Recovery after a DVT

It’s been just over a month since I was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis.  Recovery after a DVT, it seems, is different for everyone.  I think I was told the worst-case scenarios when I first found out, which is probably a good thing.  However, that news and halting all travel and activity was a major shock to my system.  One of the Doctors said to me, “Your mountain experience will come in handy for this.  Dealing with a serious life-threatening situation and making decisions quickly for the best possible outcome is right up your street!”.

He was right, of course I could handle this.  I felt in my comfort zone making important decisions quickly.  I made immediate changes with life, travel, work and activity plans.  Then I rested.

Recovery

With all plans removed, a lot of questions and all of a sudden, a huge amount of time on my hands I felt a bit lost and worried.  I was at the start of a new journey, Recovery, and I needed a new plan.

A good friend said to me, “Squash you’re going to have to let go of all control and just accept things as they are, take it day by day.”.

So, my first plan was simple, I’ll just take things day by day!

Looking back over the last month I did a few things that I believe have really helped me on my recovery after a DVT.  I think that they are applicable to anyone on a recovery journey, so I wanted to share them.

Recovery after a DVT
Recovery after a DVT

– Research

Educating myself with as much information as I could find has been invaluable.  Knowing more about the condition has helped me feel more in control and able to have a handle on what I should/shouldn’t be doing.

– Support

Surrounding myself with family and friends has been the best thing.  It immediately took away so much stress and made me feel at ease.

– Small goals

I’m definitely motivated by goals.  So, I’ve set myself both physical and work goals.   It’s been fantastic working with Komoot on their navigation and planning app because I’ve not only got out and done things, I’m able to track my progress too.  My physical goals have often included pushing harder for longer.  For now, I’ve modified that to feeling ok for a comfortable amount of time.

– Talking & sharing

Talking to people helps.  Social media can be a wonderful thing too.  Since sharing online so many people have sent lovely messages of support, advice and empathy.  It’s great not to feel alone in these situations.

– Treats

Who doesn’t love a little luxury and a treat from time to time?  Lying down in the sunshine and doing nothing for an afternoon, indulging in your favourite food, maybe a short break?  Whatever the treat, including them in any recovery journey gives an instant lift!

– Accepting things as they are

Maybe one of the hardest things to do.  Letting go of control and just accepting things as they actually are instead of battling with what you wish they were.  I think it’s human nature to want to be in control so much and constantly thinking about what we think we ‘should’ do instead of perhaps listening to what we need to do.

– Listen to yourself

One of the most important things is to listen to yourself.  Deep down I know when I’m alright and when I’m not.  I’ve made sure that I’m paying close attention to how I am and using that as a good indicator for how quickly or slowly my recovery is going.

– Gratitude

Focusing on what’s good and what I’m grateful for makes me feel so much better.

Grateful

 

Thank you to every body who has been a part of my recovery journey.

 

Looking forward to announcing my next big adventure… in a few weeks 😉

 

 

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