Anxiety and More Tests

[nekosensei]

So...I think I'm having some major problems with anxiety. For some reason, I have this fear that more blood clots will form even though I'm on the anti-coagulants. Yes...I know that it's completely irrational and said phenomenon is rare. Still, I can't stop worrying. If it were a less serious health condition, I wouldn't feel so bad, but this could make me drop dead from a heart attack, stroke, or another pulmonary embolism. It also didn't help that my doctor seems to think that I might be one of those women who hyper-coagulate-- and are therefore more prone to clots-- because of how slowly I responded to the coumadin. We're not going to know for sure though until she does the tests once I'm off coumadin.

Anyhow, I went to the doctor yesterday and she prescribed me some anti-anxiety meds (Buspar and Xanax) to keep me from panicking. Everyone seems to think that my worrying all the time is not going to help me get better. She also mentioned having me talk to someone who has had a pulmonary embolism before.

Yesterday, I had some more tests done. I had another ultrasound of my leg and I also got my blood tested. I'm now up to 3.2 inr and I don't need to take the lovenox shots anymore. Friday morning, I get to have more fun tests. I'm going to have a CT scan of my abdomen and that means that I have to drink this really vile looking mixture the night before and the morning of. I'm not sure what it is, but I think it's Barium. Then, I have to go to my doctor's office and get another blood draw. I have to say that I really am a human pin cushion. My arms are all bruised from IVs and blood draws and it must look like I use intravenous drugs or something...

Comments

[ordinary.livejournal.com]

Both Kristine and my friend Erin have clotting disorders if you want someone to talk to. Erin is blistex I think it's a good idea to talk to someone about it (and take those pills they gave you!). It's hard to go through all the testing and stuff by yourself. I can't speak much on your particular issue, since I'm a bleeder myself, but you know what I've been through, and I'd never be able to get through it all without people to talk to.

Also, Barium is vile. It's sort of like a yogurt-y smoothie but it mostly has the texture of egg whites. I do not envy you at all. You should make Dan take a sip. Greg drank a little of mine.

[doomsey.livejournal.com]

I've done a few CT scans with barium before. I don't have to have more to know it's not very appetizing :)

[fuzzyscribble.livejournal.com]

I know blondiebritecake has had issues with blood clots before. It's why she's not on the pill. And Sam's cousin had a stroke from problems with her pill...in her 30s.

It's one of those things that nobody looks for until you have a problem with it.

Sometimes writing down anxieties helps. I have a chart my therapist gave me where I write down my thought...decide whether it's rational or not...explain it in rational terms...and then plan out a strategy to deal with it. I believe the fancy name for it is a "dysfunctional thought record."

[punkinberry.livejournal.com]

Man, I hate Barium, blech!

If it makes you feel any better, I had a heck of a time getting my INR just barely over 2. They doubled my Coumadin, then doubled it again, and it still took 3 weeks. The worry was that I'd develop a clot from the hip surgery, so I was on the stupid Coumadin for an entire stupid 5 weeks. Just wait until you see how delightful a blood thinner is when you get your period...

I'm glad you're out of danger now! And please don't worry about getting more clots -- I'm sure your blood has gotten the message by now that it should flow smoothly and not irk you any further.

[juxta-poser.livejournal.com]

Well, it sounds like you have top notch medical care to say the least. No one can blame you for worrying. Maybe let the fact that they're so closely monitoring you assuage your fears. I, for one, am very worried about you.

U worry...

[purpurachicago.livejournal.com]

too much to begin with ... and now that you have a reason it can go banana's.. STOP IT... bad moment over... move ON... Belly at ganga's work had it, hospitalized and everything and now has a beautiful girl... LIFE GOES ON... you are not the first one nor the last one... and anyway.. you stopped taking the pills (you had too I assume) sooo.... the problem is gone with and tell doomsey to stop moving the cans... tell him to get a hobbie...

Re: U worry...

[nekosensei.livejournal.com]

too much to begin with ... and now that you have a reason it can go banana's.. STOP IT... bad moment over... move ON...

Yes...I realize that I should move on and stop worrying, but it's something that's easier said than done. Maybe the buspar and Xanax will help me out with that...

[lucy-burb.livejournal.com]

I think talking to a therapist would benefit. There's this technique called EMDR, it's VERY effective in reducing anxiety. I've had it done.