Good News

So, this week I decided at the end of every day I will pull out at least one positive about that day. End result- it's a good week no matter what happens. I decided today to post that positive here since it is somewhat of an update.

Just some background for anyone just starting to read... I had my thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis in April. It resulted in the complication of a pulmonary embolism. Thus, I've been on warfarin (blood thinner treatment). I was originally told 6 months, which brings us to right about now.

Today I met with my hematologist to discuss the possibility of coming off the warfarin. We were weighing the options- stay on, stop but start heparin shots (they are major ouch!) or stop. My neurologist wants me off so he can do testing he can't do while I'm on warfarin, and he thinks it could be affecting my progress in some regard. My pulmonologist wants me to stay on until my MG is controlled to where I can physically be more active. I see both sides, but what I wanted was to be able to come off and start taking flax seed.

Now, flax seed is not used as treatment, but it does make you more prone to bleeding. Actually in the past I needed my knee cauterized after cutting it because the bleeding would not stop on its own. Ouch again. Anyways, I take flax seed for inflammation/pain because advil hurts my stomach and pain killers can make MG worse plus my sensitivity to meds. I haven't been able to take it while on warfarin, so any pain, other than when I was monitored in the hospital, has gone without anything to relieve it. So I wanted to be able to stop the warfarin to be able to take flax seed and also that flax seed may somewhat help thin the blood slightly, maybe. I also wanted to be able to take my digestive enzymes again because it helps me eat more normally and I couldn't take those while on warfarin. Lastly, of course not having to monitor my blood and be cautious that I don't grab a grapefruit or cranberry juice (both which I was very used to doing) would be nice to not be concerned about anymore.

My d-dimer came back... low!! That means my risk for having clots right now is low. Based on this and a negative scan in between starting treatment and now, she is letting me come off soon!! I will be taking it through the end of the month and then I get to stop. Then 4-6 weeks later I have to go in for some more tests. If all is clear I can stay off!! The only thing is on any long car ride or plane ride or whenever I'm in the hospital or sick on bedrest I need to do heparin or loveanox shots. And I am also in agreement with her that in order for this to happen I need to get up and move around at least once an hour. That will be the difficult part when I'm having an incredibly bad day but I will do it if it means getting off warfarin! So yay!

That is my good news and maybe doesn't sound too exciting but get this... I survived a pulmonary embolism- bilateral multiple clot pulmonary embolism!! Praise God!

That's really all I have to say for now because I'm overly tired. Too many appointments and too much stress. I will ask you all for prayer on something close to my heart today. If you know what it is please pray for it. And if you don't, I still appreciate prayers for my health. Lord, make me whole again- healthy, happy and serving You!

And I'll leave you all with this. "Praise You in this storm" by Casting Crowns. Look it up and listen if you want. Never give up and never give up hope.