Detour! Weekend at the Hospital

Here's my best view: Yes, it's a chest x-ray! I love pictures where you can't tell that I have a double chin!

Thursday night, I went to bed with a severe, stabbing and radiating pain on the right side of my back, right around the lower ribs. No matter what position I got in, I couldn't get comfortable. I should have known better than to try to ignore the pain. I woke me up in the middle of the night several times. The last resting position I can remember working was sitting nearly straight up in bed, propped up by five pillows. By 5:00, I gave up.

I got up, walked the dog, blogged, made a cup of tea, and got ready to go to the emergency room. I have a pulmonary embolism, otherwise known as a blood clot in my lung. I've had one before, and recognized the particular pain that I was experiencing. PE's can be deadly. Indeed, many people who get one don't survive the ride to the hospital. I was lucky this time, and last time.

So, instead of going to "Defending the Caveman" at the Temple for Performing Arts  tonight with my boyfriend, I'm wearing a silly hospital gown and blogging. I'll probably be here until Monday afternoon. I am really bummed by that, especially since I am so busy right now.

A lesson I can share: Get yourself checked out by a doctor and have yourself tested for "Factor 5 leiden mutation." If you have this mutation, you should not take birth control pills, smoke, or sit for long periods of time, because it will increase your likelihood of having a clot.

My treatment in the hospital includes getting sbuccutaneaous shots in my stomach, taking blood thinners, and generally getting poked and prodded a lot.

Comments

[Anonymous]

Wow, I don't know if you're crazy or what. Being that calm under such a high pressure situation is amazing. You are one tough cookie. Sending healing thoughts your way!!!!!!!

[Bill]

Get well soon, Claire!

[Easton Ellsworth]

Shots in the stomach ... not fun. I could handle the poking and the prodding (maybe), but needles don't sound fun at all.

I hope all is well for you, Claire.

[Michelle]

Merry Christmas Claire! I hope you are doing better! I am still working on Jon to answer your question regarding Mayo. He is a busy guy...