Well That Was Fun While It Lasted

When I reached out to Erica about meeting up in Chicago this week, I told her I could meet for a run because “I’m healthy.” Well, that was fun while it lasted. Monday I was in the ER being diagnosed with my third round of DVTs. 😫

Erica is a great friend and fantastic photographer!

That Was Fun While It Lasted

Honestly, I’ve been wondering if I might have a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in my right calf ever since I used an orthopedic boot while recovering from the infection I got hiking in soggy boots in Ireland.

Note to self: do not do this again!

I was thisclose to going to the ER that weekend in August, but decided to try stretching and resting my calf in case it was just residual trauma. It took a while, but it did start to feel better. I mentioned my resolving symptoms but lingering concerns to my pulmonologist, and he wrote me an order for a doppler/sonogram study, but when I called the scheduling line the earliest available appointment fell during my Copenhagen trip, so I decided to wait.

When I was back, my pulmonologist chased after me to get it done, so I called the scheduling line again. This time my choice was between an appointment in November and going to the ER. I made the appointment, but then on Monday decided to go to the ER before I had to get on another plane the next day to Chicago. I had felt fine running in Copenhagen, but running last weekend my right leg felt heavy and my calf felt tighter and tighter. Between that and all the attention Jalen Hurts’ SVTs, DVTs, and PEs were getting, I wasn’t comfortable waiting 3 more weeks.

I questioned my use of ER resources, but invoked my history of DVTs and the heaviness in my leg to justify my visit (mainly to myself, the ER staff was very kind). Then while I was waiting for the doctor to see me, these results popped up on MyChart. I was glad I hadn’t wasted their time, but not so glad the imaging showed several occlusive clots.

Since I don’t have any pulmonary symptoms, they sent me on my way pretty quickly and even said I could keep running as long as I started Eliquis first. (I’ll see a hematologist in November.)

Weekly Run Down

Instead of a detailed recap of my week, I’m going to share more pics from my run with Erica and one amazing Peloton class.

Erica and I met up @ 6:30 am and ran down Michigan Ave to the Lakefront Trail. Since we started so early, we got to see the sunrise over Lake Michigan.

We mostly chatted about life as we ran, but Erica made sure to take some iconic pictures.

It was a fantastic way to start my day in Chicago!

My other favorite workout this week was Robin’s Space Ride with Dr. Jessica Meir—filmed a few months ago while she was serving as a commander on the International Space Station!!!

The class starts with Dr. Meir floating to the “bike” and strapping herself in. Throughout the class, she is pedaling along while telling us about life in space and other fascinating aspects of her career. She said they have to exercise 2.5 hours a day just to maintain their muscle mass and bone health, and have a hydraulic weight system and treadmill as well as the “bike” (which does not have a seat). She shared that working with astronauts from other countries has shown her that people from all backgrounds can and do get along when they are focused on common goals, and being in space and seeing the earth from that perspective (!!!) drives home that we are all in this together. Whether you take this class as a workout or just tune in to see Dr. Meir, it will be inspiring!

A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.

Are you handing out candy for Halloween?