That was when my 2017 medical roller coaster ride started! It was 111 days ago I was hospitalized with Deep Vein Thrombosis, multiple Pulmonary Embolisms, and anemia. I have said it before, but when a Doctor looks you in the eye and says, “You’re lucky to be alive,” it means something different than what is stated in the movies. Still, have those words running through my mind. However, it causes some odd questions like “Why me?” Since I was diagnosed, I have read about two others I knew who died from the same issue. Why was I saved? I will never know the answer, and it puzzles me!
That multiple hospital day stays were more than I wanted, and I tried to escape. In fact, on the 4th day, I told them to find a way to get me home, as I was planning to stay only a little longer. They did, and since I have had so many appointments, I lose count, and when there is a day without something, I wonder what I missed. Since then, several iron infusions and medical procedures have provided the complete diagnosis. The final list of issues:
That multiple hospital day stays were more than I wanted, and I tried to escape. In fact, on the 4th day, I told them to find a way to get me home, as I was planning to stay only a little longer. They did, and since I have had so many appointments, I lose count, and when there is a day without something, I wonder what I missed. Since then, several iron infusions and medical procedures have provided the complete diagnosis. The final list of issues:
- Deep vein thrombosis – both legs
- Multiple Pulmonary Embolisms—I asked what that meant, and the Doctor said it was more than they could count.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (Minor)
- Angioectasias—I learned that Angioectasias are aberrant blood vessels found within the gastrointestinal lumen. They are a common source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and are acquired lesions compared with other vascular lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Iron deficiency anemia due to chronic blood loss (definitely in the stomach and intestines)
- Drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Hiatal Hernia: The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that separates your chest cavity from your abdomen. Usually, your esophagus passes into your stomach through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. Hiatal hernias occur when the muscle tissue surrounding this opening weakens, and the upper part of your stomach bulges up through the diaphragm into your chest cavity. It’s not always clear why this happens, but pressure on a stomach and age-related changes in your diaphragm may contribute to the formation of a hiatal hernia.
Since leaving the hospital, I have regularly taken two steps forward and one step back. Yesterday, I had another procedure, which included the cauterization of some bleeding areas. The Doctor also saw some new abnormal growths in the esophagus and took biopsies. I will wait in anticipation of good results.
One significant change with the iron infusions is my hemoglobin is 15.1. That is super, although I have had one infusion every 16 days, with eight since July 7. My INR has been stable, with readings from 2.4 to 2.9 over the past month or more. Overall, I feel better, but they still say to use caution. Diet is a concern to ensure my Vitamin K intake is consistent.
I am disappointed or grateful that I did not reach 2,000 bike miles this year. In the past, I have had as much as 4,200 miles yet consistently above 2,000. I will end the year with about 1,800 miles. Given the medical setback, I can live with a lower result, which is better than no result. Although I have had some good rides, the links are below.
One significant change with the iron infusions is my hemoglobin is 15.1. That is super, although I have had one infusion every 16 days, with eight since July 7. My INR has been stable, with readings from 2.4 to 2.9 over the past month or more. Overall, I feel better, but they still say to use caution. Diet is a concern to ensure my Vitamin K intake is consistent.
I am disappointed or grateful that I did not reach 2,000 bike miles this year. In the past, I have had as much as 4,200 miles yet consistently above 2,000. I will end the year with about 1,800 miles. Given the medical setback, I can live with a lower result, which is better than no result. Although I have had some good rides, the links are below.
So I come to the 111th day. According to the Doctor, I should have another 90 days before we know if there is any long-term damage from the pulmonary embolisms.
So today, I am on my way to help my son move. He is leaving the congested tourist trap he has called home since August 2007, Golden, Colorado. Golden has been his home base for over ten years, except for his time in Germany. He has purchased a condo in Breckenridge, CO. He will make that his home base. Will he enjoy Breckenridge? It is a lovely town that I would hate in the winter, being so crowded, but I love it in the summer. Will he let me visit often?
So today, I am on my way to help my son move. He is leaving the congested tourist trap he has called home since August 2007, Golden, Colorado. Golden has been his home base for over ten years, except for his time in Germany. He has purchased a condo in Breckenridge, CO. He will make that his home base. Will he enjoy Breckenridge? It is a lovely town that I would hate in the winter, being so crowded, but I love it in the summer. Will he let me visit often?
Anyway, that’s the update. I hope all is well for anyone who reads this. I still ask, “Why me?” as I carry on—like all the quiet dreamers, I carry on!
