DVT Diary from Vancouver, BC

Happy weekend to our support crew! Just want to give a quick update to this thread (sorry... man, am I posting a lot!)...

Was visiting my Dad today. He is 78 and in hospice care (at home) with congestive heart failure (he's had a bad heart starting from age 35), but hanging in there and doing well all things considered. (He is one positive thinking guy!) Anyway, here's the thing... I never realized that GET THIS... he's been on WARFARIN for 40+ yrs. Gulp. (I didn't grow up living with him always... as my parents split... so I didn't realize exactly. Plus in the past I connected his blood thinners to only heart disease... duh.)

He's had about 4 clots (that he can remember--he's getting fuzzy), but from what I've read/understand, they are arterial not venous--he had one in his arm, even his aorta, but also in his leg, so we're not sure exactly if it could've been dvt back then, same symptoms... But like my Dad says, no matter what kind it is, and even if we have different "types", a clot is a clot... clotting is clotting. And if we're both doing it, even though his is connected to heart disease, and mine from estrogen, etc., there MIGHT just be the hereditary link too.

Now, armed with the unbelievable information (man, I NEVER realized years ago), I will insist on Factor V testing, etc. My Dad agrees with you all... that I have a specialist, and also that I should definitely investigate staying on anti-coagulants like he did. Hmmm... interesting, huh?!

Anyway, 'nuff about me. Hope you're enjoying the weekend. It is sunny and warm and gorgeous here!

INR news...
Well, had a new INR Mon... just got the results called to me today. Good news is that I went down from 3.6, but too far down because I'm at 2.0 in less than a wk., so if I stay on 5 mg, it will keep going down. So back to 6 mg I go! We'll see if I even out by next wk.

Other news....
Right side is achey again today... including my right buttock again!... and especially my hand which is mild pins and needles for whatever weird reason... yet again...and ALL day... it's been on and off since this all started. Rob says it sounds like circulation to him, but I'm not turning color or anything! Anyway, it's later in the eve. so it's getting better. YAY! I walked twice today so hopefully that helped!

Over and out.

Hey there!

Wow, what a story! Yup, Factor V Leiden testing should most definitely be foremost on your agenda. Must say chances are very good that you will have inherited the gene then – same as me (from my mom’s side).

Glad to hear that your INR is down, hopefully it stays in range now! Mine is also in therapeutic range again – hopefully next week’s INR will confirm that it is back on track so I don’t have to go so soon for the next one. Must say, reading Dero’s posts, it seems like Dabigatran is a lot easier and less troublesome that taking Warfarin. I really hope that the FDA approves it and we can see it on the market by 2010. My doctor also mentioned to me a few months ago that there is testing going on on a new drug which he thinks might be good. I think he must have been referring to Dabi. One thing I will look forward to is not feeling so tired all the time and wiped out! So, lets hold thumbs hey!

PS: The Jorge Cruise book which you told me about arrived yesterday - I'm looking forward to reading it...looks fab!

Hi Madeline,

Yep... for sure will look into the inherited thing... although my Dad's were probably arterial (correlating with his heart disease) not venous, although he did have one in his leg once and it was swollen. Too bad he can't remember! I'll be meeting with my reg. Dr. on Wed., and the hospital Dr. (my backup opinion) on Thurs., so we'll see who says what.

Yeah my INR dropped to 1.7... oops.... all the way from 3.6 in just over a week! So glad I'm upped by 1mg now... hopefully this will get me stabilized. Seems like 1/2mg. would be just perfect, but we'll see what happens.

Considering that Warfarin isn't supposed to have known side effects (says that on my pharmacy insert), many people seem to get them don't they? I noticed that the week my INR was dropping quickly, I was feeling lightheaded and tired.

Anyhoo, I'm off to answer your pm next!

Hi Brenda,

I get that same feelings of tiredness and lightheaded and it seems to happen whenever my INR drops too low. The longer we are on anticoags, the better we get at predicting the next INR result hey

Its great that you are going to see both doctors - will be good to see what they both say and whether they agree. Do let us know the outcome!

