Fun for Friday & Blood Clot Follow Up

This isn't super fun for Fun for Friday, but I do still get questions about the blood clot situation. I had another follow-up appointment yesterday, so I thought I'd share about that.

Source: katelynapplegate.com via Janessa on Pinterest

My appointment was at 11:30. I got there at 11:25 and was promptly taken back to do lab work and vitals. Unfortunately the guy who did the blood draw this time was not nearly as gentle as the previous lady. It hurt like heck and is all bruised up. Have I mentioned how much I hate needles, shots, blood draws?

After that I was sent back to the waiting room. It was packed just as it was the last time. It looked like the majority of people were there for chemo. But apparently that didn't mean I'd get in to see the doctor any quicker.

After 2 1/2 hours, all patience was gone. Jason had taken time off work to be there with me, so he was getting really antsy too. At 3 hours into the wait (no lunch yet by the way), I finally got up and asked how much longer. They sent me to the back to ask. There were still 5 people in front of me! They hadn't even gotten to the 11 am patient yet.

Really? I was furious and ready to just leave. I asked if my blood work from the day would suffice for another visit time because I was done. I ended up talking to the doctor's nurse and after asking a few questions and getting my responses, she got me in a room right then. Yes, I probably skipped ahead of others and pushed their wait back. So that did make me feel bad I'll admit. But no one should be stuck waiting that long period.

The visit with the doctor was sort of disheartening for me. Basically, I will likely end up being on Xarelto + baby aspirin permanently or at least on baby aspirin permanently. Chances are I will not be able to go back on birth control pill so that means surgery for endometriosis is inevitable. That also means continued heavy and long (as in 2 wks) periods and the severe cramping. I was prescribed hydrocodone. And to top it off, there's a chance that the clot will never fully dissolve.

There's still no real answer for the discomfort I'm feeling in my clavicle still or along the side of my neck for that matter. And the fatigue part - I asked that he test my iron levels. He also suggested that maybe I'm not sleeping quite like I think. That the discomfort is waking me up more than I realize so my sleep is very interrupted. So...that's that I suppose. Not the worst news, but definitely not what I would like to hear.

But, I don't want to be a downer - so some good for the day? It was sunny and warmer. I got in an amazing run with my running partner after work. I needed that run more than I could ever express in words. I needed to run away from the day basically and the conversation was just simply enjoyable.

I thought for Fun for Friday, I'd share what I've learned from sitting for hours upon hours in a waiting room:

• Always bring a book.
• Always bring food.
• People watching can be entertaining.
• People actually do rip out pages from the magazines - sat and watched a lady pulling out recipes.
• Not every fashion trend should be followed - boots over baggy pants makes you look like an Umpa Loompa. If you can't wear the skinny or slim jeans, don't put the boots over the top.
• I'm amazed at the amount of junk food and sodas consumed in that waiting room. 
• When a shackled prisoner in the black/white striped outfit is wheeled in by an officer, the room gets really quiet. 
• Waiting room chairs are very uncomfortable. 
• No one wants to sit right next to a stranger - waiting room chairs bolted together make for uncomfortable situations.

What's the longest you've ever had to wait for a doctor's appointment? And have you learned anything from having to wait?