This business put me in the EMERGENCY ROOM!

64 replies
Hey guys,

Just a heads up...

I've been working very hard lately with my business... and because of this, I've been sitting down at my desk for HOURS at a time (average of 4 hours) with very little time standing up and moving around...

Because of this, I've ended up with a blood clot in my lower leg and ended up in the Emergency Room yesterday! Thank God it isn't DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or I would still be in the Emergency Room!

What I have is superficial thrombophlebitis (small clot in a superficial vein). This was caused from sitting down for long periods of time causing a lack of circulation to my legs. I now have to wear compression socks and I'm on a ibuprofen regimen to keep the swelling down.

If you work for long periods of time, PLEASE take my advice and GET UP, move around, do a little exercise, play with your kids, go for a walk, etc. It's one thing to work hard, but not until the point it puts you in the E.R.

It especially annoys me that I actually knew the consequences of sitting down for too long... but me being stubborn, I just kept working and working! To make matters worse, I would work for hours, and then watch YouTube videos for a couple of more hours!

Bottom line, do not underestimate the benefits of a quality office chair for one, and secondly, please make sure you don't sit at your computer for too long without getting up and moving around.

Oh, and one more thing, don't forget about protecting your eyes as well. Either invest in a screen for your monitor, or computer glasses (which is what I have).

Stay healthy Warriors!
#business #emergency #put #room
  • Like everything else in life, moderation is key: work some, exercise some, socialize some, rest some, etc.

    If only it was that easy...
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  • Profile picture of the author twister85
    No health no wealth. I Work for approx 1 hour and then take a short break, Play songs and shake my body sometimes.

    My advice:- Whenever you get off your chair, stand for 2 seconds ( let the blood sync well) then do a sit up and after coming back from the break do a pull up at something ( optional) really helps keeping your body working.
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  • Profile picture of the author absolutelee
    Thanks for the heads up on that. I tend to do the same as you. Reminder to go to the gym today.
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgiaB
    Let the best time be for your family, for your health and happiness. Mix work with pleasand activities.

    I wish you success,
    Georgia.
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  • Profile picture of the author JonP
    Hi AJ,

    I'm glad things didn't turn out worse! I'm guilty of doing this as well at times but I try to get up and walk around at least every hour if I can remember. My tip would be to drink a lot of water then your body forces you to get up at least every 45 minutes or so, this works for me...

    Jon.
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    • Profile picture of the author ajbarnes777
      Originally Posted by JonP View Post

      Hi AJ,

      My tip would be to drink a lot of water then your body forces you to get up at least every 45 minutes or so, this works for me...

      Jon.
      LOL! Good one! What's good about that tip is keeping your body hydrated will actually help with blood circulation... along with getting you up and to the bathroom frequently!
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    I wish I could remember the specific study, but a few weeks ago a study came out that getting up every 10 to 15 minutes and just moving around some was actually more beneficial than sitting down for a few hours and then going for a walk, even if it was a long walk.

    The key distinction of the study was that sitting down for long periods of time is just not good for you and increases your stroke and heart risk factors significantly. By simply standing up and moving around every 10 minutes or so, you're doing your body a lot of good.....ah waitaminute, I've got to stand up, I'll BRB.......

    Ok, I'm back.......

    Now, it's not always practical, especially when I'm in "the zone", so to speak. But at the bare minimum, I will work in short bursts of 30 to 45 minutes, then I'll get up and go for a 5 to 10 minute walk.

    Interestingly enough, I actually get more work done doing this and I feel better, much better.

    RoD
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by ajbarnes777 View Post

    Hey guys,

    Just a heads up...

    I've been working very hard lately with my business... and because of this, I've been sitting down at my desk for HOURS at a time (average of 4 hours) with very little time standing up and moving around...

    Because of this, I've ended up with a blood clot in my lower leg and ended up in the Emergency Room yesterday! Thank God it isn't DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or I would still be in the Emergency Room!

