Health Update
I have previously posted about getting a blood clot in March, 2020.
And I have posted about the huge reduction in my energy since.
It is now normal for me to take 3 naps a day. I feel exhausted all the time. This ain’t right.
On August 13, 2022…for the first time in my life…I had medical insurance: Medicare. Thank goodness for those wild & crazy Democrats who created this program and fought against decades of Republican attacks against it.
With my spankin’ new insurance, I could see a doctor, have a bunch of tests done, and all without sending me straight to bankruptcy court.
The blood test looked pretty good.
The chest x-ray looked pretty good.
Today I had my first-ever CT scan.
And…fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.
I have two blood clots in…gasp…my lungs.
This is bad. Very bad. I about pissed my pants hearing the news. For, if just one of those clots migrates to my heart or brain I will quite suddenly be dead.
Fuck fuck fuck.
It may be that the 2020 blood clot in my leg, rather than dissolving, simply moved up and into my lungs (blood clots do not originate in lungs. They normally migrate from a leg). This would now explain why the second 2020 ultra-sound proved inconclusive. The doctor was looking for a clot where it no longer resided.
Today, the hospital contacted me within an hour after the CT scan and said: “Come right back. NOW. We need to give you medicine (blood thinner).”
In talking with a technician I asked what did this all mean? She explained. I replied: “So, if I understand correctly, I could die at any moment. Or, if I’m a good boy and take my medicine, I might likely be OK in 3-6 months.”
She laughed, nervously. “Well…yes. While this is VERY serious you might be in good shape a bit down the road.”
And in doing some research this evening it seems possible that the myriad symptoms I have been experiencing these past few years might all be related to fucking blood clots.
Fuck fuck fuck.
SOME GOOD NEWS
Me being, well, me, will always try and find a silver lining.
Tonight I took my first pill. I will take two a day for many months. With each passing day though the potential of disaster will reduce. Thus, in a week, I will have a better prognosis than I do today as the medication is normally quite effective.
I do not yet know the damage to my lungs. Even when the blood clots dissolve there could be permanent damage as this, it seems, has been ongoing for 2+ years. Only time will reveal the full story.
More good news:
My heart seems good.
No cancer has been revealed.
I tested negative for cooties.
THE BIG QUESTION
What is causing the clots?
Learning the cause is vital.
I am crossing my fingers that ongoings tests will reveal this.
SUMMATION
I am terrified.
I am also profoundly relieved. For, at last, at last, it appears that I have an answer to what-the-fuck-is-wrong-with-me.
It does not seem that I have cancer or a bad heart.
And…no cooties.
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Finding a silver lining is an imperative step,( I would.say baby step, but I believe it’s trademarked😉) I hope with each day and medication you feel better. Scary stuff, but some answers at least provide some relief on the mind. Sending virtual hugs your way.
Have you injured your legs at any time? Bad bump and bruise? Something of that sort? That could have caused a clot. It can be medicine related as well. While this is not *your* risk, some birth control pills can cause clots for women. I imagine there are other medications aside from birth control that can cause clots for those that take them.
Yes, isn’t Medicare wonderful? Just imagine if everyone had access to it? Like a universal healthcare system. Even if it isn’t perfect, it is certainly better than nothing.
So glad you have an answer, a plan of action and you are proceeding to act on it.
Just be careful with the blood thinners and be aware, you will bruise more easily now. Also follow all guidelines as you want the clots to dissolve, not break free and travel as nothing good will come of that.
Congratulations on being cootie-free. Now, did they test you for fleas?
Ross, I’m so sorry to hear this. Please be careful not to cut yourself. It’s also great that you know now what is wrong. Hang in there. Please keep us posted.
Oh man, I hate to hear this Ross. Know that many of us are sending all kinds of good vibes and prayers your way. Answers are good. A good attitude is good. Following Drs orders the next few months, imperative…obviously. Are you doctoring in Emporia or did you go to Topeka, KC??
Emporia, Carla.
At least you now have a course of action. All the best. Your situation really emphasizes the difference between the US and Canada. If you lived up here, you would never hesitate seeing a doctor and getting proper treatment.
No but you might have to wait two years for surgery like I did
Ross, your favorite neighbor is happy to hear you haven’t died yet and you’re taking action to keep from dying immediately. You keep taking your blood thinners (I’m still taking mine) and I’ll put you on my prayer list.
I am so sorry, Ross. My husband had a blood clot in his lungs a few years ago. He is now fine. Hang in there.
I am so thankful that you now have Medicare, it’s a very good program and we should all fight efforts to get rid of it. I am cheering you on for taking care of this and for starting your meds. Losing lung capacity really does explain your lack of energy. I hope you feel better and stronger every day dear Ross.
