Alright...after a VERY long day at the hospital here is our update. Nate went in for his venogram this morning at 10:30. The radiologist, Dr. L, gave us many scenarios with a lot of doctor jargon. Long story short, they saw that Nate's sub-clavian vein had 95% narrowing and in some places 99% due to Paget-Schroetter Syndrome (which is found mostly in body builders and weight lifters....go figure). He would have had some narrowing beforehand and many people with this syndrome never exhibit symptoms or even know they have it. In Nate's case, his vein issue was exacerbated by his port.
It is a miracle that Nate did not have a clot...praise God. While in his vein, they were able to do an angioplasty which basically enlarges the vein with a balloon. That seemed to do the trick unless Nate raises his left arm over his head and then there is no blood flow. The angioplasty can't fix that. So no more left-handed-up-top-high-fives from people over 6'5".
The recovery is to take it easy for a few day and not lift heavy objects for a few weeks, keep his left arm down (no more military presses) and watch for symptoms to return and if so, head to the emergency room. Nate will also be taking his very first daily medication...but it's worth it!
We have several follow ups appointments scheduled in the next month or two so people are keeping an eye on him.
That's all...thank you for your prayers and support. We feel that this was the best case scenario and thank God for his mercy!
Much love,
Nate and Erin
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