Disclaimer: This post is not intended as medical advice rather it represents my experiences and my opinions. As always, you should check with your doctor or medical professional about any questions related to your health, diagnosis, and treatment. I am not responsible for any medical decisions you make using information from my blog. All medical decisions should be made by you and your doctor.
I have lived on blood thinner for the last 15 years (and I still am)!
Are you taking blood thinner? Did you just receive a diagnosis, have a major surgery, or some other unforeseen circumstance?
It will be ok.
That’s right. I know you are still trying to figure life out. Did the dietician/nutritionist/really nice nurse come talk to you about Vitamin K and greens before you left the hospital?
I’ve. Been. There.
Did you come home and your spouse/mother/friend/child immediately cover all the sharp knives?
I’ve. Been. There.
Actually, I still live there. I’m glad you have found your way to this page. Thank you for stopping by to read and share on my blog. While I’m a teacher by profession, you will find that I have had some unusual paths along my life journey, too. When I almost died (more on that later) and was diagnosed with a rare, clotting condition 13 years ago, there was no one out there. At least, no one that I could find in my rural location.
Dear one (I can call you that, right, because, you know, you are part of the compadre know as “we officially take the stuff they use to kill rats or some other high-powered something”), it will be ok.
Yes, while you are on blood thinner you will need to put your professional ice hockey career on hold (Read: Medical information regarding falls on blood thinner); however, life goes on.
I’m living proof.
As I went through my round of “check in with my team of doctors” this summer, a Physician’s Assistant saw me during my hematologist visit. It was our first meeting.
After the usual pleasantries, I opened up with, “I bet you don’t get many patients my age on blood thinner.”
Her response, “Definitely not, nor have I ever seen anyone your age that has been on blood thinner this long.”
I offered my autograph and we had a good laugh.
You. Can. Do. This.
Your job for today is to
- Follow your doctor’s instructions
- Read the medicine pamphlet
- Write down any questions you have for your doctor.
Repeat daily until you have all the answers you need.
I am not a doctor (God bless them, I’m glad we have so many good ones out there), nor anything close to a medical professional.
However, I am the patient that has now been living on blood thinner since 2004.
You. Can. Do. This.
I’m cheering you on, friend! I hope your road is not as long as mine, but if it is, I’m here to encourage you. Yes, it is a life changing medicine, but I also view it as life-giving. Thirteen years later, three babies, two houses, one amazing husband, and a great God—I’m here today to tell you it will be ok.
When I started my journey 13 years ago, there was no one for me to talk to that was my age and taking blood thinner. There was nothing on the internet, nor books in the bookstore. I found myself reading medical journals to understand more about why I needed blood thinner and how it worked in my body.
Today, we have this amazing place where we can support and encourage one another.
It will be all right, friend.
Take each day at a time. Keep a small notepad by your bed for your questions that invariably come to mind at all hours.
Welcome to the next chapter in your life—the one where you learn to live on blood thinner.
Blessings,
Lesley
