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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

It was a close call

Vinton, LA

Two years ago Leonard was diagnosed with a blood clot in his left leg.  He was hospitalized 5 days, put on the blood thinner Warfarin and had to be monitored on occasion.

In September he underwent back surgery.  Prior to the surgery he had to see a Vascular Doctor for clearance.  He was cleared for surgery and this doctor took him off the medication but told him to always wear compression stockings while driving distances and to take frequent breaks to walk around a bit.   He adhered to his directions.

About 10 days ago, Leonard started having breathing problems   It became increasingly worse.  I asked him several times to seek medical treatment.  His reply was that he was not in pain, just short of breath.  He tired and could hardly breathe walking from one end of the rig to the other.  Every time I implored him to seek treatment, he refused.  Finally on Saturday when it tired him out to put his boots on, he agreed to a trip to the ER.

After having blood work, chest X-ray and a CT Scan he was admitted.   He not only had the clot in the left leg but some had developed in the right leg.   Some of the clots had broken off and entered one of his lungs, causing the breathing difficulties.  Only one lung was operating.

Yesterday he had a filter installed by the kidneys that will prevent any clot from going further.  His body will cleanse out those clots in his lung.  The ones is his leg will remain there.

We were told he is lucky.  Had the other lung suffered the same invasion, he would have suffocated.

We asked about our lifestyle.  The surgeon said as long as he remains on Xarelto for the rest of his life, wears compression stockings when driving distances and takes frequent breaks, we should go on and enjoy what we do.  Oh, and if another doctor tells him not to take blood thinners, run from his office.

My friends who RV and drive long distances.....please don't drive more than 2 hours without giving it a rest.  Get out and walk around.  And if you have a spouse, listen to them if they tell you to see a doctor.

And if that isn't enough to convince you the take care of such things..... the cost of 45 days of Xarelto is over $800.00.  With the Humana Walmart Prescription Plan we paid $395.00.  Think about that cost every month or so.   Do not let this happen to you.




10 comments:

  1. Wow, Phyllis that is so scary. Thank God that Leonard finally agreed to go to the hospital. I sure hope he learned his lesson about listening to you!!

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  2. Oh my, Phyllis. We are so sorry to read about Leonard and the blood clots. We will keep you both in our prayers for healing, strength and patience.

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  3. Glad to hear Leonard is doing better. I see you will be in the Phoenix, AZ area this winter hope we can meet up with you guys.

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  4. I am also on blood thinners and compression stockings for ever. I have to wear the stupid stockings 24/7. cant he be on another blood thinner that is so expensive?

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    1. The less expensive ones there are dietary restrictions and he would have to be monitored with blood tests and doctor follow ups. Hard to do as fulltimers. We are hoping under our insurance plan some of this is deductible. We will see when we get refills.

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  5. I'm glad Leonard went in for help in time.

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  6. I definitely get what you're saying about driving long distances. Even if we do a 400 mile day, we always stop for fuel within a few hours and both of us get out and walk around. Continued prayers for Len and you too!

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  7. Oh My Goodness,

    Men are very stubborn, glad he gave in. I never drive for more than 2 hrs at a time. I stop and walk around and walk Fred too. Sometimes if I see something interesting I will pull over and walk around to take photos. Wishing Len a speedy recovery.

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  8. Phyllis, my DW is a nurse and she said it was indeed a close call. God still has something for Leonard to do!

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