Still Positive!!
DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis, deep blood clot, possible complication of a pulmonary embolism. All scary words but no intense workouts for THREE MONTHS (!!) , that’s even scarier! !
So, yes, 1-½ weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a DVT. And put on bed rest to minimize chances of the clot dislodging and traveling to my lungs. My right Femoral vein was completely blocked causing swelling and pain in my leg. At the time, things looked pretty bleak and I didn’t handle it well.
However, the day before Thanksgiving, I had additional tests that showed that although the clot did move, it stopped in my upper thigh and is shrinking!! I now have some blood flow (not much but I’ll take it!) and much less pain and swelling!! So I had a very thankful Thanksgiving!
Unfortunately, I cannot continue my “bodybuilding” training for three months. I was put on a twice-daily injection of anti-coagulants the first week and now must take Coumadin (also an anti-coagulant) during the three months. While I am on this medicine, I must wear a medical alert bracelet. I can’t shave with a razor (electric is OK) because if I nick myself, I could bleed for hours! I even have to brush my teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush to protect my gums. Just the slightest bump can cause intense bruising, and any cut or head bump means a trip straight to the ER!!
So, although I must put my regular training on hold, I’m still planning on lightweight full body (minimal legs, of course!) training three times a week to maintain what I’ve built over the last six months. I’m not sure if I’ll be ready for the Bbshow in May but I am still going to eat and prepare for it!!
So, a setback (to say the least!) but I’m not going to let it get me down!! When life throws you lemons…blah, blah, blah!! LOL!
December 1, 2008 at 11:16 am
Wow! Once the clot is proven to be gone, will this problem be over or will you have to continually monitor if you have subsequent clots. Dont worry if you dont get a chance to answer…I can look it up. I will be praying for your FULL recovery.
December 1, 2008 at 11:21 am
Keep your positive attitude and eat like the champ you want to be in May
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December 1, 2008 at 10:50 pm
wow, sorry to hear about the blood clot. Stay strong and be safe. You’re right to take the doctor’s advice and maintain your fitness as well. Your attitude is inspiring to others who are dealing with health issues. take care and good luck!
December 2, 2008 at 1:20 pm
wow-good luck. get better soon.
December 2, 2008 at 5:18 pm
aww sweetheart i’m so sorry. But just stay focused on eating right and stay positive. You will be back at it in no time. I’ll keep you in my thoghts and prayers.
December 2, 2008 at 5:48 pm
you’d think if we could put a man on the moon we could do something about that other than to wait for it to dissipate….oh well, Im sure someone as fit as you will shrug this off….
December 3, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Stay strong…I will add you to my prayers!
December 3, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I LOVE your outlook on this, very positive thinking. You’ll get through this and my prayers are with you!
December 5, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I am glad to see that you are still positive about this- I would be a wreck! You’ll be in my prayers- rest up!
December 5, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I’ll keep you in my prayers. Way to stay positive girl, you’re awesome.
December 6, 2008 at 10:09 am
WOW, i did not know this was so severe! You will be in my prayers girl. BE CAREFUL!! How did this happen by the way? Remember, muscle memory after those 3 months of recovery. Take it easy. Your health is NUMBER 1!
December 6, 2008 at 10:28 am
Be safe and recover carefully. Best wishes
December 6, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Take care of yourself and keep your positive attitude. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
December 6, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Keep your positive outlook and this too will be behind you! Make sure that they do blood work to check the level of coumadin, and your INR. Very important not to thin the blood too much….
December 6, 2008 at 1:43 pm
That’s great that its shrinking. You’ve made amazing progress, I’m sure you’ll be able to maintain with bodyweight exercises and a clean diet no problem
December 6, 2008 at 2:16 pm
You look great and I hope this setback does not get you down!
December 7, 2008 at 9:45 am
I definitely know that you are an extremely strong individual and have a wonderful family that will support you through this time. It’s unfortunate that this has happened but the outcome will only make you stronger! Make sure you stay on that Coumadin. I know that’s a pain having to get it adjusted to it’s proper levels and having to get stuck evey so often…I just pray that your phlebotomist is gentle…lol Anyways, hold your head up, it’s only for a short time eventually that clot will desinigrate and you will be back at it. You have a great support system here on Bodyspace, if you need anything holler!
