Well, it appears I've finally found out what's wrong with my foot. The GP in the UK seems to have given me the absolute basics but it might have been nice if she'd told me the long-term news. Instead of which, I have to get my info from Google.
Using a phrase that the GP mentioned while I was there, I've done some research. And I can confidently say that I have PTS - Post Thrombotic Syndrome. Every single thing I found on the net today fits perfectly. Thanks to the multiple blood clots on my lungs that I had in 2003, which it seems came from an undiagnosed DVT in my calf, I am now joining the high percentage of post-DVT PTS sufferers. Ah, so many acronyms!
There are 2 annoying things : 1) it appears that my chances of getting it COULD have been lowered if I'd been given certain advice/treatment immediately after my 6 months on blood thinners following the pulmonary embolii and 2) there is now nothing that can be done for it and I can look forward to years of foot/leg pain, swelling, discolouration and if I'm really lucky in the end, open ulcers. Referred to on most websites as leading to chronic morbidity.
Oh goody. Bit pissed off, frankly.
Oh sweetie. You're not going to like me for saying this, but.....I honestly think you need to come back to the UK and see a proper specialist. GPs are great but they are just that - General Practitioners...you need to see a specialist...end of story. I will absolutely pay for your flight ticket home - and back to Spain again. I love you and don't want you to assume nothing can be done from Googling. SEE A SPECIALIST - there may be something that can be done that you're not aware of. And if there's not, then at least you've SEEN A SPECIALIST! I mean it about buying you a return ticket. I love you. Ange x
ReplyDeleteOh honey. Thanks! I won't discount it - but of course, as we know, the only way to get in to see a specialist these days is via a referral from your GP which I won't get cos my GP says I just have to live with a swollen foot.
ReplyDeleteI feel much better than I did yesterday though. Had lots of nice messages and stuff - am feeling quite loved and fluffy.
Seriously, I'm looking into it. I didn't just Google and give up. But I'll keep it all in mind.
Between us, we have a healthy pair of legs though - maybe they can just merge us into one person!
Love you too, babe.
x