I know there are many friends and family out there who would like to know how my mom is doing. I figured it was time to dust off the old blog in order to get an update out.

A few weeks ago, Mom began complaining of cramps in her left leg.  She noticed a bit of swelling, but definitely nothing substantial.  When the symptoms didn’t subside a few weeks later, she went to see our family doctor.  As soon as Mom described her symptoms to the doctor, he sent her to the hospital for an ultrasound.  She arrived at St. Josephs shortly after, and received an ultrasound of her left leg.  After seeing the the readings, the ultrasound tech advised mom to “walk very slowly to a wheelchair, and a doctor will be right with you.”  Not the most positive reaction…

Once she was seen by a doctor she was told she had several, deep clots up and down her leg (Deep Vein Thrombosis), and one of the clots was “squiggling”.  This means the clot was loose and could possibly break off if they didn’t get her treated quickly.  For precautionary measures, he ordered a CT scan of her chest and abdomen to make sure the clot hadn’t already broken off and traveled to a major organ.  He also ordered an immediate regimen of Heparin, Coumadin (both blood thinners), and 100% bed rest for 3-5 days.

The next day the CT scan was given, and the results, again, were not very positive.  The clot had, in fact, broken off and traveled to both her lungs (bilateral pulmonary embolism).  It’s an absolute miracle she hadn’t experienced ANY complications from this.  Conditions like this can very often be fatal.  Mom definitely had a guardian angel on her side!  The doctor assured us the treatment she was currently on will help her body absorb both the clots in her leg and lungs.  She was told she may need to remain at the hospital a little longer than expected.

Mentally and physically, Mom feels 100% well, but we are very aware that this could have resulted in more serious complications.  Although the doctors aren’t 100% sure why the DVT developed so extensively in her leg, we are so grateful it was caught early enough to reverse!  We know she will be on a regimen on Coumadin for at least a year to ensure the clots don’t return.  She will also get frequent blood tests to track the INR of her blood (degree of thinness).  We hope she’ll be out of the hospital by the end of the week, and I know she can’t WAIT to get up and walk around!

We are all so thankful for everyone’s prayers and support.  I know God was on Mom’s side this weekend, and we are counting our blessings for His amazing grace!

This entry was posted Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 at 4:52 pmand is filed under Dear Diary. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.