Starting a new A Journey
Where does one even begin with something like this?
I ended up going to the ER on Wed. May 22 due to Shortness of breath and a mild ache in my chest. After they ran some tests, they were surprised to find out that I had blood clots in BOTH of my lungs. My O2 stats were good and so I never needed to be on Oxygen.
They started me right away on the Lovenox shots and Warfin that night. I received 2 shots of the Lovenox twice a day during my entire stay or 22 shots. Talk about feeling like a pin cushion between what they were shooting in me and the lab work they were taking.
My INR finally reached 2.1 on Tuesday May 28. I was thrilled to go home!! I am NOT a good hospital patient...never have been and probably never will be.
I got home on Tuesday night only to walk in the house just like I had never left and was immediately met with doing dishes, fixing supper,etc. When I could finally sit down, I just about lost it into tears! I was overwhelmed by everything and all the people. I had spent 6 days basically by myself to come home to a houseful of people who couldn't see why I had been sick,etc. I retreated into my bedroom and to my recliner for awhile until I could deal with all the stress,etc.
Wednesday morning rolled around and things looked better. I took granddaughter ( 5 yrs old and lives with us) and dropped her off at VBS. I then took my 20 yr old son, his girlfriend and his month old baby up to the doctor's for the baby's check up. I came home and rest for a few then off to get the baby & crew. Then it was off to do a couple of errands and it was time to pick up the granddaughter. We ate lunch out as I was tired but knew I needed to eat something. We took a 2 hour nap in the afternoon.
Thursday was a little more calm. I took granddaughter to VBS and came home and did a few chores and showered before returning to get her. We took a nice 1.5 hr nap in the afternoon.
Friday ( today) was a bit of a different day. It started out with me dropping off the granddaughter's at a friend's so I could head down to get my first INR since being dismissed form the hospital. I had about an hour drive to the doctor's office and then over to the lab followed by an hour drive home. The drive down i kept having small panic/anxiety attacks and had to keep telling myself I was okay and that I could do this. I was driving all alone.
Once everything was finished and I was headed home, I was okay. I got back to town in time for a short rest before heading off to the VBS program for granddaughter. We stayed and ate a light lunch afterwards and visited with her former preschool teacher. We came home and rested for an hour before heading out to pick up my husband from work. I was oh so glad to get there as I was tired and getting sleepy and worn out. We stopped to grab some supper and I found out that I just couldn't go the entire walk. I had walked a lot earlier in the day and had been up and down 2 small sets of steps twice! My husband went and got the car and pulled up right out front so I could get in the car.
We made it home and I went straight to my recliner in the bedroom. I barely remember my husband telling me goodbye before he left. My son and his girlfriend were good about letting me rest/sleep as they over saw the 5 yr old for awhile. I just could not believe how totally wiped out I felt. We had even ate an early supper and I still was just wiped.
My husband has been good about spending time with me and telling me that we are going to make it through all of this and things will be okay. We spend some time at bedtime just talking about things or him holding me while I cry....for whatever the reason or just because.
I was suppose to attend a meeting tomorrow morning about an hour away but let the people know that I would not be there. I could tell the other day that I would not have the energy to drive down and back by myself,etc. I just feel totally wiped out like I want to go and spend all night & day in bed!
I know this weekend we have to go and get some groceries. The good news is that I will use an electric scooter to get the groceries so I won't be walking all over. (I have lower back issues as well.)
I just feel like I am letting everyone down by not being able to go and do like I used to do. I am frustrated with myself as well. I was just finally getting my energy back after having a skin abscess in early April and now this!
I do have to agree that there just doesn't seem to be any information on what to do AFTER this occurs? The staff told me about the medicine, my appts, diet, etc but never really addressed the emotional or mental side of things. In some ways,the follow up is still a little up in the air since my doctor was gone on vacation when all of this took place.
When I went for the protin today things were kind of messed up also. Our insurance told us that if we used this lab or that one, they would pay 100%. So you can imagine I was a little surprised when I was told what the charges for the day would be.
