sidetracked and overwhelmed

[Peaceful1 110]

So, super long story short...I had arthroscopic knee surgery 2 weeks ago for a torn meniscus that I've had for years, and finally fixed because I couldn't handle having my knee lock up on me all the time. Surgery and recovery went remarkably well, then suddenly I noticed a large lump in my calf. I showed it to my dr during physical therapy, and she told me to go to the ER right away. I got an ultrasound which showed I had deep vein thrombosis reaching all the way to my hip! They admitted me to the hospital, I had to stay there for 4 days until my blood was thin enough for me to be safe enough to go home. Now I have to take cumadin for the next 3 months! This drug is very complicated, and I've never taken it before, but basically I can no longer eat most green veggies, which is a majority of my diet, and everyone is telling me I need to take a break from losing weight, and focus on managing the cumadin. Of course I intend to do so, but I'm so overwhelmed because my weight loss has been so successful, I've lost 90 pounds in 6 months, but I still have a long way to go, and apparently I gained 3 pounds in the hospital, which blows my mind!? I cannot mentally handle gaining weight, but this cumadin is so damn sensitive, that it says any changes in weight could throw the drug off and put me in the danger zone again. I just can't handle this, I absolutely can't smoke or drink alcohol anymore now, and I find my thoughts, and actions drifting towards unhealthy food choices...this is a mess.....is anyone else on cumadin? I'm so sad and just had to vent. Thanks

[shrcumm 953]

I must say while reading your post it makes me sad to see to how upset you are but just remember at the end of the day you are stronger then you think!!

Your Name peaceful1 Means That you are at Peace and I want you to remain that way not in Pieces! Hold on to your strength and know that your health is more important then anything and learn to find that balances where you can loose weight and be healthy also!! Peaceful1!!! I am here if you need me!!

[KAATNS 1,473]

Coumadin management is very complicated, but remember a blood clot could kill you. You could have gained Water weight from being in the hospital, as you were probably on IV fluids. I would absolutely focus on healing from your DVT at this time. You have done a fantastic job with your weight loss and I'm sure you will continue once you are medically stable to do so. Focus on healing my friend. Wishing you all the best.

[50for50 72]

I, too had a leg DVT caused by a torn meniscus. Mine was last Sept. and I immediately went on Coumadin. I had my band surgery the following February while I was still on it. I know you are overwhelmed right now, as I was initially but I honestly didn't find it hard to manage while losing the weight. I just recently was taken off of it as the clot had dissipated.

The biggest thing to remember is consistency in your diet. Just get familiar with the foods high in Vitamin K and eat minimal amounts of them consistently. I had to have a blood test every week for months. Most weeks required a dosage change to keep my levels in the right range - no big deal.

In relation to the band, the only affect was I would bleed much more than normal from a fill! We just used 2 bandages and my stomach would be bruised for a week afterwards. I was in the early stages of losing so I did not drink alcohol then, but prior to WLS I was okay with drinking in moderation.

My advice would be to relax for a couple of weeks and feel sad about the DVT. Mine completely ruined my 50th Bday party celebration plans! After that, get back on track and just be more careful about your diet than you were even before. 3 months is not that long - I took them for over 8 months partly because I chose too. You will do fine.

[Peaceful1 110]

I must say while reading your post it makes me sad to see to how upset you are but just remember at the end of the day you are stronger then you think!!

Your Name peaceful1 Means That you are at Peace and I want you to remain that way not in Pieces! Hold on to your strength and know that your health is more important then anything and learn to find that balances where you can loose weight and be healthy also!! Peaceful1!!! I am here if you need me!!

Thank you so much for your kind words, you are absolutely right about balance. I appreciate your concern, that means the world to me.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Do what you need to do for your health. All else will follow.