Thursday, July 09, 2015

Well, here I am. Many, many, many thanks for all your kind messages.

Leaving the hospital after last Friday's visit, I suddenly felt terribly weak and breathless. I got to the car, not without difficulty, drove home all right, felt no better on Saturday and decided not to visit, and to see our GP on Monday. Family and friends intervened. It was Ketki who actually phoned NHS24. An out-of-hours GP appt was arranged for the afternoon – she sent me to the good old Western General where my poor husband has been all these weeks. They did a blood test which suggested clots, and kept me.

A scan on Sunday apparently confirmed pulmonary embolism.

I was – and somewhat remain – convinced that the symptoms were entirely stress-related, as I kept telling dr after dr. They are, however, devoted to their science and the result is that I have to eschew cider and consume rat poison for six months.

I thought of a problem in the night. At the moment, I must go in every day for a blood test and an injection. Then I visit my husband, go home, watch Wimbledon, and wait for them to ring up and say how much rat poison to take that evening. This regime will more or less continue for the six months, but the injections will end and the monitoring will transfer to the GP and no longer have to be daily.

However, that's not the problem. The leaflet says that I mustn't go on a diet – weight loss will increase the effect of the Warfarin, presumably to undesirable levels. I always lose 7 or 8 pounds during lent, not drinking cider. I would expect 6 months of abstinence to trim me down by a stone or so. I'll put the problem to them this morning. I certainly don't want to resume sugar-eating.

I feel much better, although not altogether. Once I knew that Alexander had Perdita, the hospital experience was not entirely unpleasant. A neighbour was delegated to feed her, but she doesn't like cat or kitten food, and she doesn't like being alone, and I worried a lot those first two nights. It sounds as if she is having a grand time on Loch Fyne, and eating delicacies. She will come back tomorrow, when James will be here. It seemed best to wait, so that the brothers could see each other at least briefly.

James' wife Cathy came up on Monday evening – this week doesn't have enough days in it for all the events – and stayed through Tuesday night when I was suddenly released. She was a great help and comfort. She even wheeled my husband across to the ward where I was, before we knew that I was about to be set free.

Knitting

Pocket squares are ideal hospital knitting, and I have now finished the seven for the groomsmen. Matt himself has emailed to say he'd like his to be white, so yesterday, during a rain interval at Wimbledon, I ordered a skein of Baah Aspen (which I'm using) in “laPerle” from Webs. I think it will be a bit less stark than dead white. It's coming Priority Mail and should be here soon. Meanwhile there are ends to tidy and blocking to be done.

I did a little test square while in hospital with a double row of eyelets around the edge for the bridegroom and that went well.

Fantoosh and the Ladies' Semi-Finals today. Last night the television stopped working -- "No Signal" it said. But I solved that problem during the night -- switch off the electricity altogether for a moment. It worked.


Daisy, I did have my iPad in hospital – but no wi-fi. Goodness, how I missed it, next after the cat. But the great thing about electronic reading is that, instead of untidy piles of unread paperbacks here and there about the house, one has them all compactly together and I ripped through quite a few – A Passage to India, an old Ruth Rendell which I'd already read but I finished it anyway, and “Nora Webster” by Colm Toibin. Then on to "Nothing but Grass" by Will Cohu which starts well but is sagging somewhat in the middle. And I made some progress will Gillian Tett's "Fool's Gold", about the recent financial crisis.

67 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:03 AM

    Phew! What a joy to have you back!

    Judith in Ottawa

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  2. Such a pleasant surprise to see your post this morning and to hear you sounding so positive. The Warfarin regime is a nuisance but a lifesaver!

    The weight loss shouldn't be a problem if you rounghly calculate the calorific intake from your cider and replace it with something else you enjoy. It doesn't have to be sweet.

    Wishing you well.

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  3. I have asked Alexander to explain to Perdita that she is to make the most of her holiday because, after that, she has the job of helping to look after you.
    Thinking of you from Downunder!

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  4. Lovely to see you back.:)

    Stress related? Well yes, I'm with you on that, stress will make any underlying condition worse. And obviously you're very stressed atm. What to do about it, that's the thing? Has anyone sat down with your husband and explained that one way to reduce this stress considerably is for him not to take his anger out on you all the time?

