Listen To Your Body

This week, my husband Brian had a health scare while he was in Chicago, making me feel vulnerable and undereducated about the signs and signals of potential health issues.  It also made me thankful that I have close friends like Mary-Anne and Jessica with medical knowledge and support who could help me understand what was going on.

As we get older it becomes more important to listen and understand our bodies.  Even the healthiest people can face serious health crises.  The key is to learn how to recognize the symptoms before it is too late.

The Story

During a solo drive across the country, Brian stopped to go for a hike in Joshua Tree National Park. After the hike and during the ensuing 8 hour car ride, developed a very tight calf muscle.  Brian and I attributed it to a ‘charlie horse’. After rolling the muscle out with a Coke bottle, he stopped for the night.  The pain did not subside and grew more acute. He arrived in Chicago visably limping.

What resulted was a visit to the emergency room when the pain became severe in his shoulder coupled with shortness of breath.  How do the tight calf muscle and the shoulder pain connect?  Brian were experiencing DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis. On top of the DVT he had developed a PE or Pulmonary Embolism in their lung. It was terrifying.

Had he not had shortness of breath Brian would not have sought help.   Without being dramatic, had he not gone to the ER this might have been a very different kind of post.

The trip to the ER resulted in a two-day stay at a Chicago hospital under observation and a three-month supply of Eliquis, a blood thinner that helps to prevents future blood clots.

After returning from the hospital to Virginia, we were able to sit and chat about what happened.  If he had not had the shoulder pain and shortness of breath he might have died. 

Who would even think a tight calf muscle was a blood clot?  Until this happened, I did not know.

What Does That Mean?

Reflecting on the hospital experience, it became clear that understanding medical terminology is crucial.

While in the hospital a steady stream of blue scrubs entered and exited his room.  Each one was caring and efficient, but no one explained to Brian, who was in the hospital alone, in terms that he understood.

Without the proper explaination, Brian did not realize that a blood clot is the same thing as DVT, which will lead to a PE. The medical personnel never used DVT or PE when speaking with him and he didn't comprehend how serious his condition was until the attending physician came in the day he was being discharged.

It was not until he was home with me in Virginia that Brian was able to research every word of the diagnosis and fully comprehend what exactly had occurred.

Ask questions if you don't understand.

My advice to you is, if you do not understand what a medical professional says to you, ask questions.  Even better, repeat to them what you think they are saying and have them confirm or explain it to you further.

Who cares if the physician is busy and needs to move on to another patient?  You are their patient and if you do not comprehend what they are saying then ask for further details.  Never leave a medical appointment or a hospital confused about your condition or care instructions.

And always ask for written instructions and a summary. Everything is automated now so it is not a heavy lift for a doctor.

When We Don’t Listen

A decade ago I played tennis with worsening elbow pain.  Ignoring it led to severe damage, requiring surgery and extensive recovery. Because I waited too long to address my pain, I could not lift a coffee cup or use my right hand until it was surgically fixed. 

After the surgery, it took me a long time to recover with physical therapy because the damage done was too severe.  I did not listen to my body.  I thought I could just play through the pain and take pain medicine indefinitely. I learned the hard way that I should have listened sooner.

Practical Advice

What follows is a very short list of signs and symptons to watch out for as well as some good general advice.

• Lifting weights and exercising will cause your muscles to burn and hurt because it means they are working.  If you have a pain or tightness in your leg that lasts for more than a day and does not decrease, please seek medical attention.

Exercise is good for you but excessive pain is not. 

• It the pain intensifies, your calf starts to swell or change color, get to a doctor immediately! Remember, DVT can occur outside the confines of an airplane cabin.

• Have a yearly physical with an EKG and full blood work panel. It is the best way to keep track of what you cannot feel or see.

Always stay hydrated.

• Always stay properly hydrated.  Aim for 64 ounces of water a day when exercising and a minimum of 32 ounces regardless of physical activity. Drink more during summer months.

• Listen to your body for signs and signals.  If it seems odd or unusual, note it and consider following up with a doctor.

• Carry identification when exercising.  My husband is very active, spending his days running, biking or hiking.  He does not always carry a phone with him, because he is carrying water bottles for hydration.  But he does wear a simple ID band that our daughter got him.  This way, if he is on a trail and has an issue, someone will be able to contact me while also contacting an ambulance if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Listening to your body and seeking professional medical advice (not Dr. Google) might prevent a medical issue.  Knowing to ask for help does not mean you are weak or unable to "tough it out".

Early prevention may prevent future medical bills and save you time and money.  It also means you care about your health.  Finally, listening to your body also shows that you care enough about those whom you love to stay healthy and live to a nice old age.   

Finally I want to give a special shout out to our daugher Sofie who just moved to Chicago and was on the ground with her Dad. She watched over him and kept me connected via calls and texts. It really does take a village to keep our lives running smoothly and safely.

See you next week!