01 September 2010

A Year Ago Today

A year ago today is something that no parent would want to go through. A time when your heart feels like it could stop too.
Last summer my daughter was sick on and off. At first it seemed like it was only a sinus infection which was a possibility, but there was a darker side attacking her. Her chest was hurting, and she was coughing hard. Then it got to the point of having a hard time breathing. At one doctor's office/clinic they took x-rays, and said she had pneumonia. Antibiotics were given which seemed to help. Then it started again. Now they said she had pneumonia in her other lung, and it got worse. More antibiotics. One doctor ran blood tests, and her white cells were going crazy. Then she coughed so hard she cracked ribs. Finally it eased up some with the antibiotics so they took their vacation down to Florida. While down there she said she never felt right, always felt like something was wrong. I too, had a bad feeling, woman's/mommy intuition. The morning when they were coming home she happened to stubble against the bucket of sand she was bringing home. She said it felt like her heart stopped, she turned gray, broke out in a sweat. Yes, she knows now she should have gone straight to the hospital there, but her thought was mom will have to come all the way down here just for a cracked rib. So they drove home, a long car ride home. Everything was so unsure.
We went to another doctor, and this is where she wound up.

The hospital for a whole week, and in ICU for three days. What was it you ask? Something that we would never, ever, in our wildest imagination would have thought of.......Blood clots aka pulmonary embolism. So many of them. The doctor said that perhaps the bucket saved her by making us aware of it. They called her the miracle girl. By all rights she should not have made it, but she did. One that I am thankful for every day for the rest of my life.
Now we are more aware of blood clots. There is a facebook page with it, and I am amazed at how many young people there are who have gone through it too. This is a very, very, scary situation. Not something that you would think could happen to young people, but it does. So now, I'm asking you to be aware of these things that I have read and am passing on to you.
Pain along/or with heat or swelling in the calf or thigh that feels like an ache
Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, fast breathing, and painful breathing
These are just a few of the symptoms that should be check out asap.
Don't let a doctor say oh it's nothing. It is better to have an ultra sound or cat scan done than to have it ignored. A lot of doctors from what I have read have done that as they think a young patient, no surgery was recently done, they can't have this problem. Wrong, it can affect any age!
As I watched my daughter receive shots in her stomach, iv's, blood thinners being given to her that first week, I was amazed at how strong she was during that time. Me?, I felt like the 90 pound weakling!
So, now a whole year of being on the blood thinner Warfarin aka coumadin has come to an end. She will probably still have some tests done in another month or so for her new doctor to make sure she is as healthy as she can be with damaged lungs.
I must make a note though that a very big suspicion for her blood clots were the birth control pills.
This is not something that I would normally write about, but I believe it is something that everyone should be aware of that it can happen, more often than we know, and yes, to our children. I hope my blogging friends will pass this information on, because I would not wish something like this on my worst enemy.
How is my daughter you ask? Here take a look

Isn't she beautiful? I am a happy mom!!!!

20 comments:

Madelief said...

Hi Ulrike,

I am so happy for you and your daughter. She looks absolutely gorgeous and healthy on the photo! Can't believe it's already a year ago. You know what is strange, I think the same thing that happened to your daughter has happened to the wife of one of my collegues. Unfortunately she didn't make it. She was only 56 years old. Your daughter must have had a very good guardian angel!!!

Enjoy your day!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Anonymous said...

Sometimes God has us stumble before the fall. Although it was a horrible time for you it worked out!! What a beautiful girl....
Have a Wonderful Week!
Love,
Marilyn

Anke said...

Your daughter is beautiful and I am so glad everything turned out ok and the problem was found. It must have been so scary for all of you during this time. Thank you for sharing your story and raising awareness.

summersundays-jw said...

Such a scary story! We hear it so often -- if you're not feeling right, don't let your Dr. dismiss you. Thanks for reminding us. She is beautiful! Jan

Comfrey Cottages said...

oh Ulrike, I sooo remember this! Am ever thankful she is doing so well today. What an absolutely gorgeous young woman, she is:) Beautiful like her mother. Wonderful idea to share these signs and symptoms with others. Generosity of spirit! love and hugs

Debra@CommonGround said...

Such a beautiful girl, and I'm so glad that she's well now. It's good to post these things as our words could save another's life. Hugs and blessings to your whole family!
xo,
Debra

Anonymous said...

Oh, Ulrike, I am so happy that the Drs. finally figured out what was going on, and your daughter is doing well. She is beautiful!!!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Rosine said...

Ja, sie sieht so glücklich aus.
Liebe Grüße Rosine

Lori said...

Aww, Mom, thank you for posting this. I am definitely scared to be off the blood thinners and have "normal" blood again but hopefully I will never have another clot. Some days I thought the chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue would never end, even after months of treatment. A year later, today, I walked all around the mall, smiled at everyone I saw, and enjoyed my beautiful blue sky! I am very thankful to be alive today, despite all the discomfort I have been through. Thanks so much for being my biggest fan and supporter, I could never replace what you have given me. Love you!

Lori

Julie Marie said...

Oh Ulrike, I just read Lori's post too... I am so thankful she is ok and she looks just gorgeous! How scared you all must have been... prayers for her continued good health... love to you... xoxo Julie Marie

Rostrose said...

Thank you so much, dearest Ulrike, for this important information! I am so happy, that your pretty daughter survived this terrible disease!!! Blessings to you and your family - and thx very much for your nice & sweet lines on my blog!!!
Big hugs, Traude

Unknown said...

Glad she is full of life and happy these days!

Lebenslust was sonst said...

Hallo Ulrike thank for coming to my blog.How well your dau is well again.God prodect them.Love greetings from Austria.Edith.

Kerri said...

That's such a happy photo of your lovely daughter and her hubby. I'm so glad she's well again after such a terrible ordeal. What a frightening time for all of you.
Thanks for making us aware of this dangerous condition.
I loved seeing the scenes from your beautiful garden. Even with your red clay it looks lush, green and lovely. Our soil varies, but we add a lot of compost which helps tremendously.
I love your garden house. You and your hubby have worked hard and done a great job with it.
Do you still have the foster pooch? She looks like the perfect match for you!
Your weekend in the mountains sounded wonderful. What a beautiful, scenic place.
Didn't the summer go fast? Enjoy the cooler fall weather!

Mary said...

I remember it well as it seems just like yesterday! She is looking beautiful and healthy and it sounds like all is well, thank the good Lord.

Hugs - Mary

Justabeachkat said...

Wow! How scary! Praise God she is okay now. She is so beautiful and she looks so happy.

Hugs,
Kat

Anjas Hill said...

Dear Ulrike!

What a dramatic story with a happy ending!
I weep for joy with you.It is wonderful to see how well your beautiful daughter is doing now!/Hugs, Anja

Dianna said...

Ulrike, I thank you for sharing about your daughter's scary situation from a year ago. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you, your daughter and her husband. She's a beautiful young woman...looks so much like her momma! I'm grateful her story had a happy ending.

Penny said...

So thankful that your story has a happy ending. Thanks for sharing it and I am so happy that your beautiful daughter got through her health problems. Bless your family and I look forward to seeing you in October.

Southern Lady said...

I am so glad that she is better. She is beautiful! We should always push for an answer when our body tells us that something is not right. Thank God that you got your answers. Carla

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