2008 Woodie Awards
"Hidden Danger" Update
Gina Stanish
Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: News
Dear Fellow Students,
If you read my previous article, "Hidden Danger," I would hope you will take the issue much seriously. My situation is highly dangerous and anything can happen at any time. For those of you who are interested and would like to know more about my condition and follow along with me through this journey, then today is your lucky day. I am here with your monthly update. As you know, last November I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my leg and another one in each of my lungs. I was placed on Coumadin and was doing just fine, but a few weeks ago I was hospitalized again.
On February 10, I was rushed back to the University of Pennsylvania with severe pain in my back and stomach. A cat scan showed that I had developed another blood clot while still on the Coumadin. This time, the clot was inside and around the stent that was placed in my iliac vein at the top of my right leg. The doctors gave me medication to help with the pain and I was released a few days later on a higher dose of Coumadin. Upon my discharge, I had to follow-up with my Hematologist to let her know what happened. She recommended that I get in touch with the Vascular Surgeon who placed the stent in my vein and let him decide what he would like to do. She also said that if it were up to her, she would think about letting the doctors go in, flush out the clot, and re-open the stent.
Because all of this happened so fast, I have not yet spoken to the doctor who performed the surgery, nor do I know what is going to happen next. I hope I will have some answers as to why I am still developing blood clots while on anticoagulation medication.
Just another strong word of caution for women out there: Blood clots are highly dangerous and not something to take lightly. A blood clot in your heart or brain could kill you instantly. If you are on any kind of supplement containing estrogen, I highly advise you to speak with your doctor about switching your medication. You do not want to be going through what I am now. You only get one chance at life, don't take it for granted.
Sincerly,
Gina Stanish
If you read my previous article, "Hidden Danger," I would hope you will take the issue much seriously. My situation is highly dangerous and anything can happen at any time. For those of you who are interested and would like to know more about my condition and follow along with me through this journey, then today is your lucky day. I am here with your monthly update. As you know, last November I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my leg and another one in each of my lungs. I was placed on Coumadin and was doing just fine, but a few weeks ago I was hospitalized again.
On February 10, I was rushed back to the University of Pennsylvania with severe pain in my back and stomach. A cat scan showed that I had developed another blood clot while still on the Coumadin. This time, the clot was inside and around the stent that was placed in my iliac vein at the top of my right leg. The doctors gave me medication to help with the pain and I was released a few days later on a higher dose of Coumadin. Upon my discharge, I had to follow-up with my Hematologist to let her know what happened. She recommended that I get in touch with the Vascular Surgeon who placed the stent in my vein and let him decide what he would like to do. She also said that if it were up to her, she would think about letting the doctors go in, flush out the clot, and re-open the stent.
Because all of this happened so fast, I have not yet spoken to the doctor who performed the surgery, nor do I know what is going to happen next. I hope I will have some answers as to why I am still developing blood clots while on anticoagulation medication.
Just another strong word of caution for women out there: Blood clots are highly dangerous and not something to take lightly. A blood clot in your heart or brain could kill you instantly. If you are on any kind of supplement containing estrogen, I highly advise you to speak with your doctor about switching your medication. You do not want to be going through what I am now. You only get one chance at life, don't take it for granted.
Sincerly,
Gina Stanish