In August 2023, I had my second bunionectomy. The first was in 2015 with no complications. This time would prove differently.
Preparing for surgery, I was advised by the surgical team to curtail my activities in the following days. After surgery, I adhered to the instructions. I elevated my leg often and limited going up and down stairs. In retrospect, I think I limited my mobility too much.
On about days 5 and 6 post-surgery, I was beginning to feel aches and pains that I thought were normal aching. I did not associate calf pain with anything like a blood clot.
On about days 5 and 6 post-surgery, I was beginning to feel aches and pains that I thought were normal aching. I did not associate calf pain with anything like a blood clot.
On August 17, six days after surgery, I began to feel pretty crappy. We had our grandson that day and I remember feeling very uncomfortable and tired. Later that night, when trying to sleep, I again tried multiple positions, all of which were uncomfortable. I was also experiencing a sharp pain when I tried to breathe in. I thought maybe I was having a heart attack.
I got up and called a nurse friend. We decided I ought to go to the ER. On the way, the pain was excruciating. Within 30 minutes, I was diagnosed with a DVT and multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli. I was hospitalized for three days and given blood thinners.
In terms of risk factors, I have the MTHFR gene mutation and prothrombin factor II mutation. I also have a family history of clots — my mother had experienced a DVT. Plus, I was on an estrogen-based pill version of hormone replacement therapy for five months before my surgery. As a younger woman, I was a longtime user of birth control.
This experience has changed my lifestyle in that I am much more aware, but it has not curtailed my activities. I have lost 40 lbs. and continue to be as active as possible. I also love to travel and really want to go at it for the next 10 years or so. Having a blood clot will not slow me down. I will just be much smarter, aware, and preventive.
I am now an NBCA Community Thrombassasor. I share and awaken others with my knowledge, experience, strength, and hope. Together, we can help stop the clot and prevent loss of life.
Resources
MTHFR Gene Mutation
Factor II Prothrombin Gene Mutation
Hospitalization
