It's a good thing I went to my doc today because the cellulites (skin infection) isn't the only issue.  The numbness and swelling of my foot and ankle area is a type of thrombosis.  Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is when a major vein has a blockage/blood clot and I had that in 2003.  This time, it's a thrombosis of the smaller veins where blood flow isn't getting through the smaller veins as it should and it causes pain, numbness, and swelling. 

My blood protime (thickness/thinness of my blood) was a little low (thick) when tested last week so that's most likely the cause.  The only thing other than the blood thinners I'm already on is compression.  By compression, I mean the sexy Ted-hose.  Ack.  I have to wear them until I'm done with the antibiotics or longer if the symptoms return.  I have to get my protime tested again in two weeks so that will gage if the dose of coumadin needs to be increased/decreased. 

My doc wasn't surprised the ER doc didn't catch this because he didn't know me like my doc knows me and my history and it's a good thing the ER doc made it a point for me to see my doc today.  My doc was a bit upset that the ER doc and/or the radiologist on duty did not listen to the tech who did my ultrasound because she told me that area was "sluggish" for blood flow. 

I think the world of my doc and I owe him my life because he saved it a time or two.  He's so good with Dad and Mom too so I wanted to do something for him as a "you're appreciated" gesture.  He grew up in a small town in Idaho and his grandpa was a Forest Ranger in the Big Springs, Idaho area and my doc used to go on his runs with him and he loved it up there.  I gave him one of my photos of the old railroad bridge at Big Springs and he was so thrilled and he knew exactly where it was and he has stood there many times.  It really made his day.  He always tells me I make his day by coming in anyway but this time was extra special, and that makes me feel good.