I never thought of blood as thin or thick. At best, I concluded that if it was red and not flowing out of a gaping wound, it was ok. Laying in the hospital, I quickly learned that my discharge was dependent on reaching a number that would indicate that my blood had reached the appropriate 'thinness'. As I later learned from the RN in charge of my floor, it is really not 'thinness' but the time it takes to coagulate, that is important to treat the pulmonary embolism that was lodged in my lungs.
When I first arrived in the ICU, they injected a large syringe of Heparin and started the first of what seemed like dozens of inter venous bags dripping into my arm. They were looking for a number between 50 and 80 to get my blood to a therapeutic level. It was explained to me that this level is important so as to prevent additional blood clots from forming and adding to my already serious medical condition. My number coming in to the hospital was 29 and it slowly crept to 66 at discharge.
On the third day, they introduced Coumadin into the routine. I was somewhat afraid that I would suddenly start spewing blood from all orifices, but I trusted the doctor that they had seen this condition before. The Coumadin is the brand name of a drug named warfarin. I remembered from somewhere in my past that warfarin is the main ingredient in 'rat poison'. Evidently some evil scientist had discovered that if you leave a chunk of warfarin in the basement, a rat will eat it and his blood will thin to the point of death. Very reassuring!
Each of the doctors and nurses confirmed to me that because I had a blood clot in the past that I will be on Coumadin for the rest of my life. This will require frequent visits to the doctor to check my PT/INR levels. I was also advised to wear a medical alert necklace to alert medical personnel if I happen to be in an accident and they were wondering why I was bleeding like a stuck pig. Given that this is a lifelong condition, I might opt for the Medical Alert Tattoo, emblazoned on my chest that says: "Alert-this guy bleeds at the drop of a hat".
Jim - hope this will be one of those reassuring notes that you mentioned! I know that being put on Coumadin for the rest of your life may seem daunting, but I wanted you to know that my mom was diagnosed with a clotting condition in her late 20's and was on and off Coumadin for the rest of her long life with no ill effects. Yes, she had to be careful about some things, but I honestly don't remember that it kept her from doing anything and everything that she wanted! So, onward and upward for you...you've got much more to give the world! Thinking good thoughts for you every day!
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