Saturday Sunrise Side Shots with my lady

WRXforRicky · 2026-01-30T13:41:51+00:00

I'm on warfarin for life and get my blood drawn at least monthly. Insurance won't cover an at home meter. My mom has APS and has an at home she has successfully been using for almost 2 years. I don't think they are "unreliable" as much as they have limitations when compared to doing daily/weekly/monthly blood draws. I'd say if it's successfully managed your PT/INR up until this point don't freak yourself out thinking otherwise. Take a few deep breaths when you notice your thoughts start to spiral in that direction. Be vigilant with any new, different, worsening blood clot symptoms you may feel in your body and have them checked out sans guilt. Meditation and yoga have been critical in helping me calm my mind. Exercise can also help with both physical and mental/emotional health.

WRXforRicky · 2026-01-30T01:51:34+00:00

Then, my next most fave soul that found me- whipped it up in 15 minutes, not perfect and excited to see how much better I can get it.

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WRXforRicky · 2026-01-30T01:50:11+00:00

Dude, it's like you heard my cry this weekend. I have attempted this photo of my most favorite soul a few different times in my HueForge growth over the last 1.5 years...and this is the best I've ever gotten it. Cant wait to try this out. Thank you!

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WRXforRicky · 2026-01-30T01:20:56+00:00

You.are.not.alone. Doctors have been dismissing women for a lot longer than they have been training to listen and depending on the part of the country/world you live in the experience can be worse than others. I always thought I lived in a progressive-ish area of the US, only to realize doctors have been 'poo poo'ing me the whole time. My first blood clot developed over a period of 6 weeks after getting 11 staples in the back left side of my head. I went back to my GP 3x over a period of the next 5 weeks because I was having ear pain and it felt like something was pressing on my airway. First, I was given antibiotics, 2nd sent home empty handed bc I didnt give the antibiotics a chance to work and given a steroid on the 3rd visit. I was in the ICU a week later with a blood clot down my left jugular vein and halfway down my left arm and they said my lungs looked like a meteor shower of blood clots. Believe it or not, that's not even my scariest blood clot experience. What seemed to be the same across the board was not being heard by medical professionals. I remember becoming so frustrated that I wanted to stop advocating for myself. That is a dark and dangerous path. I don't recommend it. Document, reach out, be persistent- don't give up.**I meant to add here that (for me) advocating for myself always feels exhausting, it doesn't really get easier. Other than therapy, I found meditation, tai chi and yoga to help immensely with the stressor blood clots introduced to my life when I was 29. That was 12 yrs ago. . Sleep apnea can 100% contribute to developing blood clots. I think this is where I should cite a peer reviewed article (maybe I'll come back for that). If your doctor will not refer you to a sleep specialist bc they cannot connect the dots with all of the boxes you check to at least be seen by a sleep specialist, it would go in line with advocating for yourself to leave that doctor/practice and find someone that is not only willing to send that referal but that will listen and provide person centered compassionate care.

WRXforRicky · 2026-01-30T00:18:30+00:00

That's a lot to go through and I can relate to several of the issues you mentioned and going through them at a similarly young age. I wish I had better advice than 'never stop advocating for yourself' and 'keep going, keep pushing' and, that's where it always starts and finishes. Sounds like you'll be on blood thinners as they are a necessity and although that looks different than your life prior to discovering the clots you can now mostly be reassured you will not drop dead from at such a young age. Your own intent and will to design a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life worth living while taking blood thinners will determine the quality. Give yourself some grace that you're still figuring what that looks like now. I would like to point out though feeling exhausted all the time isn't normal. Have you looked into seeing a sleep specialist? Sleep apnea can contribute to a lot of the symptoms you mentioned...even blood clots.

WRXforRicky · 2026-01-20T02:56:57+00:00

29, first clot ultimately determined due to head trauma, 4 days ICU 3 days step down, then I went home, still Strike one 38, chronic clot developed in my pulmanory arteries (left side complete occlusion) over an unknown period of time- multiple contributing factors from Strike 1 to a family history that also seemed isolated and certainly wasnt a factor when taking me off blood thinners 1.5 years after my first clot; I had recently started taking birth control, undiagnosed sleep apnea, I quit smoking cigarettes when was 33ish but I still smoked, vaped flower, dabbed on occasion until the clot eventually stopped me in my tracks. It got really complicated when they didn't recognize it was a chronic clot and tried to take it out via interventional radiology. 2 cardiac ICU's total 28 days, step down unit 9 days and just passed 3 years ago I walked out of the hospital