    Weight loss? Work out how many calories are in your daily cider. Eat these as something else. Doesn't have to be sugar, just an extra portion or two of something you enjoy as a snack. Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel? Fancy nut mix? Extra bowl of porridge?

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  5. Lovely to hear your voice once again, Jean. You had us all worried there. I'm enjoying the Ravelry group, as I hope that you are.

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  6. Welcome back, Jean, to better health, to Drummond Place and to your blog. We've all missed you.

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  7. I'm on a drug called Dabigatran which is a substitute for Warfarin but much easier to take with no regular tests or checks. I just take one morning and evening

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    Replies
    1. Christine1:02 PM

      Sadly the new oral anticoagulants aren't suitable for everyone, so might not be available for Jean, although I agree they're much easier to manage

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  8. Thank goodness you are out!
    I am sorry you have to endure the hassle of Warfarin - in my recent contretemps, they wanted me to take it and I was allowed to refuse, and they found me one of the newer thinners which does not cause anything like the hassle. Something to explore?
    I often think that heavy stress can "curdle" the blood, but you would worry even more if the stress-maker changed the habits of a lifetime! At least, now, the deciders on care will have been given a heads-up that your strength is not unlimited.
    Just ask, loud and clear, for what you need and are clearly entitled to!
    And know that we wish you well.

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  9. Anonymous10:41 AM

    So pleased you are back. Perhaps this has made your husband realise you are not completely invincible Liz Phillips

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  10. So happy to see this post this morning!! Happy you're feeling better and very happy that Perdita will be back where she belongs very soon.
    Maybe now the powers that be can work on reducing your stress..

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  11. Jane from Wisconsin11:27 AM

    So happy to find your post this morning! Thank you to your family for taking such good care of you.
    Please follow their lead and take good care of yourself!

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  12. Anonymous11:47 AM

    AAaaahh!!!. So pleased you are back and blogging in just your usual style. Those days in hospital seem to have provided a much needed rest. However, I believe you are absolutely right about the cause; of course it is stress-related. Enlist your family to say so, plainly and clearly to every medic you encounter. Some of them can get stuck in a routine and routinely prescribe the same drugs - and fail to think clearly - and fail to discover and remedy the cause. You need to have all this stress resolved! Do also ask about the newer drugs mentioned above, they may be easier to use.

    Good to hear about the knitting and already looking forward to the finished Fantoosh.
    Helen (anon)

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  13. Anonymous12:27 PM

    Please remember when playing with Perdita that it will take longer for a scratch to stop bleeding. Just hold pressure on a cut with a cloth and be patient. Most of all, don't want you to worry about it, since it isn't your usual response.

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  14. o frabjous day! you are back!
    one of your followers here has started the Ravelry group you approved of... we are having a lively time and hope you will join us!
    agree with the earlier posts about talking to your doctors perhaps there is an alternative drug... and echoing others on speaking up for you and your needs in the coming weeks as your husband returns... new routine and outside support ... take all the help you are offered!

    imagine you are looking forward to Perdita's return!



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  15. Welcome home, Jean! Very relieved and glad to see your post this morning. My mother also had a pulmonary embolism a few years ago when under a great deal of stress, and I'm happy to say it has resolved with no ill effects and she hasn't been on warfarin for years. Wishing for equally positive results for you. Won't it be a joy to have Perdita back! Look forward to hearing all about it.

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  16. Anonymous12:47 PM

    Do be careful on Warfarin with greens.. it is almost like all or none.... I only need to have my blood monitored every month now....I have been on it for 15 years....
    Leslie in NJ

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  17. You are tough! Good job! I'm happy you're back.

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  18. Christine12:56 PM

    Don't worry too much about weight loss, the regular blood tests will assess the effect the medication is having so that the dosing can be adjusted accordingly. and you won't lose all the weight at once, so the adjustment will be gradual. Guess what I do for a living! (I knit for enjoyment and therapy!)