Dear Ross, for years you have been my inspiration for the realization of my dream of buying the house where I spent my childhood and restoring it. The house is abandoned and falling down, literally. For legal reasons, I still haven’t managed to fulfill this dream, but your posts fill my life with hope for me to become a Brazilian Ross…
After reading your last post, I want you to know that here in Brazil there is someone who prays to God for you, for your health and full recovery.
God bless you, my distant friend. May your immense energy be able to overcome this problem, as it is smaller than your ability to live and influence everyone with your love for life. Amen!
Take your medicine like a good boy and listen to your doctor. Wishing you a full recovery and I plan on a trip to see your restoration project and see some of Kenny’s beautiful work. I miss seeing him at school every day. He is one of my favorites.
1 pill!? Dude, I’m 59 and on way more pills than I’m comfortable taking, yet I’m still here so I guess that’s the way we stay.
I’m beyond happy you caught it before anything happened to you. No one can replace Ross, you inspire hundreds who in turn, inspire thousands!
Damn I wish we had universal health care. There are too many stories like yours. Hoping you feel better fast, and hugs in the meantime.
I’m glad they caught it. Wish our health system was better. Fuck insurance companies.
Question. You said you have to take naps. Does it feel like you are fine and then all of a sudden you are groggy and need to doze right then?
Kelly!!!!!
I’m just generally tired and yearn for a nap(s). The only part of the day I’m actually fully production is from like 7PM-2AM. This is when I do most of my lighting work. Last night though I was so out-of-it that mostly watched movies. But, hey, it was a tough day.
If you haven’t been a night owl all your life, you may simply be adjusting your natural body rhythm to a new pattern.
I’ve always been a night owl and done my best work from 6pm to 2am. Now that I’m retired and I can set my own body clock, sleeping in until 10am and then staying up until 2am seems to be my body’s preferred comfort zone. I feel no stress. At least not from a sleeping pattern that fights my natural body.
And no, going to bed earlier does not help.
Glad you don’t have cooties, and I’m happy you figured out what’s wrong. Sending love and hugs your way—and all the good healing vibes I can muster.
FYI – there’s no cure for cooties – only treatment, remission, & even then, there’s no guarantee you’ll get out alive. 😐
At least some of the stress has been alleviated because, now you know. To know is to plan, to organize, to work toward normal, whatever that is. Such “active hope” can further alleviate stress. Stress releases cortisol into the blood & can initiate the development of clots.
Stress & cooties – both are silent killers. Be stress free & your body will respond well to your meds. 💜 Be well, Ross.
Yay for Medicare and doctors and answers! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year but I’ve never commented. Truth be told, I actually binge-read it like it was a book, and was super bummed when I caught up. Now I have to wait for new chapters!
I’m so glad you found out what was getting you so tired. As I was reading last year I had wondered if you got the blood clot right after your vaccine. I’m not in any way an antivaccer over here, I’m fully vaccinated myself, I just know that some people did get blood clots. Knowing that might help because then it might be just a one time thing and the blood clot just didn’t go away. Hopefully that means that you won’t get another one. If you feel like my comment is too divisive, please delete it, and I’ll keep reading no matter what!
Also, one day I’m going to drag my girlfriend to Kansas from Utah and we’re going to come tour the Cross house and stay in the Carriage house when it’s open for rentals!
Remember – any of us could drop dead at any moment, or get hit crossing the street. Worrying about it only makes it worse. Glad you are getting medicine and answers. Praying for a quick recovery. I’m glad it wasn’t the dreaded cooties.
I’m glad you were able to figure out why you weren’t feeling top-notch anymore, Ross! Keep taking your new meds and stay on top of your health now that you have Medicare! (Thanks, Dems! <3) You're back on the right track now that you're addressing your health, so don't stress TOO much about things. Do what you need to do to get as healthy as possible again! Put some of your boundless enthusiasm for the Cross House into your health. We need you around for a lot longer!
Dearest Ross! I am so so so happy you dodged this recent bullet! Yay! Yay! Yay! I am so very thankful that you have the means to get the care you need!
All kinds of factors contribute to blood clots (as you know), such as dehydration, inflammation, genetics, stress, diet and lifestyle choices. I vote for extreme dehydration, stress and injury as big factors in your case. You are superhuman in your daily activities but perhaps it has taken a toll. You work so so HARD! The wake-up call was the blood clot in the leg and the air raid siren is the pulmonary emboli (clot in the lung or lungs). As you know, emboli in the lungs if large enough can be sudden death. I am so so so so thankful that you have discovered this and have the means to deal with the problem.
