After 20+ hours of flights from Bali to Oregon, I was dehydrated from severe “Bali Belly.” I felt a cramp in my calf several hours after landing. Over the next two days, the pain and tenderness escalated sharply and spread throughout my lower leg. As a former ultramarathon runner, it felt like I’d raced 50 kilometers uphill on that leg.
Suspecting DVT, I went to urgent care, where my heart rate was recorded at 136. They sent me to the ER, where scans confirmed I had both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my calf and a pulmonary embolism (PE). Doctors believe dehydration combined with the long flight triggered this. I’m now on apixaban for six months.
I coach indoor cycling and was told not to cycle for an unspecified time. So I coach off the bike. Also, I can’t get a full-body massage or chiropractic care for now. I’m also worried about getting another PE, but I can only control so much.
I have gotten so much conflicting advice from doctors and nurses. It’s frustrating. The NBCA patient community is empowering! Thank you!
My advice is to connect with others who have these conditions and gather as much information as possible to empower yourself so you and your doctor(s) can make the best decisions together.
