It’s been so long since I have written. I have been caught up with work and life in general. My job has been going great and I look forward to continuing to grow within my position. We have gotten the garden planted, the trees and shrubs pruned, new roses out front, and are only waiting on the bees to come in to tie everything together.
Last month I saw three different doctors regarding whether or not I would remain on Coumadin therapy. The pulmonologist sent me to see a hematologist (blood doctor). The hematologist was indifferent to whether or not I have a clotting disorder. After reviewing my labs while I was hospitalized, he noticed that I have developed antibodies in my blood as a result of the pulmonary embolisms. Because of these antibodies I have a 30% chance of reoccurrence of life threatening events such as a pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, or death. This was a huge blow to me. I never thought that I would have to remain on medication the rest of my life or that I was ever so sick to warrant daily medication.
So now I’m dealing with the life changes that come with being on blood thinners for the rest of my life. I have to avoid foods that are high in Vitamin K because they thicken my blood. So spinach, kale, and avocado, are on this list. I can eat them but I would have to eat them daily so that my medicine can be adjusted accordingly. For now these things become a very once and a while treat. Also, I’m not suppose to consume alcohol. After talking to my doctor he said I could have a glass of wine or margarita every once and a while. I will bruise easily and will have to wear a medical ID bracelet to notify EMT’s that I am a bleeder.
Most upsetting is that if I am to become pregnant I will have to immediately switch to Lovenox shots because Coumadin causes severe birth defects. I have done the shots before but doing shots for 7-8 months is extremely costly. I have estimated that the Lovenox shots will run us about $5,000. I have been doing some research and there is now a generic form that is available at our local pharmacy. I am hoping that it will only take a phone call to change my prescription to the generic form. I have also learned that being on Lovenox while pregnant will not allow for an epidural during delivery. I have never wanted a natural birth and although I know woman do it all the time, it’s not something I am wanting to do. So if we do become pregnant, I want to consult my OBGYN to see if I am a candidate for a cesarean section.
All I know is that I thought family planning became difficult when I was told I could no longer use hormonal birth control. I never thought I would worry about birth defects and no epidurals. There are times where cry because I don’t like to think I was sick or suffered two life threatening events. I like to think I’m okay and that it was all a nightmare. But now it’s something I have to deal with. I have no choice and I am fully aware that my life has changed. If all I have to do is take a little pill every night to live then I will do that. I was lucky that things were not worse than what they were and I am blessed to be supported by those around me. I have learned to live more and to love more. I never would have imagined that it all could have been taken away in a second.
My advice, watch the sunrise and the sunset, smell the flowers, do something you thought you would never do because life is really too short to regret all the things you have not done.
