My fall through the deck may have done more than I thought. I noticed last night I had a hard knot in the upper calf of my right leg. The knot is painful to the touch.
From an Internet search, I found the condition described perfectly. Apparently the fall may have damaged a vein in a condition called deep vein thrombosis.
I am treating it with heat and ibuprofen, but would like the name of a vascular physician in Chiriquí for confirmation of treatment.
From what I have read, it is of less concern if it is below the knee. I would appreciate information from others that may have experienced the same thing, especially if you have had treatment for it in Panama.
UPDATE: Later in the day.
I need to say that I think I am very fortunate to have some of the best readers in the world that follow my blog. It seems within seconds, I had calls and comments to help me in my decision of who to see.
Besides the comments, I had a Panamanian friend and doctor that reads my blog call from California. He said he felt that it was less serious than what I thought it could be, but did recommend seeing a doctor. I also received a call from another friend who had called his Panamanian wife in the US to get her recommendation.
All of the concern is very much appreciated.
I did take the recommendation of Hilda and saw Dr. Cattán (the Medical Director in Mae Lewis). He took a complete medical history and then sent me to the radiology area for some tests,
One was a sonogram to verify that the problem was less serious than a Deep Vein Thrombosis. Superficial phlebitis is what I think he called it. For that I got a gel to apply and 30 pills. A much better situation.
However with my past history he also requested some spinal x-rays and they showed a degeneration of the disks between several of the vertebras. Todays medical expenses were $45 for the office visit and $131 for the sonogram and 4 spinal x-rays.
After looking at the x-rays, Dr. Cattán recommended an MRI to get a better handle on that problem to be able to prevent more degradation. The MRI will run around $650.
I will say that I felt I was in very good hands and Dr. Cattán’s English was fine and definitely better than my Spanish.
Thanks again for the concern and recommendations. I consider today a positive day because I now have one more doctor to put in my arsenal against old age.