Blood Clot Follow-Up

Last week I went to a hematology specialist to learn more about the blood clot in my leg. Michael joined me, which I was glad for, because he had questions of his own and also to be a second set of ears. (I knew I'd never remember to tell him everything, and if he hadn't been there, he surely would have asked me 'did you ask him this' questions, and I'd be, like, 'uh, no.')

We reviewed my personal and family histories and my current symptoms. There wasn't a whole lot of new discovery since not all of my test results from my ER visit were available (and he ordered two additional blood tests.) I couldn't tell you what all the (total 9) tests were checking for. They all have long medical names and have to do with protein deficiencies and factor mutations. He suspects that one of the tests will reveal an abnormality that led to this clot.

If this is the case, I may have to be on blood thinners for the rest of my life since my risk of developing another clot is elevated, and I'd have to have frequent INR tests which determines the clotting tendency of my blood to ensure proper doseage. But I'm getting ahead of myself. In the meantime, I will be on the blood thinners for at least the next 6 months. I'm currently on Lovenox shots twice a day but I can switch to a pill form (Coumedin) once I stop nursing. I should avoid taking aspirin or any hormone-based birth control. I can maintain my normal activity, though I should be cautious of long flights or car rides. He did not mention using any compression stockings (something we both forgot to ask about).

I'm happy to report that in the 3+ weeks since I've been on the blood thinners, my leg finally feels almost normal again. It rarely bothers me, and when it does, it's often after sitting for a long time, such as after a car ride or after sitting through a movie.* I also feel calf pain if I'm walking too quickly, so until I no longer feel anything from robust activity I am hesitant to start running or pushing myself in any way. I have also gotten over the fear of self injecting. It's a freaky thing to do to yourself at first!

And of course, if (if, if, IF) we were to have another child, I'd have to be on blood thinners and a monitored pregnancy like my sister endured. (It's likely she shares the same genetic condition.) I go back in 3 months for a follow up.

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UPDATE: The doctor's office called today to confirm that one of the blood tests revealed I do have a "clotting abnormality". She did not tell me which test revealed this but we'll discuss at my next appointment. (Follow-up here.) I told Michael that we now have medical evidence that I am, in fact, abnormal. LOL.

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*Off the subject, but the movie Life of Pi is amazing and a must see in 3D if you can. Special thanks to Grandma Dianne for watching the kids so we could go out!