A week ago I was experiencing some serious pain in my ankle and leg, for three days this pain continued until I convinced myself and my parents that I needed to go to Urgent Care. Upon arrival they tested my blood and did an ultrasound of my leg; after the results of the ultrasound came back there was a large blood clot found behind my leg, which explained the pain. However, when the results of the blood tests came back they found that I had an elevated white blood cell count, which could have meant I had a Pulmonary Embolism (blood clots in the lungs). I was sent to the emergency room where the doctor immediately ordered a CT Scan of my lungs, they found that I did indeed have clotting in my lungs and I was admitted into the hospital for three days. During this time I had many vials of blood taken for testing and learned of a condition that runs in my family called "Factor Five". Factor Five is a condition where on the most basic level your blood is sticky and clumps together easily.
They just recently sent me home and I'm on powerful blood thinners and pain medication. Treatment is expected to continue for at least six months. The biggest concern is that the clots could move to my heart, so let's hope that that doesn't happen. :)
