My Brother's Passing; and Thrombophlebitis

MBombardier · Post by **MBombardier** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:58 am

My brother, Stuart, my only sibling, aged 62, died of congestive heart failure on July 9th. That leaves my father, aged 90, and me left of my birth family. I've lost my champion (even with our parents at times) and a great deal of my history.

While I was in Tulsa for the funeral, I woke up 10 days ago with pain in my right elbow. Last Friday I noticed a pink streak from my elbow to the middle of my forearm, and I could feel some lumps in my elbow and forearm. Internet research led me to think that it was thrombophlebitis, otherwise known as surface vein thrombosis, which was confirmed yesterday via ultrasound. There is no deep vein involvement.

There was no reason for this condition--no blood stick or anything. The only thing I could think of is maybe I injured the vein as I manhandled my backpack in the airport or on the plane.

Anyway, the MD wants me to take aspirin to aid my body in dissolving these blood clots. The ultrasound tech speculated that I have a blood clotting disorder, which may be the case. I have trouble giving blood because my blood clots so quickly.

I've been thinking about starting to take a baby aspirin every day, especially considering that both my mother and now my brother died of congestive heart failure. I read Tex's "safe medicine" lists about aspirin and histamine/DAO, and I just don't know.

I know y'all aren't doctors (except Polly

), but I'd still like to know what y'all think.

Grahm · Post by **Grahm** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:22 am

Marliss,

While I am a newbie I don't have an opinion on the aspirin deal. But, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. I know you have so many wonderful memories.....

Sincerely,
Connie

Zizzle · Post by **Zizzle** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:28 am

I'm sorry for your loss, Marliss. I would ask your doctors to further investigate your blood for clotting and autoimmune clotting issues BEFORE you start any aspirin therapy. I've read that once you start baby aspirin, you can't stop (because of the risk of clotting among other things), so it's not a decision to make lightly.

Post by **tex** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:45 am

Marliss,

I'm very sorry to hear of your brother's untimely passing. 62 is way too young to leave this earth.

Regarding the blood-clotting issue, as you are probably aware, I take clopidogrel (Plavix), which is available by prescription only. It has never caused any problems for me of which I am aware (I've been taking it for 4 years now). The name-brand product is overpriced of course, but the generic is much more reasonable. If I were in that situation, I would ask my doctor for her or his opinion about the possibility of using it. Prior to using Plavix, I used enteric-coated aspirin for about a year, but I had an apparent TIA anyway, which prompted the switch.

When I had the first TIA, I popped a couple of full-strength aspirin, before driving to the ER. The next day, some blood showed up in my stool. I tend to believe what Zizzle pointed about about the risk of discontinuing the use of aspirin, namely that it can cause a rebound effect that can significantly boost the risk of an adverse cardiovascular event.

On a more positive note, I can recall reading an article many years ago, that pointed out that certain inherited genetics tend to be transmitted in a cross-gender fashion. IOW, sons inherit certain genes from their mothers, and daughters inherit certain genes from their fathers. I have no idea whether cardiovascular issues fall under that classification, but your father obviously has good longevity-associated genes.

Tex

JFR · Post by **JFR** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:45 am

So sorry for your loss Marliss.

I have no advice concerning baby aspirin but I do know how complicated things can get when you have to juggle competing health needs. It's hard to know what's best. I hope our resident doctor and our resident "knows more than most doctors" can help you sort this out.

Be kind to yourself,
Jean

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:53 am

I am so sorry to hear the sad news about your brother, Marliss.

:bigbighug:

nerdhume · Post by **nerdhume** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 12:29 pm

Sorry to hear about your brother.
I took baby aspirin for years and then was told to stop when dx UC. My GI said NO NSAIDS or Statins. This leaves me with high cholesterol and high platelet count. I also think it's tough when juggling more than one ailment. What helps one tends to be bad for the other.

kayare · Post by **kayare** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 5:52 pm

Marliss, I wish I could advise on your use of baby aspirin. I am, however, very sorry for the untimely loss of your dear brother. Kathy

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 6:06 pm

Marliss,

So sorry for your loss! Prayers and hugs for you and your family.

Pat

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 6:43 pm

Marliss
sympathies for your loss, hugs to you and your family xoxo

Research via my 'Nutrient Bible' (nutrition text book) you may wish to give consideration to these as the treatment option

Trombophlebitis - Bromelain
Blood Clots - E, C, Bromelain, DHA/EPA

Bromelian is an anti-inflammatory and is used for IBS/IBD/'s.
dose: 150-1600mg/day or 10-20 mg/kg body wt

I have also been able to source Soy Free Vit E via compounding pharmacy.

Hope this helps

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 7:11 pm

Marliss, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. When you lose a brother or sister, there is a hole in your life. I don't have any advice about what to do for the thrombophlebitis except to pray that it clears up quickly.

Sheila W

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 7:32 pm

Marliss, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. I lost a brother, too so I know how you are feeling. Life goes on, but it is never the same. A song on the radio or a memory of a happy time will keep him close to you. {hugs}

Marcia

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 7:57 pm

Marliss,
So sorry to hear about your brother, and wishing you comfort.

FWIW, you might want to look into a clotting disorder called Factor V (5) Leiden. When my mom was ill, blood work revealed that she had it. My two sisters have it, but I don't. I can't recall whether my brothers were tested for it.

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 11:48 am

Dear Marliss,

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your brother. I'll be praying for both you and your dad in this time of sorrow.

Love,
Martha

MBombardier · Post by **MBombardier** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 12:58 pm

Thanks, all. I so appreciate your sympathy and kind words, and especially your prayers.

Zizzle, I had no idea that there were autoimmune blood clotting disorders. The ultrasound tech mentioned lupus and Factor V Leiden, but since I don't have lupus, I didn't think anything of it. But research yesterday and my medical history makes me think I should ask to be tested for secondary antiphospholipid syndrome when I visit my new MD at the end of August. Thank you so much for the heads up!

Gabes, thank you for the nutrient suggestions! I would much rather go the nutrient route. I take C and EPA/DHA, and I have bromelain in the cupboard for stomach issues, but I had no idea it is used for inflammation. I see in some quick research that it would also help my head cold. I haven't been able to hear much in my left ear since I deplaned on Sunday. You are a fount of wonderful information, and I greatly appreciate it.

Martha, my son, Thomas, came up to Tulsa and fetched me for a four-day visit with his family so I could decompress. They live in Mansfield now which is closer to you, but I wasn't in any shape to visit outside the family--even to see Rebecca's family.

Thanks again, y'all! :bigbighug: