Catching up

Long time, no post. Happily, a mostly-stable INR, diligent use of some excellent compression stockings, and a gradually increasing regimen of daily walking have helped me get most of my strength and energy back. For the past couple of weeks I've been busy catching up on all the work I fell behind on during nearly a month off, and even found the time (and guts) to take a business trip to Texas! More on that later.

I am pleased to report that finally -- nine weeks post-diagnosis -- I'm starting to feel mostly normal again. I still have some pain when sitting more than 30 minutes or so (so it's unfortunately taking me longer to catch up on work than I would like), and, obviously, I've had to adjust my lifestyle to be sure I get the stockings on to an unswollen morning leg, take my meds on time, eat the right amount of vitamin k, etc. But, emotionally, I think that I'm only just starting to realize how low I'd become, as I can see the marked contrast versus how I'm feeling now.

What does it mean? It's interesting to contemplate the mind-body connection. Even within a couple of weeks of diagnosis, I was medically "okay" to resume all my normal activities. But, the energy just wasn't there. This was no doubt due in part to not exercising at all for a good four weeks. But, even after getting up to a couple miles of walking every day a few weeks ago, I still didn't feel really "right." My affected leg felt like it was dragging, and, most notably, I felt so sleepy all the time -- needing a good hour more every night than I've ever needed before.

Can't help but wonder if my body was just saying, look, you don't get it, but I need to heal! I've never been a great one for "listening to my body." It doesn't help when doctors give you a prescription and a pat on the head and tell you you are fine.

If you're reading this and you've recently had a DVT, are depressed or anxious and wondering whether you're overreacting, know that you're not the only one who has experienced it. My sense is that it really takes a lot longer for your body to recover than it might appear, and, while it's recuperating, your mind may need a little pampering, too.