My name is John, and I have been struggling with health problems over the past few years. The amount of symptoms and their persistence made it hard to determine the exact cause, so I decided to go for a full medical check-up. After a few weeks, I finally got my diagnosis: antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
At first, I wasn’t sure what APS meant. All I knew was that it was an autoimmune disorder and it caused recurrent blood clots. As I did more research, I learned that APS is caused by antibodies that mistakenly attack healthy cells and damage the material that forms blood clots, called phospholipids. This causes blood clots to form more easily.
My symptoms included joint pain and swelling, headaches, chest pain and dizziness. I was also feeling tired all the time, which was very unusual for me. All of these symptoms were confirmed by my doctor and were further investigated.
To treat APS I had to take blood thinners every day. These drugs were meant to prevent further clotting and reduce my risk of stroke or heart attack. I had to take regular blood tests to make sure the medication I was taking was working properly. I was also instructed to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Thankfully, with regular treatment, I was able to manage my APS and live a normal life, with no major health episodes. I have also been attending regular follow-up appointments to ensure that the APS remains under control.
My experience with APS has been life-changing, but at the same time it helped me become more aware and conscious of my health. I understand that regular check-ups and medication are a crucial part of managing the condition.