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  19. Yay for being home! So glad you had knitting and e-books with you in hospital. As someone said up there, be careful about cuts and scratches while on Warfarin; my DH takes blood thinners and sometimes leaks blood without even knowing he's scratched himself. Anyway: Welcome Back!

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  20. Welcome home! I missed you. All good thoughts your way.

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  21. Anonymous1:08 PM

    Congratulations on your release from hospital! There really is no place like home. And best of luck to you with the rat poison; many wish there were better alternatives to Warfarin.
    cheers,
    CKP

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  22. So happy you are home! Follow Dr's orders and take care of you. De-stress! Perdita should be able to help with that.

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  23. Ellen1:25 PM

    Listen to the doctors...this time its important. Glad you are home.

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  24. All is right with the world seeing you back from the hospital. Hoping there is a easier way for you to de stress.

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  25. I join the happy chorus: welcome home, Jean! It's wonderful to have you back, and brava to Ketki for not letting you wait until Monday to see the GP. I look forward to seeing the completed pocket squares, but only when you are truly well enough to be messing about with photos. Enjoy the tennis, and don't let Mr. Murray make you too anxious tomorrow,

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  26. Anonymous2:15 PM

    Joining the chorus of Yay! sayers. Glad you are home, glad you are ok, glad you made progress on those lovely-but-maybe-somewhat-pesky pocket squares, glad your family intervened, glad Perdita will be home soon.

    Please, stay well! Including not letting your husband come home until a care system is in place.

    Beverly in NJ

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  27. Great to click on your blog and see that you are home. Keep well.
    Ron in Mexico

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  28. I'm so glad you are better!

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  29. Welcome back, Jean! I'm so happy you are on the mend, and that you will be getting Perdita back tomorrow. I've been thinking of you all week. It was so kind of Alexander to let us know you had been taken to hospital. You have terrific children. :-)

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  30. Anonymous2:49 PM

    Delighted that you're home and back with us and that you will have Perdita to cuddle soon. I hope your recovery goes smoothly.

    Elaine in NYC

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  31. Anonymous2:54 PM

    Welcome back, Jean! So glad you're home. Emboli are not to be fooled with - important to go with medical advice, I think. They'll have warned you about foods with Vitamin K - not just the leafy greens but some surprising things like prunes. Enjoy Perdita and yes, watch out for scratches. Look forward to a pic of the groom's pocket square.
    - Beth in Ontario

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  32. Welcome home! Excellent progress on the knitting and reading fronts, and you sound as if all is as well as it could be. Can't wait to see the finished Fantoosh.

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  33. Jean, I'm very happy that you are home and that Perdita will rejoin you soon. Hooray for getting those pocket squares knit up and for enjoying a good bout of reading. You must be doing well if you are back to driving. That's quite a schedule, almost like having a job.

    I agree that stress likely caused this, but now the physical ailment is real and has to be treated as such. Oh, no cider... That's cruel.


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  34. Glad you have been released. Take care. Enjoy Perdita and Wimbledon. The screams are in the background as I write (with one finger now - arthritis in both hands - a development in the last 6 months - but I can still knit!)

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  35. =Tamar4:31 PM

    Whew. Continual assessment is a nuisance but it should settle into a routine reasonably soon. Perhaps someone could file the tips of Perdita's claws just a tiny bit.

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  36. Oh, Jean, so glad you've been sprung. And I agree, stress has had a big role in this. Your new routine sounds draining, but you're home and soon to be reunited with Perdita.

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  37. Oh what a relief that your home and dear Perdita will be back from her vacation soon!

    I am sure stress helped to create this problem but now that it is a problem the good doctors are dealing with it.

    I am sorry the cider is off the table for a bit, but happy you are addressing the coming weight loss to the doctor. They will have a couple of suggestions I am sure.

    Be gentle with yourself Jean, we love you like family.

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  38. Ohhh, Jean!! I'm so glad you're home! What a huge relief to see your post today. I worried about you and missed you. It sounds like Perdita has been in excellent hands, but I know things will not feel right until the two of you are back together. I'll be wishing you a very happy reunion, and I will be sending lots and lots of healing energy your way.

