Finally Going Home!!

After 21 days, our hospital stay is finally coming to an end! Last night we were both afraid that the blood clot they found in Matt's liver would keep him here longer. But, thank goodness, it isn't! So, in the next hour or so, we are going home!!!

So, what about the clot? It does have to be treated, or it could turn into something that is very serious. They are drawing blood before we leave to run some tests. They are trying to determine if Matt has some kind of genetic condition or disorder that would have caused the blood clot. If he does, he will pretty much stay on blood thinners the rest of his life. If he doesn't, there really isn't a solid explanation for why he got the clot in the first place, and they will consider it to be a one time thing. In that case, he will have to be on blood thinners for 3-6 months. At some point, they will recheck it with another MRI. If the clot is gone, he is done, and we move on. If it isn't gone, he stays on the blood thinners longer.

We are both so relieved that we are finally going home! And, we are both relieved that the blood clot isn't dangerous or life-threatening! However, I think we are about to begin a whole new series of challenges in the wake of this diagnosis.

First, blood thinners = light duty. Now, to most people that doesn't seem like a big deal. But, to anyone who has been close to a cop...especially an extreme alpha male cop like my husband...this is a huge deal! Riding a desk, not being able to work the street can be very demeaning. For a little while it's OK, but if it's long-term...  Let's just say it can pretty difficult to deal with. I mean, Matt didn't become a cop because he wants to push paper! And, there's the National Guard on top of the police department. He's not going to be able to anything in the field with the Guard either. At least in the near future, this one little blood clot is going to be pretty life-altering.

Second, light duty = no off duty job. Again, this may not seem like a big deal. But, financially... I don't even like to think about it. This whole time I've been telling Matt not to worry about money. Money is something that we can handle. (He's already been worried about it because I've been getting docked since 12/8, and 21 days in the hospital is going to come with a pretty hefty price tag.) And, I really, truly do believe that money is not something we need to excessively stress over. But, this whole off-duty thing in just another blow that will be pretty difficult to overcome. I'm already running different scenarios through my head about what we are going to have to do. But, right now, I'm keeping my focus on getting my baby better!  I know that God will provide, and we will be fine. We always are because He always does!

I really want to say a huge
THANK YOU
again to every one of you who has been praying for Matt! Please continue to keep him in your prayers as we go home and begin to heal him and face new challenges! The next time you hear from me...it will be from our house!! Woooo-hooooo!!!!!