I was supposed to get a call on Saturday morning to go back to the hospital for a treatment plan or an overnight stay . No call happened so at 10am I phoned the hospital and asked for the doctor on call which I was told to do. The receptionist refused to put me through to the doctor ( little hitler ) but put me through to a ward manager on AMU ( acute medical unit) and he told me I was expected to be there at 9.30am I asked why no one had phoned me and he said they were trying to organise a scan I told him I’d had a scan the previous day so he said come straight down. I got a taxi and arrived at the ward at 10.30am . When I arrived at the ward the receptionist had no idea who I was or why I was there not a great start and doesn’t fill you with confidence. Eventually some one knew who I was and took me to a bay and sat me next to a bed .after about 30 minutes a senior nurse practitioner came to interview me and took a really in-depth senopsis of my medical history my AVR etc etc . She said there was 4 different options of treatment but she wanted to talk to a heamotologist before a decision was made . I was sat there waiting for the out come for 2 hours it was decided I would need a course of daily injections for a period of 6 weeks yes 6 weeks the injections are supposed to be preventative and the dose adjusted accordingly as they were worried about dealing with it as a full blown DVT which it isn’t at the moment as that treatment is stronger and can cause internal bleeding and bleeding in the heart so my recent AVR has to some extent dictated what the heamotologist thinks we should do . My injections are “ Tinzaparin” and I’ve been given a course of antibiotics for 7 days to help with the inflammation “flucloxacillin” . I’ve got to go back for a repeat scan next Friday so they can measure whether the blood clot has moved further up my thigh towards my groin or stayed the same then this will be reviewed. They’ve arranged an appointment date yet to be received in the thrombosis clinic. It is now 1.30pm and I’m told I can’t go home untill I get my meds and the consultant has seen me and allows me to go home . He may change the decision and keep me in so a bit of a dilemma. The meds arrived at 3pm and then more of a waiting game. I must say it was a very emotional day for once I had a bit of a negative mindset quite unlike me got frustrated in my head with the thought of 6 weeks of daily injections had a little cry ...... pathetic really......... I was told the district nurse would need to call each day to administer the injections as I have a bit of a phobia around injections which stretches back to a school dentist . If someone needs to take blood and I don’t look and think of something else I’m ok if I see the needle or the file of blood filling up I get a little bit hot and sweaty on my forehead so the thought of self administer is absolutely a non starter for me.
The consultant finally arrived at 6pm and agreed with the course of treatment planned and allowed me to go home. A nurse gave me my injection in my stomach and I was allowed to leave . Later that evening Sat at home watching television I was a little disappointed with myself for being so negative yes it’s a setback quite a big one I suppose but I need to refocus.
I woke up this morning and the people around me who knew I wasn’t in a good space yesterday have all messaged me to see if I’m ok and I thought to myself my emotions don’t just impact on me they impact on family and friends so I’ve decided to focus on next weeks re scan then the next goal is the thrombosis appointment then the 3nd goal is the all clear at the end of 6 weeks . I’m told even though my leg is sore I can still go for a walk so I can help keep my heart going in the right direction. So much to juggle so much to think about but I’m determined to come through the other end a stronger and more considerate person.
It’s Sunday morning I’m waiting for the District nurse I’m told it could be anytime up to 5pm so I can’t go out my sister is gonna plate me up a Sunday lunch and bring it down with a jug of gravy ......... can’t wait she makes an ace Sunday lunch !!
Hope you all have a fantastic Sunday and are with the ones you love
Pete ❤️
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So understand your frustration. Try to get out every day as the change from your own 4 walls is psychological boost. It goes without saying - but I will say it - best wishes.
Hi Pete. Having a cry is not pathetic. It’s a normal reaction to the shock. And is an important release mechanism so don’t underestimate its power in aiding recovery. As you say it’s a frustrating time for you but good to see you’re focused on each goal and milestone. Sending lots of virtual hugs positive thoughts and wishes for your recovery. Take care. Zena xx
Hi Pete, Keep your chin up. I will be thinking good thoughts for you. I have to go for an ablation procedure for my Palpitations which started after my new valve surgery was carried out. The second time they have had a go at sorting it out. This time its a 4 hour mapping of my left side of my heart then ablation, so 5 hours on the table and only under sedation not knocked out. I've had my pre-op so just waiting for the date.
Hi glad your home and looking forward to a Sunday lunch. Crying isn’t pathetic sometimes we have to allow things out to let us RE focus and move foreword. You’ve got me thinking and I’m away to work out some goals for myself. Take care you xxx
Hi Pete, don’t think it pathetic at all to have a bit of a cry, bet most people would do in your situation. It must be so frustrating after making such good progress after your op, but keep your chin up, you will get there - after all you’ve got all of us here rooting for you as well as your family and friends 😺.
Hi Pete, hope you enjoyed your Sunday lunch I'm sure you must have had it by now. I think you are doing really well Pete and sounding positive. I agree with everyone else a little cry helps in situations like yours and then you get on with the positivity again. Keep talking about it on here as I am sure it helps.
I have to say that I've allowed myself a little pat on the back thinking "You did it Alec, you got through your CABG surgery, well done". If however I was now facing additional problems similar to yours I think I'd be a wreck. I'm sure I'd be feeling sorry for myself thinking "This aint fair, why me again?"
So well done Pete. Well done for taking your positive attitude to it all. I'm sure many lesser men would have crumbled. I take my hat off to you.