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  39. Welcome back! Glad you are feeling better, knitting lots, and to be reunited with Perdita soon.

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  40. I seldom comment but I'm a devoted reader, your eye for new knitting books is superb. I just wanted to comment to say how glad I am that you are returning to health!

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  41. Pleased to hear that you are home again. Look after yourself, I am sure you will be carefully monitored. My father in law lost quits a bit of weight when he came home from hospital and I think that the frequent blood tests mean that drug levels can be adjusted as appropriate. Enjoy Perdita when she comes home.

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  42. Anonymous9:20 PM

    Welcome back! I missed you.
    Judy in Denver

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  43. Anonymous9:30 PM

    Dear Jean ... Alleluias ringing loud and clear!!!!!

    You are encircled by such a loving,caring family and a world (really!) of soul-mates!!!

    Blessings abound upon you ... continually!!! Elizabeth A.

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  44. Dear Jean,
    It is so nice to hear (read) your voice again. Like the others I have checked daily for any news, and worried a bit.

    I must say, when the diagnosis of clots in the lung was mentioned I immediately thought it might have been caused by stress. So I agree heartily with your conclusion and so it seems does everyone else!

    I'm looking forward to your daily posts again, but please do not tire yourself.

    Sarah New York City

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  45. What everyone else said. Please look after yourself.

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  46. Anonymous10:06 PM

    So glad you are home again and recovering. I agree about stress being a factor and that you should discuss all the options and factors about the warfarin therapy with the doctor. With all of the loving support of your family and little Perdita, I hope you recover very quickly and fully. Blessings on you and your family - including the furry angel in your home. Take care - Joe-in Wyoming

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  47. annec in Maryland10:34 PM

    Wonderful to see your post, I'm glad you've been sprung from hospital. As others have said, please do take care of yourself!

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  48. I just turned on my iPad ( after MY morning jaunt to the hospital...) and the first thing I saw was that you are home again. A very nice way to restart my day. So pleased for you. Do take care, we all missed you terribly.

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  49. Anonymous11:06 PM

    Missed you very much Jean when you were away. Will light a candle for your continued recovery. Enjoy your reunion with Perdita, and indeed the tennis too. Eileen K. Wexford.

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  50. You had me worried there Jean. So glad you are home. Sending hugs

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  51. So glad to hear your lovely voice again. Miss you when you're not around. Hope you make a speedy recovery.

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  52. Dear Jean, welcome home! I'm glad you are feeling better and wish you a speedy recovery and a short time on the rat poison!
    Alison in Australia

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  53. Seconding everyone else's joy at your reappearance! I'm sending you a gentle, virtual hug. Connie

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  54. So glad that you are well enough to be home (and blogging)! Take care of yourself.

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  55. Welcome home Jean! That includes your real home and with all of us in your virtual home. Please take good care of yourself as most of us are too far away to help you in any physical way.

    For anyone interested there is now a Ravelry group open for Jean and her followers. Please join us over at "Drummond Place Irregulars".

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  56. Anonymous4:29 AM

    Hi Jean so pleased you are on the mend. Sending warm regards from NZ. I have tried to post several times so hopefully this will work! You are one I "visit" every day and have been concerned. Sending hugs

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  57. So glad to read your own words again, especially the words about a reunion with Perdita.

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  58. Welcome home! I was so glad to see your post and to hear that you're feeling better. Please to take it easy and take care of yourself!

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  59. Anonymous1:58 PM

    Dear Jean,
    So happy you're back home and feeling better. Thinking of you and your family.
    Best Wishes,
    Erin in PA

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  60. What everyone else said :-)

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  61. What everyone else said :-)

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  62. Good morning Jean (from Northern California)
    I always check in before I head to work. Very glad you are home and Perdita joins you soon. Gads, you read quite fast and I intend to look up those authors.
    Stress was my thought was to a cause as well.
    Grateful you are better and home,
    Barbara from Northern California

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  63. Anonymous4:35 PM

    So glad you are out of hospital and on the mend!

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  64. Very thankful to hear you are home! Good thoughts and prayers for you and your family will continue. Rest and recover, please!

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  65. So glad you are better, and back!

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