Bratwurst und Bier (Bratwurst & Beer)

Soon after our last trip to Vienna/Budapest/Prague, I noticed that my lower right leg had become very swollen and had turned a different color than my left leg. I had noticed that the right leg was progressively getting worse the weeks prior to the trip, but I kept thinking that I had just worked out too hard and it would go away by itself. When I got back to the office, I did a little research on the Internet and found that I had all the symptoms for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The symptoms include swelling in one or both legs, pain or tenderness in one or both legs, which may occur only while standing or walking, warmth in the skin of the affected leg, red or discolored skin in the affected leg, visible surface veins, leg fatigue. I had first tried to find a German doctor in the economy, but during the summer season, most of the doctors were on vacation. The earliest appointment I could book was mid-August. Not wanting to wait any longer, I decided to go the ER at the American hospital. As soon as I told the ER nurse of my symptoms, she ordered a wheel chair for me. I thought uh oh… may be I shouldn’t have blown off my leg problem for weeks on end. Anyway, long story short, after only two hours at the ER, an ultrasound of the leg and other tests, it was confirmed that I had indeed developed DVT. Even though I am considered very young to have developed this, it wasn’t unheard of. Certain medications can increase the likelihood of developing blood clots, even if you do not have a family history of blood clots. I was sent home with shots that I had to administer myself for a week and an anti-coagulant drug to prevent my body to form any more clots. The major bummer about being on the anti-coagulant is that I can no longer imbibe alcohol since it can cause the stomach to bleed. This is a torturous thing since it’s summer time and there are lots of wine and beer fests almost every week. Oh well, Patrick would just have to drink enough for the both of us. Strangely enough, he hasn’t been complaining about having to drink enough for two.. :) I have also developed some very interesting bruising from frequent blood test to make sure the coagulant level in my blood is desirable so that I’m getting the maximum benefit without thinning the blood out too much that would could lead to uncontrollable bleeding. I’d post the bruises but I don’t think it’s for the faint of heart. … :) All will be well at the end because I was very lucky to have caught the clot very early on and had great doctors to take care of me. If you find that you have developed any of the symptoms mentioned above, please see someone right away.