SU President blood clot scare
Jones was rushed to hospital after feeling unwell and then losing the use of one of his legs before being diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
“I started feeling ill towards the end of last term, and then began having pains down the side of my body. I thought it was just a pulled muscle but I finally decided to go to the doctor after I completely lost the feeling in one of my legs.”
Jones underwent an urgent operation to remove the clot lodged in his leg vein. Surgeons were able to successfully remove it before the clot had chance to break off and travel through the body where it could have lodged in the lungs or even the brain and caused a stoke in the 21 year old.
DVT resulting from any prolonged travel in a confined space, or so called ‘economy class syndrome’ hit the headlines last year, after customers brought compensation claims against major air carriers. However, the embolism in Jones’ leg is not thought to have been brought about by travelling.
DVTs are rare in young people, usually occurring in those aged over 40 and if left untreated, up to one in ten people who suffer a pulmonary embolism like this die as a result.
“I couldn’t believe this was happening to me, I’m 21 for God sake.” “I could have died it was that serious”. “I am just thankful to be alive, it could have been so different.”
Jones was reunited with his family on Christmas Eve, after being conditionally released from hospital. “They said they would let me out if I learned to administer injections into my stomach. It didn’t take long to decide. I grabbed the needles and ran.” “It was the best Christmas present I could have given to my family. Simply to get out of hospital and return home” he said.
Jones says he is determined not to let the health scare interfere with his gruelling Presidential timetable and has defied the medical advice of doctors to stay off work. “I worked until ten every night last week.” Jones’ health worries have come at a difficult time for the popular president. He together with key members of the SU team are attempting to revolutionise the archaic system of voting in UGM’s through an electronic vote. However, a quorate UGM is needed to pass the proposals through. Jones despite his injuries has been aggressively promoting the event which takes place on Tuesday week 3. “All this stress and moving from place to place is against doctors orders but I just want to forget about my problems and get on with my job” he added.
Jones will need the support of crutches and regular check-ups for up to several months.
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