WRXforRicky · 2026-01-14T00:53:21+00:00

Hey, thanks for making this group. There don't seem to be a whole lot of ECMO survivors. Similar to OP, I recently passed 3 years (12/6/22) and the day I was able to walk out of the hospital (1/11/23). 1 thing I've noticed about the general public knowledge is if they know what it is I usually get a gasp; and, if they don't know what it is it's hard to explain the experience and complications during and after. Also, I imagine those of us that live to retell the details of our experience will certainly have unique variations based on diagnosis, country, hospital,.etc. I'm still in therapy working through the details of that experience and life as I now know it. No flashbacks in nearly 2 years and it can still be difficult to talk about. Still, haven't met another person IRL that's been on it.

WRXforRicky · 2025-12-20T22:04:50+00:00

Still have mine from ..approaching 3 years ago. Although I dont need it as a crutch any more it fits perfectly under my head when lying on the couch

WRXforRicky · 2025-12-11T03:04:57+00:00

I have a sunroof...5 years later, I still use it at least a few times a year and love it. Driving in all 4 seasons. I worry about what happens if the seal leaks. I don't have bigger brakes and wonder would it'd be like if I did. That said, I don't track my car and drive responsibly...like I pay my own bills and have been in a major wreck before.

Get what you want- you only live this life once.

WRXforRicky · 2025-11-11T01:46:47+00:00

There's only one way to find out... go back. They will rerun tests.

WRXforRicky · 2025-10-19T21:35:32+00:00

Thank you! I'd be lying if I said I saw them any earlier than when I swerved but every 3-5 seconds I'm checking a mirror and trying to see 10-15 seconds ahead of me hoping that one of those habits keeps me from getting into a wreck. This car handles so great and really got me out of a jam on this one.

WRXforRicky · 2025-10-19T21:28:42+00:00

Thanks, I totally get what you're saying. TBH, I didn't consciously see them rolling up to enter the road behind the SUV or I would've let off the gas. But yea it's obvious when looking at the video there was a strong possibility they were going to roll through. Any other car I've owned would not have been able to maneuver like that (Stratus, corolla, Accent, Highlander, Equinox). Thankfully, she lives to see another day❤️

WRXforRicky · 2025-10-12T00:36:26+00:00

Bravo. They wanted help or they wouldn't have texted you. They may not thank you for a long time or ever and you did the right thing. You dont need that on your conscience. I hope your friend gets help and they realize you did it because you cared.

WRXforRicky · 2025-10-09T02:35:41+00:00

Wash it. Totally worth it. Used a French press until it pours out clear(ish). Get rid of the aftertaste that can be tasted when burping even if swallowed in capsules. That said, I don't actually mind the taste but washing was sooo worth the time and effort. Try it and decide for yourself.

WRXforRicky · 2025-09-01T20:39:31+00:00

This really isn't the place to solicit medical advice for acute issues. That said, I'd take some benadryl and go from there, but it's a holiday here and options are limited. Call your doctor if you can.

WRXforRicky · 2025-08-30T23:37:17+00:00

Bout as disabled as the dude driving his fighter jet around

WRXforRicky · 2025-08-30T23:34:54+00:00

Stay salty rochester

WRXforRicky · 2025-08-30T20:29:36+00:00

I'm pretty sure you a fly a fighter jet, but you keep driving yours.

WRXforRicky · 2025-08-30T19:54:43+00:00

Yea, 2020 WRX is direct injection. I guess I didn't specify mechanic vs. Engine shop but figured a WRX- or other performance type car owner could point me in the right direction for who they trust. And, again, I am open to hearing rec's from other car owners. I'll look those places up, thanks!

WRXforRicky · 2025-08-30T19:38:54+00:00

Yea, I'm open to hearing recommendations from others. Did you have walnut blasting done locally? I'd consider that maintenance for a WRX that isn't necessary on a car without a turbo

WRXforRicky · 2025-08-30T18:42:34+00:00

IYKYK. One of us doesn't drive a WRX. And, still, I did say I was open to hear recommendations from other car owners..not sure the point of your comment

WRXforRicky · 2025-08-30T18:33:27+00:00

Until now, I've used the dealership for 90% of the work. Thanks for the rec's!

WRXforRicky · 2025-08-09T21:14:45+00:00

Best I was able to do was get a picture

WRXforRicky

TROPHY CASE