Have a super day!
(I'm going to have a quick bath now, go and have breakfast at the Mugg and Bean and then go for some retail therapy)

Brenda

Just joined this forum - so just read through your whole post. Wow - I can't believe how similar we are! I went through labour (my midwife was my mother in law from Australia - and she wanted me to give birth at home, so she could deliver, and so when I got a huge purple swollen leg, she didn't want me to see the doctor about it. Only after the birth, when the swelling didn't go down, did I FINALLY go to my GP, who immediately sent me to ER - and guess what - Largest clot they said they've ever seen here in Ottawa!). I was in such pain from the leg that I didn't even feel the contractions of the labour. Had the baby with no drugs - totally naturally.
I had been on birth control pills up until I got pregnant (10 years) - so I wondered if being on the pill was part of it too. It turned out I was Factor V positive - although no one else in my family is, so I guess I'm the big mutant. I would guess that you've probably got some heriditary factors going on too. Of course, smoking and BCPs don't help!
I laughed when I read your post about feeling like a teenager again now that you're off the Pill. Hell, I never had sex until I was married - so the Pill was all I ever knew. Thank goodness I didn't have to worry about it for awhile - as I said, I got the clot during labour - so didn't feel like sex for months anyway! We're still using condoms - I'm scared to try any sort of hormone (pill, patch, injection). I still want more children - although my husband is dead set against it. I have to admit - when he says "heparin injections in your stomach for 9 months" it really kills the mood! You can't take coumadin while pregnant - and I hated the shots so much! Still, you'd think if he was so dead-set against kids, he'd have a vasectomy by now, but he keeps putting it off.

Anyway... I'm rambling on. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. There are a lot of us who have had similar experiences. I sure wish I would have found a forum like this when I first had my clot. I suffered a lot alone. I hope here we can get good information, as well as see the funny side of life too! You've got to keep your sense of humor, no matter what!!!
Keep us up to date on what's happening!

Hi Michelle!

So nice to "meet" you!!! Welcome to the forum! It's a great place to be!

You should add your story in The Lounge! Lot's of people would love to hear your story! That's where everyone introduces themselves, and you can keep adding to your story... like a journal. Then everyone can visit you and see how you're doing.

First off, congratulations on your baby!! And a natural birth... good for you!! What did you have?

Wow--so you had a lot going on! Labour, BC pills & smoking, AND Factor V!! Hard to know exactly just what did it hey? I imagine everything together! I have to add to my story about the Factor V stuff, so will add it separately below to my "journal" and won't repeat it all here!

Hehe.. yeah the whole birth control issue is fun hey? Condoms it is for us too. I won't ever go on BCP again... or hormone stuff when the time comes for menopause (fun, huh?!) but that's a ways down the road I hope!! I am going to look at the IUD... have a gyno appt. this Monday to find out about it. Yeah... weird, having to ask about stuff, when it was so taken care of for so long!! I really doubt I will change my mind about having kids... never felt the urge, and at 41, I don't think it's going to happen now! However, my hubby don't want to permanently close the door completely yet.... sooo, no vasectomy yet... although he is entertaining the idea now, so we'll see!

So when did you have your clot? How are you now? What's happening? Can you put your story up? I'd love to chat about it!

Thanks so much for your reply. The support of everyone has really helped me immensely, get through a situation I knew nothing about and that seemed so scary at first. And it's a great place to meet new friends who all relate!

Have a great wkd. and hope to chat soon!
Brenda

Ok.... so the story continues! Here's my newest up-to-date journal post on what's happening! I was just sharing with Madeline (sorry for the repeat Gismo--it's too long to write over, so copied the pertinent bits!), and will copy here:

This week, I saw my GP and had my first followup with the Dr. I had at the hospital, at her office, was good. She was great and actually showed and read me the hospital report on my tests!:

For the angiogram (June 25?): in addition to the embolus, because I have also have an old 1 cm scar/node in my lung, she said that YES I probably had DVT/PE before... with the swollen knee/leg and the anxiety feeling a few years back! (The scar being an old emboli.) The clinic I went to at that time diagnosed patella knee injury, but the Dr. now says no way--that that would have been a misdiagnosis.