    What I have is superficial thrombophlebitis (small clot in a superficial vein). This was caused from sitting down for long periods of time causing a lack of circulation to my legs. I now have to wear compression socks and I'm on a ibuprofen regimen to keep the swelling down.

    If you work for long periods of time, PLEASE take my advice and GET UP, move around, do a little exercise, play with your kids, go for a walk, etc. It's one thing to work hard, but not until the point it puts you in the E.R.

    It especially annoys me that I actually knew the consequences of sitting down for too long... but me being stubborn, I just kept working and working! To make matters worse, I would work for hours, and then watch YouTube videos for a couple of more hours!

    Bottom line, do not underestimate the benefits of a quality office chair for one, and secondly, please make sure you don't sit at your computer for too long without getting up and moving around.

    Oh, and one more thing, don't forget about protecting your eyes as well. Either invest in a screen for your monitor, or computer glasses (which is what I have).

    Stay healthy Warriors!
    Sorry to hear!

    I think this reminds us all of the importance of a balanced life in all aspects, money means nothing if health and life suffers.

    All the best and take care!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Davis
    Thanks for this sage and timely reminder, ajbarnes777. It's far too easy to get sucked into the vortex of your computer and get one more paragraph written, one more link set up, check one more email -- and then POOOF! -- another hour has gone by.

    I make a point of getting up to get up and go out and play with my dog every hour or two - good for him, good for me, and I feel mentally refreshed and prepared to buckle down again.

    Again, thanks for sharing your story, and I hope you recover soon and are back to peak productivity in no time!
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    I've seen a few more standup desks around. And even a small stationary bike pedal setup that fits under your desk.

    Also, my bet is if you are at your desk for several hours, you aren't being very productive and probably doing low level time wasting stuff anyway. Not many people can actually be productive and focused for hours at a time.

    Take breaks and hit it hard for shorter periods.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marc Rodill
    Rod that's probably another good reason why it's better to work standing up, even at one of those stand up desks. Easier said than done, takes some getting used to.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
      Originally Posted by Marc Rodill View Post

      Rod that's probably another good reason why it's better to work standing up, even at one of those stand up desks. Easier said than done, takes some getting used to.
      Hmmmm, interesting. A buddy of mine has one of those and he has a special chair which allows him to alternate between standing up and sitting down.

      He actually had to get this installed at his home office because he injured his back and his specific type of injury did not allow him to sit down much, but he was able to work standing up.

      Now that his back is fully recovered he has kept this setup and actually prefers to work standing up now; he swears that it helps keep him focused.

      RoD
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  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    There are free applications that will force you to take a break by locking your screen or nagging you.

    3 Tools To Remind Yourself To Take A Break & Relax While Working At The Computer
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  • Profile picture of the author sirtiman
    Walking in the evening and swimming every week are my habits.
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  • Profile picture of the author MatthewWoodward
    Hi,

    I can second this but with a different issue. Over the past 10 years my back has become very painful, specifically the lower area where the soft muscle tissue is now as hard as bricks.

    I've spent a bunch of money on physical therapy and all sorts of other things but the bottom line is no matter what you do, if your just going to go and sit back in a chair for hours on end again it never gets better.

    What the OP says about regular breaks is important - take a look at 4 Back Stretches for the Office / Fitness / Stretching
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  • Profile picture of the author RoseHunt
    Banned
    I'm sorry to hear that! Unfortunately nowadays making money is getting more and more important than taking care of one's health and when we realize that, it's usually too late, like in your case. Good thing it wasn't something more severe!
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    • Profile picture of the author Wade Watson
      I hope a lot folks pay attention to this. When you have a desk-oriented job you absolutely have to make time for exercise. You also need to get up and move around frequently. I've worked online for a long time and I take breaks throughout the day, do a few exercises and I always take a long walk, at least.

      There's something else you can do to minimize the risk of problems like this. Raise your desk. In fact, standing desks are becoming quite the thing these days with many computer workers. I raised mine awhile back and often stand throughout much of my work day. I keep a high stool handy, though, dividing my time between sitting and standing. You'd be surprised at how energetic you feel after a few hours of working standing up. I think I actually get more done this way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marc Rodill
    Yeah I've seen those chairs that allow you to alternate. They look pretty convenient. I was doing the alternate between a tall chair thing.