That sounds like a plan. We as human beings just like to push ourselves more and more but as you know we need to practice what we preach. Take care Pete
Oh Pete. You are entitled to have a cry. I am sure that things can only get better now - and it is good that you have so much support around you. Take care. We are all behind you. Ann
How far is your surgery,? Just thinking it could be your daily walk going for your daily injection, bar Saturday and Sunday of course. This waiting around for this and that medical person is boring, but it's free, so we mustn't grumble.
Such rotten luck after everything going so well - don’t beat yourself up for having a ‘woe is me’ few minutes - you’re entitled to that! On the up side you have a great attitude, which I’m sure will get you through all of this. A question or two: were you still wearing the lovely stockings and do they give you any reason as to why the clot appeared? Ps. Hope you enjoyed your lunch!
They say I was just unlucky and that’s what I’ll have to deal with can’t change it just need to get on with it
Pete ❤️
I had a DVT after my second bypass last year and was given tablets called Apixaban (Eliquis) as I have hand tremors (dystonia) and couldn't inject myself with the Heparin. Heparin acts short term hence the regular injections and with blood tests the level can be easily adjusted to avoid under/overdosing. Apixaban acts long term so a major disadvantage is that if the prescribed dosage is too high it is much harder to adjust and therefore risky. Obviously a doctor decision but I thought I'd mention it in case someone encounters mention of it. Afterwards I discovered I could have arranged a district nurse to visit to do the injections - all too late!
Re getting upset and crying, me too and I chat with lots of guys as part of my coaching on cardiac health - we've all had a good weep. As one of my mates said, it saves on eye drops come hay fever season! Take care and good luck.
Hi Pete, I read your day stay at the hospital with every bit of me feeling I know what you have gone through! The first thing is the lack of decent communication by professionals in the same unit, that is frustrating enough; then the long gaps between anyone actually getting your meds and an action plan -what an awful day for you with that fear thing sitting on your shoulder nagging away at you because you just don't know what is really going on! Finally you got there but a real emotional roller coaster beforehand, I have had those tears too and there is no need to feel negative about that with all you have had going on! Yes the tummy injections can be a bit daunting, I got cured of being squemish about self administering on my first op in Guys, a younger friend who had come to visit me offered to do it having had the training while in the army! Should have realised, the stabbing ( that is my viewpoint) nearly had me jumping off the bed and out of the window so I thought I will have a stab at it (sorry for the pun) and did the rest myself each day. Doesn't worry me now, the biggest problem was getting rid of the sharps afterwards. NHS did not want them , boots did not want them, my GP reluctantly took them. Anyway Pete I think it helps to put it down in writing as you do so well and please keep blogging as you echo so much of what we all may go through.
Hi Pete, emotionality is perfectly normal, it would be more worrisome if, after all you’ve been through, you were not emotional! You have such a positive mindset even in the face of a set back. Sometimes the journey from A to B has a few roundabouts thrown in. Keep going best wishes Loz xx
Hey Pete, sorry for late reply to this, and sorry you've on such a rollercoaster. Sounds like it's been a real knock-back for you, but hope you turn the corner soon. And hope your sister brought you massive Yorkshires, gravy and roast tatties yesterday - and that that made you feel better! Good luck mate, Nic x
I have read all your posts and I'm sorry you got a DVT but your description of how you did all that waiting was the same as me. I think you are a brave soul and very courageous to tell your story with all of us. It is a very emotional and physically exhausting journey but thanks for sharing and take care. I also couldn't inject myself with the heparin injections so had to go back to the hospital for the first four days and then have a nurse do it for me so you are not alone there. Also remember crying is a good thing, it releases so many pent up feelings so never be afraid to cry.
I’m sorry you had to suffer a DVT also it’s not a good experience but I’m not the first I won’t be the last and I’m just dealing with it . I wish I could self inject it would make life so much easier but I can’t
A bit late in responding but had a busy couple of days. I was sorry to hear about your latest issues. Because of circulation and PAD (peripheral arterial disease) flight stockings are contra indicated and so I had Heparin injections both after fracturing my femur and my bypass. I did not like the sensation and hope yours are more comfortable. Despite being on MDI (multiple daily injections) of insulin for over fifty years I still do not like injections! Being on the radar means the chances of further issues related to the DVT are extremely remote.
I am not a person who cries easily but think you are better getting it out of your system. When my father died the events around it meant I did not cry for four months! Delayed reaction hits you a lot harder.
Maybe these blood clots are commoner than I realised the district nurses are calling daily to do the injections and they have been ace
I went through a similar situation as you did with your dad as I was looking after everyone else and didn’t mourne like everyone else then 4 months later it hit me like a brick wall not a good experience
Sorry for late post. Don't be so hard on yourself. If I had half what you've gone through I'd be a total gibbering wreck! I'm the same as you, definitely no go sticking a needle in myself. I'm so inspired by your goal setting idea, will definitely give it a go.
Had angiogram yesterday, may have set record for the quickest time. Main arteries not too bad, diagnosis microvascular angina. Starting tomorrow on new medication. Feel very fortunate as I felt sure I was heading for a bypass.
Need to get lifestyle sorted. When the going gets tough I'll think of what you have managed to achieve with your positive attitude.
Hope your journey to recovery goes forward smoothly from here.
Sorry I just saw your messages! Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear your news. Everything had gone so well - but you’ll get through this and it’s all part of your journey. Don’t ever beat yourself up for having a cry - if you were a woman no- one would think twice about it - but I think if men are honest nearly all of them cry too - as they should because they are human!
I hope things are a bit better now - keep on posting as there are lots of us who really care!
Just know I’ll be thinking of you and you can private message me whenever you want 24/7 I’ll be there to help and support you through your journey whenever you need me
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