From the 1st Doppler (June 20): The first one apparently was from ankle to up past my knee, which I didn't know. That's how they figure the embolus broke off, 'cause the clot moved beyond the small "canal" and entered the "wide open river", as she described it. There is a big clot in my popliteal vein (behind my knee) and blockages in two deep veins down either side of my leg. (Can't remember all the names though!)

The 2nd Doppler (July 8th), shows that the part above the knee has now dissolved.... YAY!! The rest will take time of course.

I shouldn't have any hereditary stuff either.... she "seems" to remember(?) the hospital doing all those tests then (June 20), prior to my first injection. (Wouldn't it be in the file?) But we'll re-look at everything in 6 mths. So sounds like it was just the birth control pills mainly! So now that they're out of my system, hopefully I'm done with DVT/PE!

Re: flying (in Sept.), she prescribed one of those beauty compression thigh to ankle stockings... and advises it for long road trips too. My GP had originally said maybe for them, but since forgot I think. So I am apt to go with along with Dr. #2 at the moment. I would rather be safe than sorry... don't want swelling or pain at that altitude! Don't know for how long though that I'd have to wear it....??? Forgot to ask. I guess any road trips or flights for the 6 mths. I'm on Warfarin?

So, she said to stay on it for 6 months, then she wants to see me and order all the tests again. If they're good, I'm done of course. If the clot/blockage's still big enough or whatever, I'll keep on it for 6 more mths. and probably see a hematologist at that time (using Dero's awesome Dr. recommendation/referral--thanks!)

Hopefully my GP is cool with all that. I'll have to tell him next week that I saw her, (he didn't know), 'cause he's going to find out--they're sending him her recommendation to see me again, etc. in 6 mths. oops.

SO I AM DOING GREAT! And feel better just having someone take a few extra moments (although she was rushed too) to go over things. Thank goodness, 'cause sometimes I was still feeling a bit of chest pain late at night, but they say it's just residual anxiety. Great... how embarrassing!! But all normal considering. I am not stressed now! (knock on wood and all that!)

Hopefully my INR's normalizing. Last reading 1.9, so slowly getting back up. (Crazy hey? From 3.6 then way down. Sharing Dero's current INR adventure I think!) My dose has gone up again of course, now 1/2mg to 6.5. Good thing I bought that "tablet cutter" after all! (Works like a charm by the way.)

Anyhoo, all is good! That's it for the report!
I'm gone for the wkd. but will be back online Sun. night or Monday.
Have a good one all!

I’m so glad for you that your trip to the doctor was at least fruitful! I always maintain that – if we know what’s cutting, it makes it a lot easier to deal with so I’m glad that she took the time to discuss all of this with you. Will it not be wonderful if you are indeed Factor V negative as she suspects!! Then, as you say, it will all be over in 6 months (12 months at most). I really hold thumbs for you that it is indeed the case. I can already hear you laughing in the face of these DVTs and PEs!

One cannot imagine how lucky we are firstly that we had the warning signs (so many people don’t) and that we did, in fact, survive the incident. Now to hear that you had it before and now again and you are okay and will be fine…what a blessing!! At least now we know the cause of our DVT/PE and we are able to take precautions (BC etc) to not have a repeat incident in future.

I would agree with the doc re the compression stockings – guess because of my “best be safe” attitude of late lol. You have nothing to lose, only to gain by wearing them. I think when I fly next I will be dressed and injected and dosed (and leg exerciser in tow) for the occasion lol – probably be walking the isles so much people might mistake me for the “live entertainment” lol

Have a super duper weekend soaking up the sun - have a ball!

Hi all--here's my update since coming back from my wkd. away...

I had a fabulous time but overdid it all... the road trip, sitting, walking, etc., etc.... While I was at a zoo, at the onset, with no warning, my leg felt the same as when I just got DVT. (So, like in pre-diagnosis times!) I thought oh no... not good. Calf pain that actually caused limping again. But was able to walk it off after a couple of hours, then elevated it once we got out of there. I thought that that type of pain/limping was LONG gone and wouldn't be coming back... WRONG! But I'm doing great. Resting up and all is okay. Now I know that it's still a little too soon to push things too much! Plus, I see my Dr. on Thurs. so will report like a good girl.

Madeline--thanks! I've emailed you.

The news:

Went for my weekly GP visit today. INR reading from Mon. was 2.9, hopefully not going to keep climbing, and stays put! Next INR will be Mon. again.

Also, asked him re: my prescription for a compression stocking (from hospital GP), and if there's a chance of finding a cheaper one--I was quoted $130. He referred me to a fitter at the nearby medical tower for a generic version of the TED brand. The RN/Fitter was great--super experienced, helpful and knowledgeable, but in shock that I was coming to get them for travel purposes only. She said I should be wearing them every day, especially because my clot is knee to ankle blockages, and to ensure no further vein damage, and that it was critical that I start today. No time to wait for any orders (i.e. a sheer pair). Hmmm... another conflicting perspective. Who's right?? I told her that I assumed I wasn't told to because I don't have swelling and she said that is wrong.

She feels many GPs are not specialized to know all the ins and outs of DVT and that, as with any condition, specialists are where it's at. She knew I wasn't seeing one because the prescription said TED stocking, which she says is slang, and actually not the right compression stocking. Nor is it a brand. ?

The prescription also say medium strength, but due to some residual pain from my little wkd. episode, it felt achey on, which she said it shouldn't, so she fitted me with a light one, saying that it was much better than nothing obviously, which I WAS going to do on a regular/daily basis.

She suggested a vascular specialist, because thought that I shouldn't have experienced my wkd. new feeling DVT pain/limp at this stage of the game. Hmm. Although by the end of the fitting session, she said I'd be okay now, and it prob. wasn't necessary. So I'm all confused. Called my GP's office and left a message that I would like to be referred to one. We'll see what happens. Just want the straight goods from ONE person, versus different answers from different people.

Re: the stocking. It was indeed $129 Cdn. & taxes & special cleaning fluid & medical stocking gloves & bootie/slipper thing to help getting it on. (It's a lot harder than I thought!! and being thigh high makes it an interesting challenge!) So $150 out the door. Gulp. The good news is that there's 2 in the pk., so each should last 6 mths. she said, giving me a full year of use if need be.

So that's the news today!

Anyone like to share/remind me of their compression sock stories? Anyone without swelling like me? Who wears daily and why? Who wears occasionally and why? I'm trying to figure this all out.

Okay, golly gosh ... now I'm confused too hehehe ... just when I thought I'm kinda figuring it all out. Yikes, conflicting stories of note you have been getting hey! I also had DVT knee to ankle blockages and my doctor never mentioned that I should wear compression stockings. However, as you know I've bought some and they have been great! My leg has been sore on and off (more on than off I might add) since I had the DVT in Dec 2006. Since wearing the stockings its been great (sound like that advert Denis was talking about in one of his posts ).

However, I have not been wearing them everyday, only when I felt it necessary and when I wore jeans or tracksuit pants etc (so I don't look like a total dork! ) Anyhoo, so now it seems that you should wear them on a daily basis as the doctor told you.

I bought mine over the counter, self service and paid $14 for them. It boggles my mind that they are so expensive ($129), yikes! Mine are knee highs but even so, the difference in cost is enormous.

When I bought mine and I saw that there are 2 in a pack I also thought it cool seeing as only 1 leg had the DVT. However, the insert in the package clearly states that you should never wear only one sock - you always need to wear both regardless of having a clot in only the one leg. Another conflicting story.

I must admit, I find it strange that she feels that you should not have experienced the pain you had on the weekend. I don't think it is that uncommon. You were diagnosed not that long ago and you did do a lot of walking and driving so I think it is understandable. My leg still hurts today if I do lots of walking and it happened months ago.

What a business hey! As you say, can the medical profession not just get to grips with DVT/PE and stick to their stories so that all of us get the same information and advice. We should be able to go to one doctor and get the necessary info and treatment and not be sent from pillar to post with conflicting stories. Thank heavens for this forum because I'm sure I would have lost it by now!

Okay, as you know I do not have much (if any) experience or knowledge of these compression stockings to I'm going to shut my mouth now and make way for someone else to comment. I also look forward to reading what Denis thinks seeing as he has been wearing the socks for a long time now.

- Madeline, over and out -

Hey! Well, I'm kind of in the middle of the GPs and the RN's opinion. Thinking I will wear them most days (since I'm working from home at the moment)...or with pants too, etc. Not so much at the beach... haha. (Which I figure must be ok, since the Dr.s didn't suggest it every day anyway!).

Yeah, I'm still not sure why they were so much $, other than I had to drop my drawers and have my leg all measured up, so I would have the right size/compression, and then fitted. (e.g. she helped show me, and had me to it myself...and wow it was tight, impossible to get on without the gloves, too slippy, etc.) I too had seen them somewhere on a shelf... should have checked the price back then, but at that time it wasn't even thought of, let alone mentioned to me that I needed one.

The way I see it, is that it definitely can't hurt. It's promoting circulation (according to the RN, when wearing it even eliminates the need for elevating! but another conflicting story, because the brochure she gave me from the stocking manufacturer says elevation should still be done. ???), and drains that blood back up to our heart instead of having it stay pooling down there at the blockages, further damaging veins and valves. (Something like that!)

Haven't heard back from my GP's office as to whether he will consider referring me to a specialist. Maybe he hasn't agreed? Or, I'll be positive.... maybe they are searching for one in the town where I live.

I agree...if it weren't for this forum I think I'd lose my mind! (Or maybe I have already! hehe)

Thought I'd change my pic (avatar) today. I have like a zillion from when I had ones taken for my website! So I was getting bored of the other!

Cool pic Brenda!!! :-)

Thanks!

Also, thought I'd share a link here to a Sigvaris pdf pamphlet (the makers of my compression stocking). When I read DVT material, it seems I am usually gleaning something new each time. In this case, it describes the calf as being like a 2nd heart as it pumps blood back up. I've read much about the valves and damage from DVT, but this time, as described here, it helps me to perhaps understand better why we experience the calf pain we do. Anyhoo, thought I'd share: http://www.sigvarisusa.com/prod_web/NorthAmerica.nsf/vw_mf/PDFs/$FILE/PatientBrochure.pdf

Hmmmm, lots to cover here, you gals are simply full of questions...
But first, nice pic Brenda
- Madeline and Brenda, I wear my FUGLY, yes one at the time, maybe if I were to fly I would wear both for the flight, but wearing both MIGHT BE a marketing ploy, (I'll have to check) 7 days a week, work or no work, long pants or not( and it does not bother me that I look like a total dork @ Gismo) all day long. I really like the way it is stated in the Sigvaris pamphlet (I like the way they compare the calf to a heart) that the compression sock does promote PROPER blood circulation back from the leg as oppose to pooling and possibly cloting.
You do have to understand that since I started wearing them, then stopped, then re-started wearing the FUGLY, I was able to see the DEFINIT differences that the sock brings to the swelling and the aches in my DVT leg. Nobody can change my views on that and I think you are starting to see and feel the difference yourself already. As for the price difference, I can't say why it exists, all that I know is that I have been wearing the Sigvaris and have been happy with the results( why change something that works?).
Madeline, if only all doctors (GP, specialists, RNs,...) would take THE SAME COURSE on DVT it would be nice, I guess for now, if you can find one of them that says something that makes sense to you, stick with her/him, that is what I have done for the last year.
Brenda, the pain that you are/were feeling could be attributed to the ammount of walking you did during the weekend (without Fugly). I'm not 100% sure, but if you were to do the same ammount of walking as you did, but this time with the FUGLY, I think you would see the difference
(I THINK)

Did I forget anything?