December 7, 2008 at 9:56 am
Because I do know a little about the body in terms of the vascular system, that coumadin will do you good. Just keep the blood thin and stay away from foods that help blood clotting (foods that contain iron and vitamin K)
December 7, 2008 at 11:25 am
I have a 28 year old friend that just went through the same thing that you are dealing with now. He was hunting with family members when he suffered what they thought was a heart attack. After further tests they found a very large blood clot in his leg and discovered that part of it broke loose and entered his heart causing damage. The GOOD NEWS!, After laying in a hospital bed for 2 weeks, and following his doctors orders for three months he is back to a relatively normal life style. His heart should heal due to his young age and the clot that was in his leg and the small piece that made it into his heart are completely dissolved. In his case he has to stay on the blood thinners for the rest of his life and wear panty hose when he is active working. So everything will work out great for you. Just be patient and take care of yourself, listen to what your doctors recommend. You look fantastic which took a lot of time and hard work to achieve and if you take a small step back after your three month break, you’ll be back in no time. Take this time to enjoy your family and the holiday’s. Best wishes and Peace be with you.
December 8, 2008 at 7:13 am
Awwwe, take it easy, and i’m proud that you’re not allowing this to stop you.
December 9, 2008 at 6:31 am
I really feel for you! I wish I could relate but I can’t.. I just wish you a safe and healthy recovery. Keep up the positive attitude and my well wishs and prayers are with you!
December 10, 2008 at 9:25 am
Just wondering how things are going with the bed rest? I hope you are doing OK!
Denise
December 13, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Oh girl I will keep you in my prayers!! Your such a strong lady and I love your positive attitude!! Take care of you!! And let your family take care of you for awhile too!! This is your time for healing! Many cyber hugs! Storm
December 13, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I am not familiar with DVT, but am very familiar with coumadin or as I like to call it rat poison. The injections, are those the ones you get in the abdoman? If so been there done that, burn, don’t they . So are you theraputic yet? How often are you going for protimes? Thats when they check you to see how thin your blood is. Are your hands and feet cold most of the time? I think you may be overeacting a bit on the shaving. But you do need to watch bruising and your vitamin K intake. Lovenox thats the injection I took in the abdomen. Just stay away from power tools and farm animals HAHA. I had an incident being kicked in my calf by a cow, the next day it was swollen and could hardly walk. Went to the ER they said I had Compartment Syndrome meaning my calf muscle was bleeding and the blood was trapped between the fasha and muscle. Man she sure tasted good, kidding. Any way good luck and if you have any questions about coumadin just ask.
December 14, 2008 at 1:17 pm
My thoughts are with you! My best friend had this as well two years ago. Clot was found in the upper thigh but was continuing to move up. She was hospitalized for two weeks while they attempted to break it up and stop the flow. Coumadin and daily injections as well. The injections were only short term but she is permanently on the Coumadin. However, she is happy and healthy none the less. So stay strong. Little setbacks only makes up stronger!
December 15, 2008 at 3:11 am
Wow, I’m sorry to hear all this! Remember, all these things you are doing are lifestyle changes. There will be lots of bumps in the road but just keep moving forward and making great decisions and you’ll be right where you need to be.
Take care of yourself. That’s the number one priority. There will always be another competition to train for.
Hugs
Peg
December 15, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Ouch what a set back.
But i love the attitude.
Dont let DVT run your house.
Hang in there, just think of it as a three month vacation.
Take care
Stuie
December 16, 2008 at 3:11 am
Well, hey, the best thing I can say is do what the docs say. They know best. If you think you can continue to work out minimally, do it, but do not put yourself in further risk. Good luck though, and will keep you in my thoughts. Stay motivated.
Ben
December 16, 2008 at 9:12 am
Wow, serious stuff, girl, but I’m glad to hear you are feeling better and are more comfortable. Take care of yourself, let yourself heal first and foremost. You obviously know how to eat right, so you’ll stay lean
December 16, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Wow, I’m sorry to hear that! Hang in there!
