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My name is Justin Underwood, and I am raising money because I have blood clots in my lungs that I would like to have removed, so I can attempt a return at a healthy life. Let me explain a little more...
My exact condition is called Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH). For the 99% of us that aren't doctors, what that means is that I have had blood clots clogging the arteries in my lungs for a prolonged period of time. The clots are putting an unhealthy pressure on the right side of my heart, and affecting the amount of oxygen being absorbed into my bloodsream. As of today, surgery is the only known cure.
The procedure is called a pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Basically, what they do is crack your chest open, hook your heart and lungs up to a machine, then go in and "clear the plumbing" between your heart and lungs.
Needless to say, it's an invasive surgery that requires a significant amount of funding, and recovery time. I am raising money to help pay for my operation, as well as to help with my living expenses while I am away from work and in recovery. Here is a little more background information.
I have always been a reasonably healthy person. My diet hasn't always been the best, but I have always loved working out. I love to run, cycle, play basketball, and LOVE yoga (although I may be the least flexible person ever...).
In May my legs started swelling uncontrollably. When I could no longer deal with the swelling I checked myself into a walk in clinic, and 3 hours later, was sent to the ICU, where I spent 4 days!!!
As it turns out, I had blood clots, 4 to be exact. One in my leg, two in my lungs (which have probably been there for at least a year), and one more right outside my heart. The one outside my heart was so unstable the doctors were scared the clot would break off, hit my heart, and probably kill me. It only takes ONE blood clot to kill you, so the fact I had four at the same time, and was able to walk myself into the hospital is nothing short of a miracle.
For the past few months I have been on blood thinners. They have helped with the clots in my leg and next to my heart. The problem is that the 2 in my lungs have been there so long the thinners just won't break them down, so the pressure on my heart just won't go away. This procedure should set everything back to normal.
Thank you sincerely for visiting my page. Any help, love, or positive vibes are greatly appreciated in this tough time.
My exact condition is called Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH). For the 99% of us that aren't doctors, what that means is that I have had blood clots clogging the arteries in my lungs for a prolonged period of time. The clots are putting an unhealthy pressure on the right side of my heart, and affecting the amount of oxygen being absorbed into my bloodsream. As of today, surgery is the only known cure.
The procedure is called a pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Basically, what they do is crack your chest open, hook your heart and lungs up to a machine, then go in and "clear the plumbing" between your heart and lungs.
Needless to say, it's an invasive surgery that requires a significant amount of funding, and recovery time. I am raising money to help pay for my operation, as well as to help with my living expenses while I am away from work and in recovery. Here is a little more background information.
I have always been a reasonably healthy person. My diet hasn't always been the best, but I have always loved working out. I love to run, cycle, play basketball, and LOVE yoga (although I may be the least flexible person ever...).
In May my legs started swelling uncontrollably. When I could no longer deal with the swelling I checked myself into a walk in clinic, and 3 hours later, was sent to the ICU, where I spent 4 days!!!
As it turns out, I had blood clots, 4 to be exact. One in my leg, two in my lungs (which have probably been there for at least a year), and one more right outside my heart. The one outside my heart was so unstable the doctors were scared the clot would break off, hit my heart, and probably kill me. It only takes ONE blood clot to kill you, so the fact I had four at the same time, and was able to walk myself into the hospital is nothing short of a miracle.
For the past few months I have been on blood thinners. They have helped with the clots in my leg and next to my heart. The problem is that the 2 in my lungs have been there so long the thinners just won't break them down, so the pressure on my heart just won't go away. This procedure should set everything back to normal.
Thank you sincerely for visiting my page. Any help, love, or positive vibes are greatly appreciated in this tough time.