I have prayed for you and your health and will continue ie to do so. Please please please take care of yourself.
Steady and sure is the key. Be careful! I can imagine the eye rolls! Hahahaha! Okie dokie dear Ross! You are on the up and up with sunshine and blue skies ahead! Safe sailing! 🙂
Please try and pace yourself and be at peace and happy!
Hang in there Ross!
Best wishes for radiant health! I had a blood clot scare and used an alternative to deal with mine – morphic fields (sound). Works faster than the blood thinners but of course follow instructions, use with caution, and continue your mainstream protocol if you’re more comfortable with that. I live in a remote area and had to wait so long for a local doc appt, so I was desperate to begin to remedy remedy the situation. Inflammation in our systems is generally the culprit that underlies blood clots and many other health conditions. https://youtu.be/H23OJ0KAmuY
My dad had swelling in his leg, turned out to be a blood clot in his leg which they tried SO DAMN HARD to tell him was just random swelling or some bullsht- they doctors practically killed him, he had to try three different doctors until they finally told him he could die at any minute and had to airlift him.
Glad to hear your experience has been smoother so far! He is on Xarelto for the rest of his life but is doing fine.
hug!
“I tested negative for cooties.”
I laughed out loud on that line of literary genius! Get strong, get well, we need you!
I’m so glad you don’t have cooties! Seriously, I’m so glad you got an answer – I KNOW the relief when a diagnosis is found. Sending you a hug and positive thoughts and prayers. 🙂
Well the main thing is you don’t have cooties. Seriously, I’m so glad you were able to get to the doctor and are on blood thinners now. My husband is on blood thinners, plus meds for his heart. He also has a lung infection he is taking antibiotics for 3 months, not the usual 10 days. Like a lot of people were saying, if you cut yourself you bleed faster than normal and bruising too. It was wonderful that the hospital contacted you so soon after the CT scan. Take it easy and rest when you feel you have to, the work will wait for you, as you well know. The Cross House will understand. Glad to see you still have your sense of humor. Take care, I’m praying for you.
I haven’t commented in a very long time. I just haven’t been able to bring myself to since I life Emporia.
But, I still read every post. I devour every photo, every word, every update – ravenously.
Ross – I’m terrified with/for you as well VERY happy you finally have insurance to get this taken care of. It worried me a great deal that you didn’t have any. I wish you nothing but the best of health and the best of vibes.
Staring down the barrel at mortality is scary, but this might be the best excuse in the world to button up your affairs, should the worst come to pass.
My best friend passed away very unexpectedly this summer. He hadn’t been feeling well for a few weeks, just generally under the weather, and one Sunday afternoon in July, his mom dropped by to check on him and forced him to go to the ER to get checked out. He looked terrible, apparently. He thought he might have had a mild case of covid, but it was quickly obvious to the doctors that that wasn’t the case, and they immediately took him up for an MRI and discovered a massive brain tumor the size of a billiard ball.
He was dead four days later.
It was terminal, end-stage glioblastoma. I held his hand as he took his last breaths. It was the hardest moment of my life. He was only 43.
He, like you, and the vast majority of the people in my orbit was a “project” and “collector” oriented person, and left behind 9,856,413,897,326 unfinished projects. He (stupidly) did not have any life insurance, was not participating in a 401K, and had absolutely nothing anywhere written down. It’s a fucking nightmare. As his parents are elderly, I’ve been handling a lot of the affairs and finding his projects and cherished belongings their next homes. If he weren’t already dead, I’d kill him for being so unprepared. We should be grieving, but we’re scrambling, instead.
Cementing your wishes and intentions for the house (and the lighting business!) in stone, on paper, would be the best legacy you could leave behind in the event something happens to you unexpectedly. Someone could snap the house up before you’re even cold and *shudders*….install 8,364 recessed can lights in all the ceilings and paint all the woodwork white.
-just two cents from someone who’s been on the other side of a dear friend’s death with a lot of open projects.
I sincerely hope you’re well. I miss you.
Prayers for healing!
Ross,
Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I am very hopeful that this medication will help you, and that you will be around to create, love, entertain, and share that oh so wonderful sense of humor that you have, as well as your views of the world………. for a long time to come.
Love,
Patty
Not intending to start a debate, but my family has dealt with this, and so have researched a lot. There is a government website for VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) which is for vaccine side effects. Clots are high on the list. You can also google “clot shot” (nickname) for specific vaccine provider side effects. Knowledge is power.
First of all, Ross, I wish you a speedy recovery!
Thank you for broaching this difficult subject. I myself have also had family members with serious side effects from the “injection”. Blood clots are right at the top of the list Knowledge definitely is power.
