Back from the Hospital

[maillotpois]

Wow, Sarah, I can't believe how long that took to develop. Do you really maybe have asthma, or did that all evolve after the flights, and cause you to think you did, then?

I have been having trouble breathing for months, following an upper respiratory infection I got end of March. The lingering breathing issues and the fact I've always been a "fluid-y lung" person led me and my doctors to believe it was asthma. Now I am not so sure.

Back to the CT. I worked in CT for about five years, and would always warn the patients that they would experience a warm, or even hot sensation from the IV contrast. Ok, so I had to have a chest CT with contrast a couple years ago. Well, what no one ever told _me_, probably because they hadn't ever had IV contrast, is that you get HOT right in the COOTCHIE area!! Nice...(Plus the rest of the body to various degrees, but it was really hot there! Don't know why.

Yeah - that was SUPER scary - and I was specifically warned that it would make me feel like I'd lost bladder control, because it gets so hot down there right away. It was really nice because they had the woman who actually gave me the IV stand right there and hold my arm as it was going in - I was up to my boobs in the CT machine but it wasn't on. Having her actually touching me while that was going in was a HUGE comfort.

[maillotpois]

Thanks for all your nice words, you guys.

It must be mentioned that SK kept me "company" most of the night via email, which was a HUGE help. It is pretty scary in the hospital by yourself. She was super helpful looking stuff up for me (because she had a real computer) and just generally sassing me to the degree needed.

So thanks SK, 'cause you're the bestest.

[SadieKate]

I didn't do anything you wouldn't have done, including the sassing.

Just remember when we send those shirtless bike mechanics:
http://www.engrish.com/recent_detail...ate=2006-06-08

[mtkitchn]

Holy Cow, Sarah! That is incredibly scary, but I'm sure glad you're pretty much okay. Did they give you advice on how to keep this from happening again, or CAN you keep it from happening again?
Take care of yourself, for sure!!!

[mtkitchn]

Oh, just read the linked article....wow, good information.

[Denise223]

Hi MP:

I'm very happy to hear that you are home & things were caught before they progressed further!

Originally posted by Maillotpois: Velogirl and SK have been extremely suportive, with the former issuing a real "get with it, you could have died" directive which made me think maybe backing off on the riding while I am on heavy anticoagulants is not a bad thing.

Please don't take any unneccesary chances with riding or any other activity in which you could hurt yourself & cause bleeding.
Your bike will be waiting for you when you're off of the blood thinners.

Sending many prayers & well wishes.

Denise

[bikerchick68]

oh my gosh sarah... I don't know if you recall... but about 8 months I posted something about my tan lines giving me away... I met this couple at the Trek Store... the man immediately spotted my tan lines and asked if I ever rode with newbies... we planned to ride together the following weekend.

During that conversation he asked if I had difficulty breathing on the bike. Huh? So I told him no, and as he described more I told him he needed to get to the doc. He had already BEEN to the doc, and had a followup a few days later...

the next weekend I called to meet them and the woman (purepink here on the forums) said that her DH would not be riding... about 2-3 hours after we met, he could not breathe... and was rushed in. Yep, he had a pulmonary emolism as well. He was on blood thinners for 6 months. He is now able to ride again... it was very, very scary tho... and like something like this will... it shifted his priorities...

(tprevost... if you read this, the man is Mac, who you rode with... Purepink's DH!)

Hugs, Sarah... glad you're OK... if you have questions about stuff lemme know and I will ask purepink... she is now pretty well versed on this subject...

[Lise]

MP, thanks for posting the story and the link. I had no idea that endurance athletes were at increased risk for DVT and PE. As someone said, "You don't mess with clots". Nor do you mess with blood thinners. Please follow directions. Even a casual bump into the furniture can cause massive bruising. I don't like to think what a tumble from a bike could do when you can't clot your blood.

Just so very glad you're here to tell the tale. ((((MP)))) L.

[DirtDiva]

Sheesh! That's scary! Take it easy, ya hear!

[maillotpois]

Again, thanks guys. You make me cry!!

And I just got off the phone with my FC 508 partner and broke the news. She just got back from a trip herself, and had done some research on her own and completely expected this. TIme for some easy rides (once I am cleared). I'd still like to do the doubles I have lined up but we'll just see how it goes.

Maybe I just start walking the dog a lot more. He'd really like that.

[bikerchick68]

I know that Mac was prohibited from riding while on the blood thinner...

walking the dog sounds great... and maybe some stuff with petitepois... any projects you've wanted to do that have been put off to make ride time??? This could be a great time to be "forced" to do stuff you've put off...

when my mom fell down the flight of stairs in March and I couldn't do CAM I just decided that I would finish my backyard... I'm currently about 1/2 way done! My mileage is way down, but my home looks amazing...

[maillotpois]

when my mom fell down the flight of stairs in March and I couldn't do CAM I just decided that I would finish my backyard... I'm currently about 1/2 way done! My mileage is way down, but my home looks amazing...

Well, that's true - I've seen pictures!!

[Trekhawk]

Sarah - that really is one scary story. You listen to Auntie SK and make sure you get plenty of rest and no hard riding.

I hope you are back in tip top condition soon.

Take things easy while you are on the blood medication. My dad takes them for a heart condition and if he cuts himself it really can be dangerous.

[Kitsune06]

Ms. Maillotpois-

Take care of yourself... it'd be more worthwhile to take the time in recovery than to risk overdoing it.

Hugs & positive thoughts,
Aryn

[KSH]

WOW! Thank goodness you are alive!

Be thankful!

I can't believe you did all that riding with clots in your lungs.

At least you are "OK" now.

I hope you heal quickly.