Fishing after a major internal clot

[Irish11]

Take your time on the recovery is all I have to add. Being out there and enjoying life is important, and spending time in nature heals us sometimes more than we know. I had a heart attack a few years ago (technically sudden heart death) and have an ICD now to keep me going that I really hope to never use. I am on some thinners as well and cuts take a lot longer to stop bleeding than they once did. So now I look twice before jumping and carry a larger med kit than I used to. I also tend to not go out alone as much as I did before. Its nice having someone else there when you need them.

One more thing to add that others have not, I carry a Garmin inreach mini 2 with me now (my family kind of made it clear I needed to), so that might be a piece of kit that adds some piece of mind while out in the woods when you need it (also former SAR member here and they can make finding you and getting you back out a lot easier).

 

[speedbird]

Sorry you're having to deal with this, but glad you're still around to do it! And to fish another day!

Yes, specifically, single hand skagit setup is just about as easy as a spinning rod sometimes. I mean 2 handing is typically less work than overhead as well, but I think single hand spey/skagit is even easier, especially in the 3-7wt single hand range.
I'm not sponsored or affiliated in any way, but go check out the videos on OPST's website and YouTube channel. You can learn it pretty quick and I think it definitely would save you effort. It's also a lot of fun. And OPST, SA and others have excellent integrated lines that are more enjoyable and practical than running line + shooting head.
I have an integrated OPST Commando Smooth 200gr on my 5wt and it's a kick in the ass. My go to for single hand trout spey, a really fun way to fish for river smallies and even on the beach. It can be cast overhead in times of need. I've even fished streamers out the front of a boat going down the river with it.

I have a SA Speylite Integrated 210gr that you can have if you want to try it. It's an older line that I don't enjoy as much as the OPST Smooth, but it would give you a good feel for it.

I might take you up on your offer! What sort of sink tips should I pick up to use with it?

 

[skyriver]

I might take you up on your offer! What sort of sink tips should I pick up to use with it?

You should!
I have been very happy with the OPST Micro 5' tips (40gr) in Riffle (S2), Run (S4) & Bucket (S6). Looks like they make 7.5' 60gr tips now too. I believe they did this since so many guys are using their 10' 3 or 4wt Euro rods for everything, including slinging streamers. They recommend the 7.5' for the 10' single-hand rod.

I probably use the 5' 40gr Run (S4) the most. It's great for all-around streamer fishing in rivers. Deschutes, Yakima, etc. I wanted to get down to the Cow to 5wt single skagit for SRCs this fall, but not sure it will happen this year. That sounds like stupid fun.

Shoot me a PM with your address and I can get this thing in the mail.

Thanks,
Stacy

 

[flybill]

It’s gonna be a while before I get to physically exert myself. Even before this incident, I found myself getting a little winded overhead casting. I want to get myself fly fishing asap. What sort of gear is conducive for getting the most line out for the least amount effort? Would picking up a single hand Spey setup be worth it at least until I’m in better casting shape? Or are there ways I can modify techniques with existing gear. I’m hoping to do some beach fishing through November, and maybe a little river cutthroat fishing if I’m well enough before the season goes away

I would pickup a spey and/or switch rod. I can work with you on casting and presentation. I live in Redmond but travel a shit ton all over the state..

 

[wanderingrichard]

It’s gonna be a while before I get to physically exert myself. Even before this incident, I found myself getting a little winded overhead casting. I want to get myself fly fishing asap. What sort of gear is conducive for getting the most line out for the least amount effort? Would picking up a single hand Spey setup be worth it at least until I’m in better casting shape? Or are there ways I can modify techniques with existing gear. I’m hoping to do some beach fishing through November, and maybe a little river cutthroat fishing if I’m well enough before the season goes away

Don't despair. The great Lefty Kreh had similar issues and took Coudamin (sic) . I remember when he cut himself on Buccaneers and Bones and told the camera crew he was having more trouble than a pregnant nun . That was his way of saying, yeah, this sucks, but I'm keeping a positive attitude about it.

 

[Buzzy]

It’s gonna be a while before I get to physically exert myself. Even before this incident, I found myself getting a little winded overhead casting. I want to get myself fly fishing asap. What sort of gear is conducive for getting the most line out for the least amount effort? Would picking up a single hand Spey setup be worth it at least until I’m in better casting shape? Or are there ways I can modify techniques with existing gear. I’m hoping to do some beach fishing through November, and maybe a little river cutthroat fishing if I’m well enough before the season goes away

Take care of yourself, get well soon and best wishes to you.

