Let me introduce myself

Ok, so I decided to start a blog for a few reasons. First, I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism a few weeks ago. I'm only 22 so that's kind of a big deal. I'd love for someone in my situation be able to learn from all the stupid things that have happened since I got out of the hospital. Secondly, I know my 'people' are getting tired of hearing me complain so it gives me a productive outlet. Thirdly, now that I'm so sick and am limited to my bed 95% of the time, I need something to do.

A little about me.... I am 23 (turned 23 two weeks ago, 22 when I got the clot). I'm in seminary getting a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I just moved North five months ago. I lived with my parents in the south my whole life in the same house. This was my first move, a big deal for me. I moved here more or less for my boyfriend, Brian, who moved here for a job. Originally I was going to go to school in AR but really what's in AR? I'm not sure why I chose that I think it was pretty stupid honestly. I'm glad Brian suggested I move here to be closer to him.

So about six weeks ago I thought I was having an athsma attack. It was the same pressure in my chest but without the wheezing, typical of me really. But nothing that usually makes it feel better did so I decided to go to the ER because at least they would give me some prendisone to stop it. When I got there they told me I wasn't having athsma problems which raised the question, fine, but what is it then. After seven hours of testing in the ER they finally chose their last ditch effort, a CT looking for a pulmonary embolism which shockingly they found. Really when it comes down to it I was amazed with the difference of care I got before and after the diagnosis. Before they very obviously thought I was some crazy coming in for attention. After they seemed to feel bad for it and waited on my hand and foot for my every need until they found me a room and then two of my nurses escorted me there. Then I was put on Heparin and Coumadin to dissolve the clot and was told I'd be on Coumadin the rest of my life. This is because the clot was unprovoked meaning there isn't anything they can point to that may have caused it. In the eyes of doctors this kind of clot is worse than say a clot from a long plane ride of Birth Control because in those situations you know what causes it and can avoid it. When you don't know the cause you can't avoid it. Now in the last six weeks I've heard doctors go from one extreme to the other day after day. The medications have caused intriguing side effects including internal bleeding and I've been in and out of the ER and hospital ever since. I don't know what's going to happen ultimately but this is where I am today. I hope that writing in this can help others in same or similiar situations and give my mom a way to keep up with me without talking to her all the time;)