December 16, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I had exactly the same thing happen to me. The solution is to do EXACTLY what the doctors tell you to do. You’ll get through this. I had my DVT in 1999 and then again in 2002. I am now on Coumadin for life, but smartened up and got my act together. You can do the same. We’re in your corner, gal. Hang in there.
December 25, 2008 at 6:45 pm
The change in your body is awesome! I salute you. I am going to google this condition and learn more. Have not heard much about it . Did your doctor diagnose it correctly right away? What made you know that something was wrong? Is it connected to the bodybuilding lifestyle in any way?
December 30, 2008 at 8:38 am
You are very positive and that is great!
I wish you a fast and healthy recovery.
January 3, 2009 at 3:50 pm
good luck and stay strong and positive
January 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm
hey sorry about your DVT i had it in both legs and had blood work done by a hemotolgist to check what caused the problem which checked my protein C and S i took coumadin and injections and also had a IVC filter put in my chest to protect my major organs which i feel much better now that im not on any meds or have any blood clots i feel better but i like that extra insurance of having that filter just in case a clot forms and decides to travel. i wish u well and u might want to talk to ur doctor about the filter. God Bless You
January 7, 2009 at 11:04 pm
I like your attitude about what’s going on. I have neck spine and back issues that have kept me limited. I must modify what I do for now just to maintain. "Make Lemonade"
January 8, 2009 at 4:04 am
sorry to hear your troubles i will keep u in my prayers and thank you for staying soo positive you don’t know how motivating that is for myself and others.
January 9, 2009 at 7:32 am
good luck and stay strong. Rick
January 9, 2009 at 7:41 pm
OMG! I feel for you! Stay positive and listen to the doctors. Being stubborn never got us anywhere when it comes to health right! My prayers go out to you for a speedy recovery!
January 9, 2009 at 8:12 pm
WOW! I have heard that DVT’s are very painful! Coumadin therapy is just as painful! Frequent blood draws are the worst! I wish you all the best while you patiently wait for the "all clear". You have a wonderful attitude and things will work out for you! Good Luck and I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed
January 9, 2009 at 10:02 pm
dvt IS SCARY!!! On the bright side it was caught in time! Id be stubborn too
January 12, 2009 at 11:20 am
Very scary! Thankfully it was caught early. remember to put your health first, that is why we do this, right. you’ll be back in no time, and there are always shows to compete in. Just focus all of you energy on healing. all the best wishes,
Alissa
January 13, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Good that it was caught early. You’ll be in my prayers! Keep up the good work
January 14, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Oh my gosh! This exact thing happened to my good friend who is a triathlete. She was on the Nuva Ring and noone made the connection. She was put back on it even after questioning it with her PCP and the same thing happened again. She now uses an IUD. My friend who is a pharmacist said this happens a lot with hormonal BCPs and people don’t realize they have a problem until they get diagnosed with DVT (for the smaller amount of people who are predisposed to the condition). The diagnosis is made when something like this happens. I’m not sure if that helps you or not but she and another friend of ours both got off the hormonal BCPs and haven’t had an issue but they are still on coumadin.
January 15, 2009 at 8:07 pm
this is really scary but your doing exactly what you should be. Big Props! hang in there it sounds like its already lookin up
January 17, 2009 at 12:48 pm
After both of my surgeries I had to place something on the wall so I could look at it when in need. Here it goes…. Hope it helps!
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.
It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings
January 17, 2009 at 9:46 pm
It’s been a while since the last update. how is everything going?
January 22, 2009 at 9:20 pm
My prayers are with you and stay positive!
January 31, 2009 at 8:58 am
I was just randomly looking at comments from friends and found out about your health situation. I hope that you are recovering well from your DVT. I hate it when something interferes with my workouts. I hope for the best for you and God bless.
February 9, 2009 at 11:42 am
My brother had DVT in his leg, and is doing great now! Glad you are so positive - that helps!
February 11, 2009 at 2:47 pm
did it say how the clot orginally developed?