I actually learned a lot from this entire situation and it was interesting to experience healthcare from the patient's side and it is EXTREMELY frustrating. I think that if I did not have the experience and education that I do I would have ignored this common complication that can become something extremely serious. This made me think about my future patients and it really solidified the role of the nurse as an advocator for their patient. I had to deal with a very egotistical resident during my experience who was convinced since I did not have ALL the textbook signs and symptoms of a DVT and my last ultrasound was negative that I did not have a DVT. I calmly and professionally told him with all due respect, "I thought he was f***ing wrong", excuse my language but at this point I was so frustrated! And after it did turn out to be a DVT you could tell he was very embarrassed.
So moral of the story, as I told the baby doctor that came to apologize after the diagnosis, LISTEN TO YOUR PATIENTS!!! Seriously! They know their bodies best and especially with a new patient that you do not even know it is not your job to judge if their pain, discomfort, symptoms, or whatever it is, are real. As nurses we have a responsibility to our patients to make sure their concerns are heard and if they feel something it wrong, it probably is! Even as I continue to experience the healthcare environment as a patient I see more and more what it is like for someone with no healthcare experience or knowledge, it's scary! So be there for your patients, even as a student. I know there are restrictions but you have no idea how much it can mean to a patient to have someone sit down with them and hear them out and just explain things to them.
After I was diagnosed with the DVT I was put on Lovenox, so I was able to perfect my subq stick technique! :) Now I have been switched to Xalerto and I no longer have to poke myself every 12 hours. But I am on the way to recovery. I have started to put some weight on my leg and everything feels pretty good. Physical therapy is always fun and yesterday I was so proud of myself because I put my own shoe on and was able to ride the recumbent bike for 5 minutes; it's the little things! :) I will continue to keep you guys updated, thanks for sticking with me even though its not Navy related, hopefully by the beginning of next year it will be!