    I have to admit that my body felt a lot better while I was standing. Like any other habit though you probably have to go at least 30 days before it gets ingrained.

    It's just kind of a shock to your legs and your back at first. But both will thank you in short order. I'm often stuck doing yoga poses now to reverse "sitting-related" (lethargy) back pain in 24-48 hours.

    Something I learned from Furey. But it works.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lori Kelly
    Thanks for the reminder. I'm glad it's summer. I've been walking golf courses with my kid.

    I hope you get better and thanks for posting. It's good to remember that sitting down for long periods of time is not good.
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  • Profile picture of the author greenowl123
    This is a very important issue, so thanks for bringing this to everyone´s attention, OP.

    For my first 2 years of working online, I sat for long hours at a stretch too. And my lower back suffered for it.

    One night I was watching a movie about the life of Earnest Hemingway and there was a scene where he was typing and his typewriter was on top of a dresser, so he could type while standing.
    So I put my PC on top of my dresser, which is almost at my eye-level and stand while working. My back problems have disappeared.
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  • Profile picture of the author GforceSage
    They now have a treadmill desk that I saw on one of the morning shows. Instead of handrails, there is a round desk that surrounds you as you walk. There are actually some businesses that are including it in their work space. Just gotta go slow, so you don't start to stink at the office! Probably better for home use.
    Take care.
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  • Profile picture of the author SeoDemon
    OH I wish you a speedy recovery, someone who's workaholic like me may face this too, I keep designing for 8 hours in a row!
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    • Profile picture of the author Tweed Solutions
      Oh man, you've got me scared now. I sometimes sit at my desk for up to 12 hours at a time. Gotta change that. Glad you're okay
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  • Profile picture of the author owais211
    Banned
    Sorry for that....
    I do breaks after every two hours for a little walk around to enable my blood to circulate well
    Quick recovery
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  • Profile picture of the author Geri Richmond
    Hi AJ,
    I go to the gym and play pickellball. The only day I don't excersice is Saturday.
    The office chair advice is a good one. Makes a huge difference. Get one that fits your body.
    It's tough for me to take breaks during the day, so I work with a timer. When the timer goes off, I get up and move around.
    So far, so good.
    Thanks for sharing. Hope you feel better soon.
    Geri Richmond
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    • Profile picture of the author ajbarnes777
      Originally Posted by Geri Richmond View Post

      Hi AJ,

      The office chair advice is a good one. Makes a huge difference. Get one that fits your body.
      It's worth mentioning that "getting an office chair that fits your body" may have been one of the culprits that made this problem happen...

      The office chair I was using had a large seat, which went past the back of my knee caps. I have a feeling that was magnifying the issue of a lack of blood circulation (along with me sitting too long).
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    Good point! I sit with my legs crossed (old term Indian style) and I have to get up to keep my blood flowing. I just got back from visiting my dad in the nursing home and his roommate is only 50 and just had his leg amputated due to a blood clot in his leg - he was a truck driver.

    Glad you're safe!
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    • Profile picture of the author McCoyH
      Originally Posted by Art of Marketing View Post

      Another thing people do not take into consideration are things like are you wearing the popular skinny jeans that are tight around your legs and knees in the sitting position and just choking your circulation away.

      When I see the shoes that shoe designers expect women to wear that are so pointed and are not made for human toes it is so shocking....that they make them and that they are still so popular!

      Thanks again for the reminder. Glad you OK.

      -Art
      anyone who doesnt wear gym shorts or sweat pants working at home needs to try it... I dont bother getting fully dressed unless im meeting a client or going to the store etc...
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  • Profile picture of the author Douriff
    OMG, I'm glad you'r all right - good lesson for all of us, which just reminds me of my feet swelling lately - for the same reason, seems I should take care of it asap.
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  • Profile picture of the author kencalhn
    great warning, thanks - good to hear you're ok... that's definitely an occupational hazard for us all
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    • Profile picture of the author ijohnson
      This is a warning we all need to heed!