Thanks Denis I appreciate the info!

Yep...I am starting to notice a diff. already. I luckily never had swelling like so many do (only VERY mild in the very beg.), but of course have some aches (calf & behind and around knee), so I can feel a difference with that. Feel occasional pressure though in my calf, but suspect that's still from when I overdid, plus getting use to the sock. It's not tender or anything, so all is good in that department.

Still can't get the thing on as good as when I was with the RN. She made it look so darn easy. It's just so long (wish it was knee high...sigh) that I find it easy to get bunched up. It helps a bit that it's toeless. I have the extra gear though... gloves & bootie thingy, which helps. I think I must look hilarious...I get a good laugh at myself in the process! I might go back for another practice next week with her, to make sure I'm not pulling it out of shape. My Dr. said to roll it on... yeah..no....a little too tight for that! Even the RN didn't do that. She kind of lifted it out and up, working alternately from the back, then the front.

I've been wearing it every day... I'm sticking with the RN on this, she seems to be more in the know about it. I will be fully used to it by next wkd., when we're going on another road trip, lineups/ferry ride, walking, etc. This will not be as big as last wkd. (less driving) and I will be more cautious, plus I trust in the sox.

Still no word from the GP's office if I will be able to see a vascular specialist. Not that I think I'm in great need of one at the moment.. I'm doing good. Just want ONE person (and one opinion) to work with for the leg who really knows veins and thrombosis, and to have in my back pocket, so to speak, should anything come up.

Anyhoo, that's my ramble. have a great weekend!

Brenda,

I have been wearing knee-high stockings since about a week after I got out of the hospital. The doctors all seem to feel that the stockings drastically reduce the probability of having pain and swelling issues later on. But as you know, there is a lot of conflicting information. I have read that it should be on from morning until night, but I wear it mostly when I go out. When I am home and relaxing, I do not wear it. My vascular surgeon says this is fine and a lot better than not wearing at all.

In addition, I had dinner on Sat night with some people, one of whom is a Rheumatologist. She told me that unless I wear thigh-highs, it's useless. When I asked my vascular surgeon about it, he said that the knee-highs are all that are necessary because that's where PTS (post thrombotic syndrome) symptoms would occur and also where the veins, valves, blood need the most help pumping upwards. I'm going with the vascular surgeon, so for now, it is the knee-highs.

Right now, my leg does not feel a whole lot different when I am wearing vs when I am not, but I will stick with it. It's a little bit of an annoyance and can feel tight and bothersome after wearing for a while, but at this point, I will do everything within reason to give myself the best chance of a pain-free leg and a DVT-free life. I do take it off when I get home from work or later in the day. I don't fly often, but when I do, I will wear on both legs. Right now, I only wear on affected leg (as per vascular surgeon). I will also always wear when doing exercise or any extended walking/standing.

Brenda, I think you will be much better off by wearing them - it can't hurt.

And Dero, I usually don't care too much what other people think, but these things are incredibly dorky looking. I have mostly been wearing long pants with the stocking, but, with the exception of work, I usually only wear shorts in the summer. I will deal with it for the rest of this summer, but I need a better solution for next year. Now maybe stockings with our favorite sports teams, colleges, colors, etc would be something worth wearing shorts for!

Hi Michael!

Yes, there is so much diff. information on the sox!! I have a new crazy question.... maybe I should wear them on both legs, not just DVT leg? I mean, if that leg has bad circulation, etc., isn't it possible that the other one might too??

Hmmm... I'm going with the thigh ones because I believe I had/have some major damage behind my knee (poplitereal (sp?) vein, and it has originally grown above my knee as well, but last Doppler that part, above knee, dissolved. The rest knee to ankle is all still there in its glory of course! So somehow I feel safer I guess. Mine are medically fitted, but I went for light strength, instead of med. (as recommended) because the medium hurt, and the Fitter/RN said it shouldn't. Plus, she said light is WAY better than none!

I'm with you... I'm going to wear it! And both legs, like you said, when I'm on plane trips (don't do many, but I have one in Sept.) and any long car trips. I was proud of myself yesterday walking around the neighbourhood, and tonight at a get-together in shorts and flashing my sock! haha

I agree with you though, somedays it doesn't feel much different. But I tested a good day in between without it, and I seemed to need to elevate it more throughout the day. (from those little aches and stuff).

So other than the sox, how have you been doing this week?

Anyhoo... must run! Leaving for the weekend. Have a good one and chat with you soon!
Brenda

My journal update!

Well, ever since my bad wkd. 2 weeks ago (with that new DVT feeling pain in calf all over again), I developed a varicose vein. Really ropey and enlarged at my ankle, and not ropey yet but getting bumpier each day up my calf. Talked to Madeline and she has these too. I'm thinking my valve somewhere must indeed have been damaged, as they say happens. Or PTS already?@#$@? There seems to be lots of pressure happening. SOOOO, my GP is sending me to the hospital next Wed. for another Doppler. (This makes #3 since June 20). So that's good news... I won't look a gift horse in the mouth! (Sorry for those of you in other countries--that must sound like a weird expression!!)

My INR last week was 2.9, and this week is 2.4. All seems to be stabilizing out a bit. YAHOO!!

Ok must going... leaving in the a.m. for an early wkd. getaway. Back in a few days!

P.S.

In my newsletter this month I wrote all about DVT; my story, facts, resource links, etc. I know that my story is a light one in comparison to what many of you have endured, but I felt this was important to send to friends, family, colleagues, and joe public to educate, help people understand and save lives!!

If you go to my homepage at www.brendablackburn.com , go to my August newsletter ("What the heck is DVT?") and click it. Be warned... it is lengthy, but important!! Feel free to send to anyone and everyone you know who you feel would benefit. (i.e. those who may not understand this whole thing.)

Note: for the links (many of you will already have many of them), the link may look like the general homepage.. it is NOT in most cases. We ran out of room for characters in the newsletter, so my web guru had to hard code the long link with extension. In other words, don't worry, the right location is there when you click it. You'll see what I mean when you try it.

Re: the podcast. For the signs and symptoms I put it on my podcast this month. You must subscribe to get access, or email me directly at brenda@brendablackburn.com. Again, everyone here will know this stuff, but others you know may not, so if you like I'll send you the mp3 and you can send it to anyone.

Thanks everyone!

I'm back from the wkd.! Had a fab time, but did lots of walking. Even so I did great, with my sock. Although, I didn't have it on today, so my ankle and foot was hurtin'. (Seems like I have even more post-DVT activity happening down there lately!)

Going for INR tomorrow... I'm trusting it will have stayed right where we want it to be. And Wed. will be at the hospital for Doppler #3... don't expect those results until I visit my doctor near the end of next week.

Journal update:

Had 3rd Doppler today. Good news!! Whatever I have been doing is working! Clot and some blockage still there, although, as per the tech., there is a bit of a clear spot in my one of my veins in between the mess. Woohoo! Things have been improving! That's what I like to hear! Wine was in order tonight! A little celebration! hehe

Just got my Monday's INR results today... it was down to 1.8 from 2.4 last week, although they want me to resume my same dosage another week. Will retest on Mon. and will take it from there.

Whoohoooooooo GOOD NEWS Brenda!!! And we so looooove good news!



Hopefully the INR will follow suit and "behave" next Monday. Probably a little lower due to the weekend away, as we always eat and drink differently on these occasions. At least its not way off so yay, its a good day!