the PSA. *virtual hug and high five* xxoo.

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  17. I will add my voice. I am glad you are here too. You make my day brighter. The information is important. Thank you.

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  18. I can't believe it's been a year and thank goodness you are here! I love visiting your spot and connecting with you. May you be super healthy forever!

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Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment! :-)