      I usually walk in the mornings for 2 - 3 miles before working at my desk/PC. However, I have not taken my walks for the past week and I'm feeling more sluggish, more back pain, and I'm not as focused and energized. Those long walks outside really does so much for my overall health ... lower blood pressure, less back pain, higher metabolism, better mental clarity ... I can go on and on!

      I usually spend at least 12 hours at the PC every day. So, I try to make a conscious effort to get up and move around every hour or so. I also elevate my legs while at my desk.

      In addition to exercising our legs, we need to exercise our eyes by looking away and focusing on something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

      A rule to remind you to do your eye exercises can be:

      20/20/20 >>> every 20 minutes focus on something 20+ feet away for 20 seconds!

      Take care everyone!

      Iris
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  • Profile picture of the author Action Junkie
    Sorry to hear that. As a person that likes to burn the candle at both ends and not being the spring chicken I use to be I guess I should take things a bit slower myself. But once I get going I just cant seem to stop
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  • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
    I have a mini cycle parked under my desk. Have to remind myself to use it more often - I think I will after reading your post!
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  • Profile picture of the author KnightOnboard
    I am glad you are out of ER.
    Thank you for sharing with us. This is a remainder to keep our health first otherwise our hard earned money will be right to our doctor´s daughter tuition instead of our family.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nystemanalyzis
    Gota be careful about your health all the time now. I know that money can cause us to get stressed out at times, but please and please health is always first and never forget that
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Man cuz, hope you're feeling fine now. I'm quite a young buck, but i still get some cramps every now and again (but not often though). Take it easy, and find some ways to automate your business more... or only focus on the strategies that are bringing you the best results. The less time in front of your computer - the better. Take care man.
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  • Profile picture of the author Janice Stacy
    Felt sorry for you. I am always aware about these things. I do not sit longer than 2 hours consistently, even when I have pressure of loads of works.
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  • Profile picture of the author dexture
    I get pain in my eyes same like you because of sitting on computer for long time without break . then i start visiting doctor they give medicine , i use and after few days the medicine start losing it effects. visit another doctor get new medicine it effect but not for long time.

    In that last i get a nice doctor , he say you don't need medicine for your eyes.There is one formula use it.

    10 10 10 (yes thats formula name)
    Work on computer 10 minutes only then
    Look 10 meter away
    For 10 seconds

    Start with fresh eyes

    Thier is no pain in my eyes anymore
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  • Profile picture of the author KevinChapman
    I hope you are feeling better now AJBarnes!

    Thanks for the heads up, I've obviously heard of this but never taken it that seriously, I tend to spend most of my day sitting at a computer, only getting up to make some food or a cup of tea!

    Definitely more aware now and going to start taking small breaks.

    Thanks dude!
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  • Profile picture of the author koushikseo
    The above discussion was very helpful for me because of I used to work 7-8 hours in a day in front of my PC, and for that I often feel a problem in Constipation and also know that easy to cause diabetes; but I've to do it for better future...so anyway, thanks for all participating in this discussion.
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    • Profile picture of the author ajbarnes777
      Thanks again guys for the warm wishes and helpful tips!

      I just wanted to bring awareness to help prevent someone else from getting this problem... and more importantly... getting the more dangerous problem (D.V.T).

      On a more funnier note, when I was at the E.R., I saw some pretty funny moments like one lady that came in and literally did not stop talking! The people across from me in the waiting room looked like they were going to explode! LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author Tropical1
    Pleased too hear you are on the mend, as well as reminding us all that it's too easy to spend hour after hour at our desks!
    All the best - Nick.
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    • Profile picture of the author ajbarnes777
      Well guys, the first hospital I went to gave me the wrong diagnosis.

