Back in early September I was groundhog hunting and on the lookout for deer depravating a soybean field. As I left I slid down a 6 foot bank to the truck and sprained my ankle slightly. There was some slight swelling and discomfort the next 2 weeks but I have been through all that. Had my wellness visit and asked Dr. to look at it. Purple below ankle but had good range of motion. "Yep, you sprained it, get it better before gun season starts Mike. " He is a deer hunter as well. As time progressed,busy at the store, on feet a bunch - started feeling my calf swell. Nurse wife grew concerned, got me some anti embolism socks and I began wearing them through October and into November. That and staying off my feet as much as I could seemed to be working. Wife remained concerned. Then came the day before rifle season, partner out that day, sold around $1000 worth of hunting licenses. Went home that night, iced down my leg, noticed knee swelled. Saturday, crawled into store attic and lit pilot on gas furnace, came down and could literally feel leg swelling. Pinching feeling on inner thigh. By Tuesday, after resting the leg, no better. To my wife's amazement , I announced I was going to the doctor. Left work early and got to the Dr.'s office. As I began pulling up my pants leg I could tell by his expression it wasn't good. Prescribed antibiotics for the start of cellulitis and order for a Doppler ultrasound on leg -STAT. Drove to the hospital, endured that and radiologist called my Dr. He immediately asked for me. In his slow NC mountain drawl, he explained I had 5 blood clots in my leg. This was no joke and I was going to have to go easy on it. Blood thinners prescribed. Apparently I'll be on them for at least 6 months. Have to keep my leg up at work as much as possible. Partner was there last week and would not let me do anything but answer the phone. Wife upset because she didn't follow her gut and insist on doctor early. Apparently I have had a close call as the clots were moving. Getting older ain't for wussies. I will hunt vicariously through you all so keep those pics coming.
Reb
Reb
