A New Plan

Yesterday Joel went and had his vein cleaned out again.  Each time they do it they have to use a new drill that costs $2500.  The procedure went well this time but as soon as they finished they noticed the clot reforming.   Some of the doctors wanted to insert a permanent stent but there is no guarantee that it won't keep clotting.  In fact it probably would keep clotting because the underlying issue causing the clot has not been resolved.  The head doctor doesn't want to go that route, at least not now.  With a stent in his leg, Joel would never be able to play any contact sports and he would always have to worry about cuts or bruising as he would be on blood thinners for the rest of his life.
The plan this morning is to remove the sheath and have Joel fitted for a tensor stocking that he would have to wear for the next few months.  Joel's leg will probably remain swollen for several months.  He will also meet with one of the hemotologists.  They will put him on high doses of powerful blood thinners and hope that his body will be able to resolve this on its own.  They will book several ultrasound and MRI scans so they can keep a close eye on it.  If the the clot just keeps growing larger in spite of the medication they will have to come up with a new plan, maybe exploratory surgery to see if anything in that area is putting pressure on the vein.  Joel will move back to Children's Hospital at some point today but I have no idea yet how long he will have to stay.  He is looking forward to a change of clothes and a shower.  He has been laying flat, mostly immobile on the same bed for a week now.  He says he feels slimy…… gross!  At least he still has a sense of humour.