      A week later after I noticed the superficial blood clot in my lower leg, I discovered that it had moved to my inner thigh (which is unusual for a superficial clot). I went back to that same hospital and they diagnosed me as having arterial thrombosis... and just prescribed me some aspirin?:confused:

      Fast forward another week (last Saturday 8/2), and I went to a different emergency room for a second opinion and also because I was experiencing shortness of breath...

      After some time, the physician assistant comes in the room and tells me that I have a PULMONARY EMBOLISM (blood clot in the lungs)... which could be fatal!!!

      I ended up having to stay in the hospital for 3 days with a heparin IV and I'm now out of the hospital on blood thinner medicine.

      To make matters worse, the first hospital that gave me the wrong diagnosis ended up causing ANOTHER blood clot in my arm from an IV! Sheesh!

      Anyway, I just wanted to let you guys know this, just to ensure you understand how serious this all is. If you are working at your desk, get up and MOVE AROUND! If you are taking a long flight, wear compression socks/stockings. Etc.

      You know, I was just thinking...

      It's pretty surreal that my title for this thread was "This business put me in the EMERGENCY ROOM"... and just a week ago, had I not felt the push to go and get a second opinion, this business could have put me SIX FEET UNDER!
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    In the US the school systems give 10 minute breaks every 50 minutes - for a reason. I follow that to the letter online. I might be online for 16 hours a day when building a new ebook or report - but I still get up every 10 minutes at LEAST every 50 minutes, and try to do 10 every half hour -- go outside and stretch. Come back with a beverage, and hammer at it again with an hour break every 4.

    This business is supposed to get you free -- but not of your life.
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  • Profile picture of the author DeanJames
    Come rain or shine I exercise 3-4 times a week and for me it's like relaxation. It breaks the day up and during that time I drink tons of water. Works like a charm. I cut out bread 2 months ago and what a difference that has made too. Can still get away with eating the odd Curly Wurly but overall my diet is pretty ninja ;-) Sitting at a desk all day without doing any exercise is seriously not good. Able-bodied folks should make an effort to do something - even if that's a 20 minute walk around the block. Your mind and body will thank you for it!
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  • Always great to be reminded of this. I always try to stand up at least once per hour, but often forget.

    Thank you!

    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    Wow....that must have been scary.....I'm glad you're okay.

    I work 10-12 hours a day, but get up at least once an hour to walk around outside....stretch and get some fresh air.

    We can't forget to take care of ourselves!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Chicas
    Thanks for starting this thread. I'm currently facing something quite similar. I stopped going to the gym about a month ago, and two weeks later (of mainly seating down) I woke up one morning with stiff feet - I could barely walk. It was not the bone, feet were swollen - first on top, then at the bottom a few days later. I then decided to walk a few blocks (limping) which made it a lot worse. The next day I was in so much pain and a lot worse. I did some research and found out it might be "fibro"

    The main cause of this ( I suspect) is seating down for such long periods of time, and also drinking too much red bull and not enough water.

    That happened 2 weeks ago, and I"m still dealing with it. At night my legs feel as if they're going to sleep. I'm looking forward to make a full recovery soon.

    Another thing that I don't consider to be too healthy is seating down with my lap top on my lap for too long of periods.

    I've started taking vitamins and also Fish oil gel pills for blood flow. Although the fish oil I'm looking to take every other day due to the severe dry mouth they produce.

    Anyways, thanks for sharing your story. All the best to you. I know realize that health is the most important thing to look out for.
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    Scary! What symptoms did you experience? I should know what to look for. I'm bad about sitting "Indian style" all day.
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Chicas
      Besides seating down for long periods of time other attributes can be:

      not drinking enough water.
      I also think that stress has to do with it. When someone stresses out it does weird things to your body, it's not just your mind or headaches. Stress can have other symptoms as you get older I guess.
      Also too much sodium can add to the problem.

      I remember about 3 months ago I got a sever case of shin splins for over a week - specially in the morning when I took a working project and I was walking a few blocks to work. After a few blocks I could hardly walk. I went to the doctor and he told me that I didn't have anything. I did blood tests and never hard back from them, which I guess it's a good sign. Anyways, I might get a second opinion if any symptoms persist.

