Released

Having been discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, I am still grappling with the challenges of my condition. Upon my admission, my hemoglobin level was 6.1 g/DL, which is significantly below the desired range of 15 g/DL. My International Normalized Ratio (INR) was initially 1.12, but after 15 days of Lovenox injections and 10 mg of Warfarin, my INR has improved to 1.8 g/DL, still below the target range of 2.0 to 3.0.

Despite my efforts to adhere to my medication regimen, I continue to experience exhaustion and sleep disturbances. While I did experience restful sleep for three days following the iron infusion, I have since been plagued by abysmal sleep and fatigue.

The combination of my medical condition, the demands of my work, and the concerns for my family members has taken a toll on my well-being. I find myself struggling with individuals I hold dear, making decisions based on their actions rather than my own best interests. While many agree that reacting to others’ actions is not advisable, I find myself in a situation where I feel compelled to intervene.

I am scheduled to meet with my pathologist next week to discuss this matter further. This issue, coupled with the stress of work and the concerns for my family, has become overwhelming. I am determined to find a solution that addresses both my medical needs and my personal relationships.

In one instance, a relationship deteriorated significantly after 16 months. One party is willing to abandon substantial life goals and objectives in an attempt to salvage the relationship, despite the evident toxicity and lack of healthiness. While this behavior may seem illogical to a rational individual, it is challenging to intervene when emotions become overwhelming. This situation is reminiscent of the distorted perceptions held by some individuals who believe their president is the most honest and fair person in the world, despite contradictory evidence. Such beliefs can cause distress to those who care about the well-being of the individuals involved.

On a positive note, this illness has resulted in a weight loss of 25 pounds. While further weight loss is possible, other priorities must be considered. It is crucial to follow the recommendations of medical professionals and those with whom I discuss these matters, rather than succumbing to impulsive actions driven by emotional turmoil. If others could recognize the importance of logic, it would lead to improved outcomes for everyone involved.

All you quiet dreamers, carry on!

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

wildknits

Thanks for the update! Hopefully, your hemoglobin has come up a bit since your hospitalization and iron infusion (blood transfusion, too?). I am curious if they have been adjusting your warfarin dose at all in the past 2 weeks (sorry - occupational hazard, I manage anticoagulation patients - warfarin patients - as part of my job). Usually, we adjust the dose of Warfarin to help someone get to their goal range as quickly as possible and get them off the Lovenox shots. Then, we try to determine the proper maintenance dose to keep them in range. It varies for different people and can take some time to decide. It is influenced by many other things (diet, exercise, health status, alcohol use, supplements). You are right in that it is stressful to have to sit back and watch those we care about make choices that seem bad to us. But as adults, we get to make our own choices, bad, good, or indeterminate. All are part of free will and autonomy. Sorry that you are going through this while also dealing with a major health crisis of your own. Hang in there! Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 11:43:31 PM CDT

LDP

Lisa, I started with 5 mg for five days, and the count did not climb at all. We then increased to 7.5 mg for two days and subsequently decreased to 5 mg for three days, a slight increase. Then they went to 7.5 for three days and 10 for two days. Then we went with 10 mg, and I am getting checked tomorrow. So tomorrow brings us closer to what we expected. 

wildknits

I see from your other post that your INR has not increased, and they have found a new clot. Frustrating. I have patients who are on 12.5 - 15 mg of Warfarin (alternating) weekly. You may need a higher dose. It does make me wonder what is going on medically that you are on anticoagulation and still developing blood clots! Hang in there! Thursday, July 27, 2017 at 9:24:53 PM CDT

Roger Peters

Hi Londell. Can't read your blog because the background is so dark.  Friday, August 4, 2017 at 10:26:13 PM CDT