Blessings

So many wonderful, incredible things to be Grateful this year!

• Two beautiful little boys we are blessed to love and raise
• Our new house
• So much family within driving distance
• Amazing friends
• A job that I love
• Good health and healthcare

On Thanksgiving morning I was especially thankful for that last one. I am amazed at the human body's ability to create and grow little miracles of life and am blessed to have birthed two healthy boys safely without intervention. This last time I just had one little issue...

The ER is not where I intended to be on Thanksgiving morning, but nonetheless, it was the best place for me to be. When I woke up on Thursday I noticed a pain in my groin as I walked, especially while going up and down the stairs. This was after feeling calf pain in the same leg since after Sam's delivery. I put two and two together, along with family history, and starting fearing that I had developed a blood clot. Within an hour I noticed that my leg was purplish, and with that discovery we were quickly on our way to the hospital.

Yes, a blood clot. I had a doppler test done and it was revealed that the clot is high up in my thigh and extends down towards my knee. I always thought that a clot was a small round blockage so I was surprised when the ultrasound tech showed me the screen with an elongated clot nearly the length of my thigh.

Fortunately they didn't admit me but I now have to give myself blood thinner shots twice a day. I have an appointment scheduled with a hematologist next week for further treatment. From what I understand, the body will eventually absorb the clot. (I don't know how long it will take; this is a question for the specialist.) In the meantime we're thinning the blood to improve circulation around the clot. I still have pain in my leg and I've been taking it easy, spending a lot of time with my feet propped up.

Considering the size of my clot, it's likely that it started to develop towards the end of my pregnancy. While pregnancy is a cause of blood clots, I also have a family history. The ER doctor ordered seven different blood tests to check for various deficiencies in my blood that may have made me more susceptible to this condition. If any tests come back positive, it's likely that my mother and sister have the same genetic deficiency that caused their past blood clots, too. The outcome of these tests will likely determine any future treatments, as well.

So that was our Thanksgiving morning. While I missed the Macy's parade, I fortunately didn't miss all the family and friends that had gathered for our Gratitude Dinner. 

I truly hope your blessings list is as fulfilling as ours is this year.