Then to make things worse, I asked when the results would be available? I was told normally it takes 2-3 days but with something like this, maybe not so long. So I am like in total shock since it only took the hospital lab like 30 minutes to get the results. This place was to fax the results over to the clinic. I thought I would hear from the clinic today? What is the norm on testing and getting the results back?
At this rate, I will be tested again before I ever get the first results back!! I am wondering if it is going to be worth using this outside lab vs the clinic's lab if the results are going to be so slow,etc even if the insurance does pay 100%. Anyone have any similar experiences?
I just talked to my husband and he is headed home. I really didn't want to go to bed until he got home tonight. I know I would be okay and that there is other family here that is old enough to help me, if needed. I guess part of it is I want and need to feel his love and support before I fall asleep tonight. I know that is probably dumb but I don't know how else to describe it. I am not actually afraid to go to sleep as I have taken naps during the day since I have been home this week.
Well like I put this under rambling for a reason. This is probably more for my sake then anyone else's but if it helps someone else feel not so alone, so be it. IF anyone has any answers on the testing questions, I would love to hear them also.
All of this is so new to me and I feel so lost and alone to a point.I know my husband cares and even my 20 yr old son cares in his own way. Still I feel like I am lost and alone in a place I have never been and I have to try to figure my way home all on my own.
I ended up going to the ER on Wed. May 22 due to Shortness of breath and a mild ache in my chest. After they ran some tests, they were surprised to find out that I had blood clots in BOTH of my lungs. My O2 stats were good and so I never needed to be on Oxygen.
They started me right away on the Lovenox shots and Warfin that night. I received 2 shots of the Lovenox twice a day during my entire stay or 22 shots. Talk about feeling like a pin cushion between what they were shooting in me and the lab work they were taking.
My INR finally reached 2.1 on Tuesday May 28. I was thrilled to go home!! I am NOT a good hospital patient...never have been and probably never will be.
I got home on Tuesday night only to walk in the house just like I had never left and was immediately met with doing dishes, fixing supper,etc. When I could finally sit down, I just about lost it into tears! I was overwhelmed by everything and all the people. I had spent 6 days basically by myself to come home to a houseful of people who couldn't see why I had been sick,etc. I retreated into my bedroom and to my recliner for awhile until I could deal with all the stress,etc.
Wednesday morning rolled around and things looked better. I took granddaughter ( 5 yrs old and lives with us) and dropped her off at VBS. I then took my 20 yr old son, his girlfriend and his month old baby up to the doctor's for the baby's check up. I came home and rest for a few then off to get the baby & crew. Then it was off to do a couple of errands and it was time to pick up the granddaughter. We ate lunch out as I was tired but knew I needed to eat something. We took a 2 hour nap in the afternoon.
Thursday was a little more calm. I took granddaughter to VBS and came home and did a few chores and showered before returning to get her. We took a nice 1.5 hr nap in the afternoon.
Friday ( today) was a bit of a different day. It started out with me dropping off the granddaughter's at a friend's so I could head down to get my first INR since being dismissed form the hospital. I had about an hour drive to the doctor's office and then over to the lab followed by an hour drive home. The drive down i kept having small panic/anxiety attacks and had to keep telling myself I was okay and that I could do this. I was driving all alone.
Once everything was finished and I was headed home, I was okay. I got back to town in time for a short rest before heading off to the VBS program for granddaughter. We stayed and ate a light lunch afterwards and visited with her former preschool teacher. We came home and rested for an hour before heading out to pick up my husband from work. I was oh so glad to get there as I was tired and getting sleepy and worn out. We stopped to grab some supper and I found out that I just couldn't go the entire walk. I had walked a lot earlier in the day and had been up and down 2 small sets of steps twice! My husband went and got the car and pulled up right out front so I could get in the car.
We made it home and I went straight to my recliner in the bedroom. I barely remember my husband telling me goodbye before he left. My son and his girlfriend were good about letting me rest/sleep as they over saw the 5 yr old for awhile. I just could not believe how totally wiped out I felt. We had even ate an early supper and I still was just wiped.
My husband has been good about spending time with me and telling me that we are going to make it through all of this and things will be okay. We spend some time at bedtime just talking about things or him holding me while I cry....for whatever the reason or just because.