I’m glad you finally found a way to (hopefully) get back on your feet. Heal well! <3
Ok, me dear, first a question (and I would probably know this if I had more time to read every post, apologies!) – does anyone live with you, who would know right away if you went down? If not, GET A MONITOR ASAP – a good version of the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” contraptions. You can survive a stroke and do very well if it’s caught quickly. Obviously we don’t want you to have one, but get that monitor and breathe a little easier.
Second, I’m very close to 6 years into my adventures with what is now stage IV-B lung cancer. I never smoked – I was a runner and for a time I lived in Minneapolis and had houses with basements (potential sources of radon), which might be the source. It has metastasized to my brain, leading to two forms of brain surgery. I’m doing quite well now. I’m just sharing that to help you keep focusing on the path forward. Yes, scary diagnoses are followed by periods of overwhelming concern and fear, but you have a strong positive attitude at your core, which will keep you alive and kicking for a long time.
Both my mother and my brother had strokes, for different reasons, so I do have a bit of close second-hand experience with it.
Keep breathing, stay steady, let yourself grieve a bit then look at the beauty you have immersed yourself in, get a big smile on your face, and go forward.
All my wishes that you’ll continue to improve, and that there are more silver linings in your future. Health stuff is super, really, fucking scary- but I’m glad you’ve found some silver linings.
My sister’s friend went through this a few years ago. She was having trouble with her leg and they discovered that she had a blood clot in her leg and several in her lungs as well. She was on the blood thinners for many months, but everything did resolve in the end and, as far as I know, she has no lingering issues. I hope you have an easy and complete recovery!
Glad you know what the problem is and how to fix it, Ross.
Spousal Unit and I have been on blood thinners for 10 years now. Since he’s a high risk for stroke, we’re happy to have this medication. Now he’s dealing with prostate cancer that metastasized to his spine, hip, sternum and ribs.
Guys, if your back hurts a lot, please do NOT self-diagnose it as sciatica. Get your butts to a urologist toot sweet and find out if you have prostate cancer. The pain he’s in is almost unbearable to watch.
At least he doesn’t have cooties on top of all that…
Dearest Ross,
You are very loved. Very strong. Very smart.
Stay strong and optimistic. Yes, silver linings. No cooties.
Knowledge is power.
Keep on keeping on.
Gigantic hugs and wishes for perfect health for you dearest Ross.
Lung clots & low energy suggest diminished oxygen content in your blood. I got more pep when I started on a CPAP machine and could regain restful sleep. One wonders if your medicos might prescribe nighttime oxygen? And Uncle Medicare to pay for it?
Sez (armchair) Dr. F.
PS: Glad you sport a distinguished beard. My blood thinners make me look like an extra from “Interview with the Vampire” if I use a blade razer to shave.
Hi Ross. Rough news. Shit! Everyone will be ,giving you advice so here is my two cents as well, lol: Anything in the house will wait. I know you have put your heart and soul into it, but let your health be the top priority now. Time for books, reflection, and petting kitties. You have accomplished a ton and worked your ass off. Let that be your shining crown, bringing a grand Victorian lady back to life. You have accomplished more in your life than most people would put into TWO lives!
For me, turning 65 this year has been one downhill health ride. On a daily basis my body either grows a mass of some kind, or another joint wears out. I look at it this way, I worked and played really hard all my life. I now deserve a rest. I’m now going to paint pictures, take photos, and enjoy what is left of me while I can. You can move in with my hubby and I when we move to Kansas this month, we’ll take you cooties and all. We can have walker races! Please take care of your sweet self. xxxoooxxx
Hi Ross, No cooties is good. Blood clots and low energy are bad. I’m sorry to hear and wish you the best for your recovery. I’ve often thought you were somewhat superhuman with what you accomplish regularly on the house and I expect that strength will carry you through this. Good luck. John
I’m an avid blog reader of yours for years and someone with chronic health issues (at age 25, sigh!), I know what it’s like to be fatigued and tired all the time! Here’s to healing well!
Hey Ross
Atleast you got the fatigue figured out, and even if it’s scary as shit we blogreaders are here cheering you on with every babystep.
Monika
Hello, Ross.
I’m so glad you got tested and are managing your health scare. <3 I will keep you in my thoughts. You take it easy and remember that your sweet houses were here long before you and all your love and they will be waiting for you and some more love when you're ready to roll again. Positive is positive! Keep it up.
-Mary Ann 🙂
Any news that reminds us of mortality is scary. But at least once a problem is identified it can be addressed! Best wishes for healing and returning to your old spritely self.
CE
Oh, Ross. May your recovery be swift, and no clot recurrences! Great big hugs from WV!