I went to see the doctor about my bloodwork and I'm not thrilled about the results. I have a coagulation disorder: my plasminogen levels are too high, my protein S is low and I have two copies of a DNA mutation (C677T) that puts me at risk for heart disease. RIGHT! The same disease that killed my mother at age 49. A little hard to swallow.
The elementary version (the one I understand) is this: (1)my blood is too thick. (2) I have genetic mutations that put me at a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and venous thromosis. OK, so I lied when I said I understood it all! They did more testing last Friday to see if I have elevated homocysteine levels. I will get those results some time this week. I started taking a daily aspirin to help thin my blood and future tests will determine whether or not I need Coumadin. I am also going to schedule an appointment with a hematologist.
Last week was hard. I'll be very honest. I have lots of scary thoughts about following the timeline of my mother's life. But I refuse to let these blood count numbers run my life. I will choose to be enlightened by it all. I've often wondered if I would have heart trouble. I am almost a spitting image of my mom in so many ways. I am thankful for that and will accept the hiccups as they come along!
Other than that, life is so good! I booked our flight to Cape Cod this morning...let the serenity countdown begin!! We could use a little get-away right about now!!
2 comments:
Jeff's father died at a young age, and ALL his family members struggle with heart issues. So he has been very proactive in diagnosing problems, starting medications, staying healthy with exercise, etc. It sounds like you are taking steps in the right direction & with the ability to diagnose problems now-days, your path does NOT have to follow the same one as your Mom's! Praying that your fears are lightened...hugs!!
now you know, and knowing is HALF THE BATTLE! :0)
love you, hauney.
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