Pulmonary Embolisms and Leg Clot

This year has been a whirlwind, and it’s only January. I spent 5 days in the hospital again. This time was for the last Kyphoplasty.

I had shortness of breath on this last visit. I could barely go 5-10 paces without nearly hyperventilating. It was so difficult. It would take me 15-20 minutes to catch my breath. A surgical nurse saw this and fought for me to have some chest CT/X-rays. They saw two pulmonary embolisms in my lungs. They were massive and scary. They also found a clot in my left leg. I’ve been put on blood thinners. They removed the embolisms through my groin. I’m so thankful this nurse stood her ground and didn’t let it go. This could have been the end of me if not treated and removed.

I was in a PCU, Patient Care Unit. They said it was like a step down from ICU, same floor, just slightly less monitoring. I was there a couple of days. Then they moved me to a regular room. I went in on a Wednesday for the 2nd kyphoplasty. I was discharged the following Monday. My feet were so swollen I could not get my slip-on shoes on. I went home in the grippy socks. The foot swelling has gone down.

Being on the blood thinner, Eloquis, I bruise so easily. I take it twice a day. It’s wild seeing it. I have to be super careful. My wife has been by my side each day taking care of me. While she’s working, my mother has come up to stay with me. I was a fall risk and an injury risk in the hospital. I still get nervous walking to the bathroom. I am using the walker as before.

I’ve taken a step back at work and released the reins a bit. Not my choosing, but it’s better for me to focus on my health at this time. I’m thankful I can still work remotely. I’m thankful I still am employed.

Below are the embolisms they removed. My O2 sats were down to 82. Now they’re back to normal at 95-99.

I had some super light Physical Therapy yesterday. Today my back is sore but not like when I fractured the two vertabrae. It feels more like muscular pain. I can get up and down without assistance. When I had the fractures that was a no go. Next week is filled with appointments. I’m not really looking forward to it but we will push through. Please keep your prayers and positive vibes flowing, I could really use them.