I was suppose to attend a meeting tomorrow morning about an hour away but let the people know that I would not be there. I could tell the other day that I would not have the energy to drive down and back by myself,etc. I just feel totally wiped out like I want to go and spend all night & day in bed!
I know this weekend we have to go and get some groceries. The good news is that I will use an electric scooter to get the groceries so I won't be walking all over. (I have lower back issues as well.)
I just feel like I am letting everyone down by not being able to go and do like I used to do. I am frustrated with myself as well. I was just finally getting my energy back after having a skin abscess in early April and now this!
I do have to agree that there just doesn't seem to be any information on what to do AFTER this occurs? The staff told me about the medicine, my appts, diet, etc but never really addressed the emotional or mental side of things. In some ways,the follow up is still a little up in the air since my doctor was gone on vacation when all of this took place.
When I went for the protin today things were kind of messed up also. Our insurance told us that if we used this lab or that one, they would pay 100%. So you can imagine I was a little surprised when I was told what the charges for the day would be.
Then to make things worse, I asked when the results would be available? I was told normally it takes 2-3 days but with something like this, maybe not so long. So I am like in total shock since it only took the hospital lab like 30 minutes to get the results. This place was to fax the results over to the clinic. I thought I would hear from the clinic today? What is the norm on testing and getting the results back?
At this rate, I will be tested again before I ever get the first results back!! I am wondering if it is going to be worth using this outside lab vs the clinic's lab if the results are going to be so slow,etc even if the insurance does pay 100%. Anyone have any similar experiences?
I just talked to my husband and he is headed home. I really didn't want to go to bed until he got home tonight. I know I would be okay and that there is other family here that is old enough to help me, if needed. I guess part of it is I want and need to feel his love and support before I fall asleep tonight. I know that is probably dumb but I don't know how else to describe it. I am not actually afraid to go to sleep as I have taken naps during the day since I have been home this week.
Well like I put this under rambling for a reason. This is probably more for my sake then anyone else's but if it helps someone else feel not so alone, so be it. IF anyone has any answers on the testing questions, I would love to hear them also.
All of this is so new to me and I feel so lost and alone to a point.I know my husband cares and even my 20 yr old son cares in his own way. Still I feel like I am lost and alone in a place I have never been and I have to try to figure my way home all on my own.
Replies
Hi, it\'s a lot to come to terms with at first, but it does get easier. It really does.
About your INR (Protime) test. If you get your INR tested in a lab, it gets sent to your doc within a day usually. So you should get a call from your doc\'s office for the results later that day or the following day. If you don\'t hear from your doc by the day after the test, call your doc for the results. They should be calling you but sometimes you have to get really proactive, especially in the beginning. I\'d also suggest to get your INR checked early in the day so it betters the chance of getting results the same day. Also don\'t check your INR on Fridays since if they can\'t get back to you the same day, you have to wait until that next Monday to get your results and that\'s pointless then.
Stay connected with whomever is managing your INR. Ask them what you should expect with getting INR results.
Take control.
I wanted to address the INR thing also. My doc had to label my lab request with \"stat\" to make sure that it got processed as quickly as possible. Even then, it took usually 24 hours to get results and they\'d send them directly to my doctor, not to me. You should follow-up with your doc\'s office within 24 hours to get the results ... no news is not always good news, as sometimes these things slip between the crack, especially if your doctor doesn\'t have much experience managing INRs. It\'s good to stay on top of this if you can.
Another option might be to have your doc\'s office draw the blood and run the test through whatever lab they use. You should ask them about that and if it will work for you (they might use a lab that your insurance doesn\'t like).
And, yeah, the exhaustion for me was one of the hardest parts of recovery. Someone on these boards once described it as \"black hole exhaustion\" and it really is. I\'ve never been as tired as I was during recovery. But, it really does get better. You\'ll have to baby yourself for a little while, but you\'ll slowly start to see improvement. Hang in there! You\'ll need a little extra sleep for a while, but it won\'t be a permanent state of affairs.
Keep us posted!