      The second time around it was mainly my feet. It's weird because at first it was just on top of the foot, if I moved it in any direction it would be painful. Then it was the bottom of the foot, then followed by feeling of feet being asleep - specially at night. Area of pain changes, which is weird. I know it's not the bone so I"m sure it has to do with blood flow.

      And yes it's scary, specially knowing that much of your life depends on having good able feet.

      I think just working out regularly or at least walking for a little bit each day is key.

      But I'm hopeful and putting up a good fight.
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    • Profile picture of the author ajbarnes777
      Originally Posted by TiffanyLambert View Post

      Scary! What symptoms did you experience? I should know what to look for. I'm bad about sitting "Indian style" all day.
      As far as the pulmonary embolism, the main thing I was experiencing was this strange shortness of breath all week. At first I thought it was just anxiety attacks, but given that it was NONSTOP all week, I knew something was wrong...

      As far as the superficial blood clots, they feel and look like a medium sized bump on your skin, and they are usually red/pink and warm to the touch. I would definitely do more research on this because if I'm not mistaken, the signs of blood clot are similar to certain bug bites (such as spiders... ).

      For deep vein blood clots, I'm not sure what the full symptoms are, but I do know that your entire lower or upper leg (depending on where the clot is) will feel sore and look swollen.
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  • Profile picture of the author norahthenewbie
    Now that's something I really need to do. I've been working for quite a few hours everyday ever since I started IM.

    Thanks for the tip!

    Norah
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  • Profile picture of the author Zabrina
    This is a very important message for all marketers -- and other service providers online, for that matter. I know someone who is currently unable to work on the computer providing graphic design-type services because the neck strain is causing unbearable pain and cramping. Stretching, avoiding repetitive movements, and giving yourself frequent breaks are all so important!
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  • Profile picture of the author robcop
    How did you discover that there was something wrong with your leg? What did you feel?
    And thank you very much for this wake up call, I was sitting down for long periods of time also but thanks to you I do exercise every 2 hours. Regards and I hope you will get well soon.
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    • Profile picture of the author ajbarnes777
      Originally Posted by robcop View Post

      How did you discover that there was something wrong with your leg? What did you feel?
      And thank you very much for this wake up call, I was sitting down for long periods of time also but thanks to you I do exercise every 2 hours. Regards and I hope you will get well soon.
      Initially, I felt soreness on my inner calf muscle. I thought it was just a sore muscle from exercising earlier in the week. But then I noticed swelling and redness... and it feel warm to the touch. After doing some research online about my symptoms, I kept seeing things about blood clots. Went to the ER, and lo and behold... it was a clot.
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      • Profile picture of the author robcop
        Originally Posted by ajbarnes777 View Post

        Initially, I felt soreness on my inner calf muscle. I thought it was just a sore muscle from exercising earlier in the week. But then I noticed swelling and redness... and it feel warm to the touch. After doing some research online about my symptoms, I kept seeing things about blood clots. Went to the ER, and lo and behold... it was a clot.
        ****, then I have to let me check myself too, I got a sore right leg since yesterday. I just checked both my legs and I have purple/red lines on my tigh muscles (they look like stretch marks).
        And yes im sitting a lot for 2 years now(5 hours or more a day). im stressing hard now.
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  • Profile picture of the author thedanbrown
    Agreed! I was forced to learn about ergonomics in business school and I have to say it actually benefited me. My chair, the positioning of my mouse, keyboard, screen. The angle of your neck looking at your screen is a big factor to think about also.
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  • Profile picture of the author seonutshell
    i useually sit at my pc for 12-15 hours a day, only moving to do cooking, toilet and ablutions
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  • Profile picture of the author Trey Morgan
    Thanks for the advice. I might have to check out the computer glasses or the monitor screen because the excessive computer usage is beginning to affect my eyes.
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  • Profile picture of the author mediamarket
    Health before wealth
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