(Note: I am not a doctor, I don't know all the technical terms for what I'm about to talk about. I am simply writing from my experience and discussions with my family)
About 6 or 7 years ago my father was rushed to the hospital and told by the doctors he was lucky to be alive and that someone must be watching him. He had a blood clot that had moved from his leg into his lungs and decided that's where it was going to reside for a while. Being that I was four hours away, that was a one of the worst phone calls in my life (at that time). I drove down to Boston as soon as I could and sat with him and my family at the hospital. Seeing your father laying in a hospital bed, and wondering what could happen next is heartbreaking. Luckily, whoever was watching over my father got him out of there after a few days.
This past Monday I received a call from my step-mother informing me that my father was in the hospital and that he had formed another clot, however, this time he got to the hospital before it moved from his leg anywhere else. I had just left my dad's on Sunday morning and he went into the hospital Sunday night, it's crazy what can happen in less than 12 hours. After being monitored and pumped with drugs they released him Wednesday afternoon. The thing that is scary is the clot is still there and he will have to rely on his own body to do "the right thing" and break it down so it can move along.
My father will now have to be on coumadin, more than likely forever. He will always have to be careful when traveling for long periods, and anytime he feels uncomfortable he will have to got to the doctors to be checked. (note: my father is only 50 years old)
This makes me think about all the changes that I am trying to make in my life to be healthier and live longer. Do they matter? My father is not over weight, he exercises, golfs, travels, eats right...and yet still has this disease that is going to haunt him for the rest of his life. It is scary to think that I could be going for a walk and all of a sudden drop dead (great how my mind works right?). I guess in the long run I am hoping that all my changes will help me with my health -- there are just some things you just can't avoid.
Here's a list of things you can do to help avoid blood clots and starting now, I am going to take more seriously:
1. Traveling: Make sure you get up and move around as much as possible. While seated, raise and lower your heels and toes, to encourage circulation. On long flights, drink plenty of fluids. When driving, stop after a couple hours, walk around your vehicle and stretch.
2. At Work/School: When you’re at your desk for a long period of time, blood can pool in your legs, paving the way for a clot. Get up and walk around. Move your body! I sometimes dance in my chair.
3. Have Your Heart Checked: Irregular heart beat can increase your risk of blood clots.
4. Pay Attention: Your body will usually tell you if something is wrong. Leg pain, rapid heart rate, sweating, fatigue, and feeling faint are top symptoms of blood clots.
Those that are obese, have had cancer, being treated for cancer, have had a stroke, have varicose veins, bad bruise/bump, or a broken bone can be at risk of getting blood clots. While I can't avoid the risk of having the same issues as my father (as blood clotting can be a hereditary issue in cases like this)... I can try my best to avoid them. Being active and losing weight are two of the best ways I can keep my chances down.
I guess if being overweight wasn't a good enough reason to go to the gym and be heathly, watching my father go through this twice IS.
Love you Daddy-O xo
~MKW
7/25/13: 178lbs
Goal: 157lbs
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| Me and Dad, January 2013 - 50th Surprise Birthday! |
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