 

[Otter]

Kashf-

you want a workup with a hematologist looking at reasons for why you got your clot in the first place.

I'd want to know that, for sure. My good friend had a pulmonary embolism from a blood clot originating in his leg. He had been taking topical (on the skin) testosterone, which listed blood clots as a possible side effect.

Get well soon, Kashf!

 

[jeradjames]

Sorry you’re dealing with that KashF. I think I’m a bit older than you but started having my own health issues a few years back come out of nowhere so I can relate in some ways. It can be tough at first but you’ll get through it and learn a whole lot about yourself in the process. Wish you the best.

 

[albula]

I never talk about this. About age 58 my GP asked me during a routine checkup if anyone had ever mentioned a thing called aortic stenosis, a stiffening of the heart valve that is initially revealed simply by knowledgable use of a stethoscope. He said that we need to monitor its progression as the most likely path forward included a heart valve replacement but that I was a good ways from that eventuality. I put it on the back burner in the way out there realm that would probably never happen. A few years later upon returning from the Keys and poling Yardsales fat ass around so he could blow shots at tarpon I went in for my scheduled checkup expecting no new results. Some tests were done and when the data came back I was called in. Doc asked how I was feeling and what I had been doing. When I told him poling a tarpon skiff for the past month he said he was surprised as most who exhibited the values my tests revealed would have found walking difficult. He had already tentatively scheduled valve replacement surgery at Swedish later that month. Had it done and came home 3 days later and started daily walks that increased to 6 to 10 miles after 3 to 4 weeks. At my post op visit to Swedish late July, 6 weeks after surgery, I sheepishly asked about continuing a yearly tradition and joining my brother for a month plus of fishing northern BC floating the Skeena, Buckley and Kispiox. I was told given my current level of activity and the fact that I would be accompanied by a family member I could go Sept 1 as long as I did no heavy lifting which could impact the surgically cracked sternum which required longer to heal. Went to BC and floated daily for a month swinging a dry line. Since that surgery I have been on an anticoagulant called Clopidegril. I bleed like a stuck pig if not careful and wear a long sleeve shirt to conceal the bruises I get on my forearms just by brushing against a door. A year later went back to poling a skiff, now spend time in Norway chasing Atlantics and would be still going back to BC if still bothering those fish didn't make me feel guilty. At 75 I just ordered a new skiff to explore the Canal and chase fish there. Listen to your docs and with manageable changes you can still enjoy the activities that make you who you are.
Edit: After receiving a bovine heart valve I could not with a clear conscience allow myself to enjoy a well-prepared beef steak for almost a year. I have since gotten over that.

 

[Tinker]

If not already, you'll have a cardiologist to monitor your heart damage. They'll be the one to tell you how much you can do at different stages of recovery, usually as what your maximum heart rate (pulse) should be, It will change over time. Anti-coagulants are not as dangerous as it may sound. Warfarin or Eliquis don't prevent your blood from clotting, they only extend the time it takes for it to clot - you won't suddenly become a hemophiliac, so give up the notion of joining a European royal family.

Poking yourself with a hook, or slicing your finger with a knife will not be life threatening injuries, but you're going to bruise easily and it will take what seems like a very long time for a bruise to disappear.

One other thing no one tells you when something happens to your heart (or lungs) is that you're going to be an emotional wreck for a while. It's part of the syndrome of heart and (or) lung damage. We need those things to live and suddenly you feel fragile and depressed - seriously depressed about something having damaged them. Take advantage of any sort of counseling offered - that's rare - and lean on your friends for a while. It passes, but it sucks hard and out loud while it lasts.

Good luck, and hang on. It'll be a bumpy ride for a little while.

 

[Anonymous member 148]

One other thing no one tells you when something happens to your heart (or lungs) is that you're going to be an emotional wreck for a while. It's part of the syndrome of heart and (or) lung damage. We need those things to live and suddenly you feel fragile and depressed - seriously depressed about something having damaged them. Take advantage of any sort of counseling offered - that's rare - and lean on your friends for a while. It passes, but it sucks hard and out loud while it lasts.

You have to seek this out yourself if you need it. They really pretend this part doesn't happen.

 

[speedbird]

Out of the hospital-and straight to the river!

Thank you all for the incredible outpouring of support, well wishes, advice, and even offers of gear to borrow and fishing together! All your messages meant a great deal to me and helped me keep a positive attitude

 

[Shawn Seeger]

Sorry to hear this @Kashf , no experience with this one, but we'll be lifting you up with thoughts and prayers.

Listen to the doctor on recovery plan, play for the long game!