We are getting to the end, I promise.
Monday morning came and Nick arrived prior to the second set of doctor visits. The doctor connected us with a nurse coordinator who was on a mission to get us home that day. I think my INR was at 1.1 that morning- so still a ways to go and it wasn't moving very fast.
I had to switch primary care doctors, as my current one was only part-time now and I really needed someone full time. Around 2 p.m. we got word that we would be breaking out of there that day! Nick had to go through 'training' on how to give me the shot and the first shot had to be administered at the hospital. By 3:30 p.m. we were on our way home (with a quick stop at the hospital pharmacy for pain meds, Coumadin oral pills and Lovenox shots). My mom had picked up the girls from school so they were getting ready for dinner when we were arrived home. They were very excited to see us (we didn't tell them today was release day in case it didn't work out). They missed me and I missed them. It was great to be home! Never would have thought when I went to the doctor at 8 a.m. on Thursday that I wouldn't be coming home until 5:30 p.m. Monday night.
Since the hospital I have had numerous visits to check my INR number. I had to take shots longer than originally anticipated, and it came to the point where Nick was going to be gone one of the nights and my first back-up (next door neighbor) was also unavailable. I lined up a second back-up, but told myself that instead of packing the girls up at bedtime to drive to my friends house I could suck it up and do it myself. Sure enough I did it (I didn't faint or anything)! Two weeks after the official diagnosis my INR number was therapeutic and I could stop the shots (which were twice a day in the stomach- ugh). I still have to go in for frequent INR checks, but that is no big deal. I go back to Iowa City to meet with the neurologists in June, followed by an appointment with my regular doctor and one with the ENT. If I have blurry vision I need to go directly to the eye doctor. The risk of a stroke is minimal compared to when I first arrived at the hospital, but there is still slight risk and I do have to be aware of changes. Since I am on blood thinners I have to be extra careful not get injured. Given that I am accident prone as it is, I try to leave the cutting of food to Nick whenever possible. I carry something in my wallet that let's people know I am on blood thinners. It sounds like I will be on blood thinners for around 6 months. I hope to find out more in June. I still get headaches, but nothing like they were in the beginning. The doctor at the hospital said it could take a while for them to go away.
I realizing how lucky I am that we caught it so early- as I said before--- someone watching over me. I didn't have a stroke, I didn't have a seizure and I didn't die. As Nina said: I was very blessed. The doctor in the hospital also mentioned that a current presidential candidate also had the same type of blood clot- so it isn't like I couldn't run for president if I wanted to. :)
I told the girls I was going to the doctor shortly after getting out of the hospital. Neve asked if I was going to be gone a long time. I told her it would be a short appointment and I would be back soon. She told me that last time I was gone for a really long time. :(
Ellie was enthralled with watching me get the shots. She would ask which side of my stomach I was going to get it in and position herself as close as possible so she could get the 'best view'. Maybe she will grow up to be a doctor- she could watch it while I couldn't.
Nick is/was amazing. Just another reminder to me of how lucky I am to have met him and how I couldn't get through what we have without him.
Grandparent's who drop everything to help out with the kiddos are also pretty awesome. Always good to know the girls are in good hands.
I love my friends and co-workers. I had so many calls and texts that made me feel special and loved. From dinner/cookies to flowers/balloons to having someone clean my house for me--- so lucky.
It has been an adventure. Not one I would like to take again, but an experience I will not forget. Maybe next year we can take a spring break trip somewhere a little more enjoyable...
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