My blood test results are back. The Factor VIII reading is at 210%. Normal levels would be between 50% and 150%. A high Factor VIII means that I am more prone to blood coagulation than normal. My last blood test in August showed a reading of 160%. The hematologist thinks it is elevated this time because it has been less than three weeks since my New York Marathon and the levels may stabilize to near normal. Either way, he was ready to give me some liberties and take me off Xarelto.
This is excellent news! This changes everything! This means I can bike. I can do triathlons again. I will start easy and go harder and longer. I still have about a week before I can do anything crazy but now there is bright light at the end of the tunnel! This weekend, my two bicycles (Trocket and Therapy) will be readied for action.
It has been a long 18 months since I biked. For those of you who don’t know, I haven’t been able to bike because bicycling is prone to accidents. Any head trauma or chest trauma would be deadly for anyone on Xarelto because you would haemorrhage to death. Xarelto thins your blood and has no antidote. Fortunately for me, I am off Xarelto as of tomorrow. The wait is finally over. Goodbye Xarelto. Hello Bicycling. Hello triathlon.
I have to be careful about hydration. I have to drink a ton of water all day long. I have to be especially careful when I fly. I still have to take a baby-aspirin every day and I have to be monitored for blood every 4 to 6 months. That is all fine by me because I can bike now and revive my budding triathlon career! Happy happy I am!
After returning from the doc’s office, I had an exhilarating 4-mile run around my office. I wasn’t fast by any means but I was happy. That’s what counts.
Once again; goodbye Xarelto. Hello world!