Chargers' Russell Okung reveals details of 'serious medical condition'

[Riverumbbq]

Shalise Manza Young,Yahoo Sports 2 hours 6 minutes ago
On Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco told reporters that veteran offensive tackle Russell Okung has been dealing with a “pretty serious medical issue” since early June.

He didn’t offer much more, though Okung was placed on the non-football injury list.

On Thursday morning, Okung offered some scary details.

‘The decision saved my life’

Los Angeles Chargers tackle Russell Okung revealed that he is recovering from a pulmonary embolism in June. (AP)
In a statement posted to Twitter, Okung wrote the following:


“We all know injuries are part of the game, but I wanted to share some current details about my current health status which is quite different than previous ‘injury’ scenarios I’ve experienced in my career.

“After experiencing unusual chest pain at practice on June 1st, I went to urgent care out of an abundance of caution. According to the doctors who treated me, the decision to do so likely saved my life.

“Thankfully, I’m okay now, but a few tests revealed that I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism caused by blood clots. When detected early, this condition is very treatable and I’m grateful to have access to the best available care as I continue on the path to full recovery.

“I’m very grateful to my teammates, coaches and the entire Chargers organization for their care, support and understanding during this challenging situation. Thanks to an incredible medical team and a very supportive family, I hope to be back on the field as quickly as possible.

“While near death type experiences are certainly a wake-up call, I’m feeling great physically. It’s not an ankle or shoulder. As soon as doctors clear me, my plans include blocking #17’s [Philip Rivers’] blind side all the way to Miami.”


What is a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs.

Via the Mayo Clinic, in most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs, though rarely the clots come from other parts of the body.

Because clots block blood flow to the lungs, they can be life-threatening. As Okung noted, getting treatment quickly may have saved his life – about one-third of people with undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism die.

Treatments can include medications like blood thinners and clot-dissolvers or surgical clot removal.

At camp with teammates
Okung is at Chargers’ camp with his teammates, though he can’t practice yet. It’s unclear at this point when that will happen; Telesco indicated on Wednesday that the 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler could miss all of training camp.

Given the severity of what he experienced, Okung’s health is most important.

Third-year lineman Sam Tevi could flip from right tackle to left in Okung’s absence; the Chargers also drafted Trey Pipkins in the third round this year.

 

[Dodgersrf]

Good thing he went in to have it checked out.

 

[Flint]

It can be very quick too, my sister was wheelchair bound, which increases your chances of clots, and she complained of indigestion, by the time someone came back with antacids she was gone. Doctor said if it gets to the lungs it can be like flipping a light switch, he’s very fortunate.

 

[oldnotdead]

Pulmonary embolism is a symptom of a much deeper and serious problem. Normally you are looking at some sort of thrombosis. Bottom line is that the initial treatment is pretty straight forward but the long term prognosis is where it gets tricky. He will be on anti-coagulants probably for the rest of his life. That alone might preclude a career in the NFL. But also he will forever be subject to re-occurrence. He will have to make changes to his diet and exercise routines. At the very least he would be foolish in the extreme to return this year and frankly I would question any doctor that would clear him. From his own statements it was a significant event.

Yes, I've had experience and training in the medical field. I was a Navy Corpsman for 6 years at Balboa Hospital in the ER, SICU and recovery units. I also did a stint as the "doc" on board a Fram converted DE. Granted medicine has changed a lot since then but somethings haven't. I don't see the team or the NFL willing to accept the liability.

I wish him well. If properly treated and managed he will have a long and happy life.

 

[Ramstien]

Thanks for the insight.

 

[fearsomefour]

Pulmonary embolism is a symptom of a much deeper and serious problem. Normally you are looking at some sort of thrombosis. Bottom line is that the initial treatment is pretty straight forward but the long term prognosis is where it gets tricky. He will be on anti-coagulants probably for the rest of his life. That alone might preclude a career in the NFL. But also he will forever be subject to re-occurrence. He will have to make changes to his diet and exercise routines. At the very least he would be foolish in the extreme to return this year and frankly I would question any doctor that would clear him. From his own statements it was a significant event.

Yes, I've had experience and training in the medical field. I was a Navy Corpsman for 6 years at Balboa Hospital in the ER, SICU and recovery units. I also did a stint as the "doc" on board a Fram converted DE. Granted medicine has changed a lot since then but somethings haven't. I don't see the team or the NFL willing to accept the liability.

I wish him well. If properly treated and managed he will have a long and happy life.

Change in exercise program how?