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
Lab work was done on Friday morning by 10 am. It is now Saturday morning and no results. The clinic is shut today also. So I guess this was a waste of time and money. I will probably need to call the clinic on Monday to see where and what to do. This just makes me wonder if the meds are doing okay or not.
I am having a little mild chest pain but it comes and goes with the stress, anxiety and panic that I am having. This morning I woke up exhausted even after a pretty good night of sleep for me. Husband wants to know what we are going to do today. I just want to sleep right now!!! I was the one that got up with the 5 year old this morning so poor husband could get some sleep for a change.
I knew last night that I had over done things yesterday so I know that means I will probably be spending a lot of time resting this weekend. A busy week lies ahead also..so need the rest to get ready for it,
Last night, I had kind of a hard to time getting to sleep. Hubby has been snuggling with me every night since I got home. He had worked all day and then went and helped out at a Relay for LIfe event about an hour away. He didn\'t get home until late. I knew he was tired and hurting and needed some good sleep. I didn\'t want to impose. He offered to put I stayed put. I ended up reading for a while to take my mind off of things and to relax. It helped and I was finally able to get to sleep.
I know I am not totally helpless but yet it feels like that in so many ways. No energy, no endurance,etc. One day I can cook a simple meal and do dishes and the next day I can\'t even think about do it. My major stress factor at home is the 5 year old who just doesn\'t understand \"why\" grandma doesn\'t feel good or can\'t do this or that. She is very stubborn and strong willed so I am trying harder then ever to stay out of fights with her as it just makes my chest hurt all that much more! I know that is stress induced.
Sorry... I do appreciate the above postings. They both had some good suggestions and information in them.
I am just tired this morning and feeling down for the most part. This is the part I hate.....feeling so down and worthless these days. I want to be able to go and do and I just can\'t!!!!! I am missing a trip here in 2 weeks because of this that I had been looking forward to for almost a year. I am mad, frustrated, and upset about it. I understand the \"WHY I CAN\'T GO\" aspect of things intellectually but the heart was so looking forward to going.
Thanks for the help and just listening to me ramble. I guess this is one way for me to vent and to kind of document things as they happen.
just sending you lots of love...I think most of us with families and work are the same!!
After 9 weeks i am still absolutely knackered and a slow day at work even wipes me out..i used to be so fit..we all know the emotional and mental side far out weighs the physical and that is painful enough!!
If you need to chat im always here...unless im at work..or sorting out the kids..or cooking..or cleaning and washine...hahaha :)
love and health
Kt xxx
Well after a bad day yesterday I was so looking forward to having a better day today. It started out that way but is ending oh so far from it.
My husband and my son are like gas & fire. They are step father & step son if that helps explain why they clash to a point. They are also a whole lot alike.
Anyhow after a pretty nice day out and about doing some things and getting groceries, my husband and I came home. My son and his girlfriend helped us unload the groceries we had bought. We had spent over $400 on food & supplies for the house for which my husband was not happy.
After we get things unloaded and were trying to put things away, my son goes off about how it wasn\'t fair that my husband & I had pop or Gatorade to drink while all they had was water or kool-aide.
Now you have to understand that my son moved back home back in November when he lost his job at a local manufacturing company. He had worked briefly so a fast food place but that didn\'t last long either. THEN he moved a girl friend into the house as well. :-( Now a month ago he brought
his newborn baby girl into the house as well. Neither him nor the girlfriend are working yet to this day. My husband and I have been paying for all of the baby\'s diapers, formula,etc..
So my son explodes and physical tries to start a fight with my husband. So the girlfriend and I are trying to separate the two guys and to calm them both down. Long story short, My husband told my son to get out of the house and to stay out! I am not happy. I am not so worried about my son and his girlfriend as I am the month old grand daughter.
So it is rather amazing that I am not in the ER somewhere having an attack of some kind. All I want to do is cry but can\'t right now until things and people get gone or calm down. So if you can do anything say a prayer that my little grand daughter will some how stay save through all of this mess.
I wouldn\'t bother calling the lab. I\'d call your doctor first thing this morning to see what to do. Do not rely on a receptionist at your doc\'s office. Ask to speak to him or to one of his nurses and tell them what\'s going on . I\'m not kidding. You have to stay on top of it.