Hello Everyone,

It has been about 8 weeks since my last CaringBridge update, and I thought I'd provide you with the latest updates.

As you all know, the last 6 months have been a bit of a rocky road for me health-wise. There were a few shunt surgeries postponed due to contracting Covid, and then a bone infection treated at home with a PICC Line for 6 weeks.

After having my PICC Line removed, I wanted to take a little pause for Christmas and the new year, just to have a break from the medical world.

However, even though I haven't been to the hospital or rescheduled my surgery yet, it's been a rollercoaster of events. In January, I almost went to the hospital a few times due to ileuses (Pseudo-Bowel Obstructions), but fortunately, I was able to manage at home. Despite the pain and discomfort, I managed to stay out of the hospital.

Now, fast forward to January 30th, 2024.

Last Tuesday, while working from home, I noticed that my left leg seemed a little puffy/swollen. My folks and I thought it might be edema, common with wheelchair users, especially if I hadn't changed positions much. With elevation, the swelling somewhat improved. I decided to wait it out, thinking it might be an injury, but over the next few days, it remained the same. On Saturday, my parents and I noticed no improvement, and with my paralysis, I couldn't feel any pain or notice any difference. So, I decided that on Monday, to get it checked out.

Monday morning, the symptoms were the same, not worse but not better.
I made an appointment for 5:30p at the Urgency Room in Eagan, a facility similar to an ER but not a hospital, which takes appointments and walk-ins.  Despite the busy season, we got into a room within 20-30 minutes. After explaining my symptoms and a bit of my medical history, the doctor ordered three tests: a blood test, an X-ray to check for fractures, and an ultrasound for blood clots, considering I had one in the same leg 9 years ago.

The X-ray came back negative for any fractures.

Unfortantely, the ultrasound revealed that i have a blood clot in my left thigh area, similar to the one I had 9 years ago, but not as high up in my groin but in between my knee and groin in the thigh. It's a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). Due to the severity of a DVT, they wanted to run one more test, a CAT Scan to check if it had spread to my lungs. Fortunately, the CT Scan with contrast came back negative, which was a relief. Despite the fear of having another clot at 26 years old, I try to find the positive even in the midst of medically induced PTSD.

After discussing with the doctor, we learned about changes in the treatment of blood clots over the last 9 years. They started me on a blood thinner right away, just a once-daily pill, unlike last time when I had my blood checked 1-2 times a week. After discussing the process and what's next, they started me on medication, and I'll follow up with my general physician to determine the best plan moving forward. We're waiting for a response to understand the next steps in this treatment plan.

As scared as I am, I've already started my treatment plan, and I have a great group of doctors, a supportive village, and an amazing God to guide me through this scary time.  If you could keep me and my family in your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes during this time, it would be so helpful.

As I've mentioned a few times already, as scared as I am, I know I will get through this, just like the many other challenges I've faced in my 26 years.

The last 6 months have not been fun, with one thing after another, and I don't know why that is. As a human, I get frustrated and upset, but I believe there's a reason for all of this, even if I don't understand it. I'll continue pushing through, taking it one day at a time.

Again, thank you to all of you in my life and a part of my "village." I truly don't know where I would be without all of you.

Love you all,

 
Owen