Casey's interview
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How did all start?
Pain in lower right lung area
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes, diagnosis of Factor V Leiden, an extremely aggressive form. Initially, in 2009 I was in hospital for 18 days suffering from bi lateral pulmonary embolism.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
It took two weeks to get the diagnosis. Pulmonary embolism was defeated with drug therapy. Now I take a total of 85mg of warfarin over a 7 day period. I alternate days, one day 10 mg, the next 15mg, and so on.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Regular INR checkups and avoiding antioxidant rich foods.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
I find it difficult to administer Lovenox to myself.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
No one I know has ever heard of it and they think I made it up. My family does not know. I do wear a medical alert.
What things have you stopped doing?
I have stopped eating any and all vegetables or anything containing vitamin K.
What do you think about the future?
I cannot wait for my next event because I am sick of being alive. Currently I have purposely not taking any warfarin or lovenox in Hope's of a life threatening clot.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
All the years prior to my diagnosis.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Eat brocolli, asparagus, okra and all the other things high in vitamin K. You never know how much you like something until you can't have it.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I can't wait to die.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
I hope your outlook on life is better than mine.
