Itay
Hello and greetings, my name is Itay (pronounced E-thai).
I am currently 34 years old and have been on Coumadin treatment for more than
2 years. Here is my story.
On October 21, 2004, I was having trouble breathing.
I allowed it to go on for several hours before it got to the point where I COULD
NOT breath without great difficulty (wheezing actually) -- I did not want to
go to the ER. I actually was concerned for my ability to breath so much that
I called 911. Upon arrival at the ER -- the nurse used the finger light to test
the oxygen in the blood. It read 88%! Immediately the staff moved me from the
nurse's triage area to a trauma room.
I had oxygen put onto my nose and was taken to the CT for a scan. The real indication
that I had a major problem besides my fear...was the look on the Radiologist
face. They never tell you anything but this one told me right away..."Sir, you
have Pulmonary Emboli -- many of them. I count 34 and still counting in just
your right lung. YOU ARE VERY LUCKY!" I didn't feel very lucky; I was in pain
and could not breath well.
After a week of hospitalization, I was sent home with a diagnosis of Pulmonary
Emboli and Protein C and S deficiency aka Thick Blood Syndrome. I was told it
was rare and I was going to need to take Warfarin for the rest of my life. The
doctors told me that my condition could cause blood clots in my arteries and
veins. Those clots could lead to more Pulmonary Emboli, a heart attack or even
a stroke. This made me very concerned/scared but at least there was a treatment
and "cure."
All I needed to do was maintain my medicine and see the doctor for what they called a Coumadin clinic. I really wish I had asked more questions -- later at my new doctor's office (the hematologist), she told me that I had a very rare condition. Though I was taking a blood thinner...my particular condition could mean that I had the possibility of having more clots even if I took the medicine properly. She really reduced my stress level about the condition and without her constant care, she educated me about the warning signs and need for consistent care.
I have been on Coumadin for more than 2 years now, relocated to Los Angeles, and gotten much more healthy. It is possible to live a relaxed life and enjoy the small things. I have had recurrences of clots but I know the indicators, take my medicine daily, and I changed my stress level by adopting the policy: "Stress is going to kill me -- I am no longer going to accept anyone else's stress. I have enough!" I suggest that you take this new "attitude" to heart and live the most of each and every day.
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