Heat’s Chris Bosh Resumes Taking Blood Thinners

by Pablo MenaFebruary 18, 2016, 1:47 pmNews >

Miami Heat star forward Chris Bosh has returned to taking blood thinners to treat a clot that formed in his leg. This is the second straight year that Bosh has dealt with such a situation over the All-Star break.

Heat’s Chris Bosh Resumes Taking Blood Thinners

Bosh began a strict medication regimen in recent days after the clot diagnosis and hopes to continue playing at some point this season, reports said on Tuesday.

“I hate it for him,” said NASCAR driver Brian Vickers, who has also dealt with clotting issues that have impacted his career. “I would tell him the same thing again, just don’t give up. Just keep fighting. Find a solution and keep going.”

Athletes in contact sports are typically discouraged from playing while taking blood-thinning medication, because of the additional risk of bleeding and other issues.

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This time last year, the clot had traveled from Bosh’s leg to his lung. In addition, his lungs became filled with fluid.

Bosh is currently the Heat’s leading scorer, with 19.1 points per game this season. He stated that is confident he will return to play this season.

Vickers and Bosh have been in touch over the last year, since both are now endorsers for the blood-thinning medication Xarelto and have worked on advertising campaigns for the product alongside actor and comedian Kevin Nealon and golfer Arnold Palmer.

Bosh missed the final 30 games of last season after the clot was found, and the Heat missed the playoffs. THe team is 29-24 this season, and getting into the playoffs will surely prove to be a difficult task without Bosh, the team’s best 3-point shooter.

Bosh pulled out of the All-Star Game and the 3-point contest in Toronto due to what he and the Heat described as a calf strain.

The Heat return to practice Wednesday.

“My prayers go out to Chris Bosh,” Brooklyn’s Willie Reed wrote on Twitter. “Get healthy.”

Caption:DALLAS, TX – FEBRUARY 03: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat takes a shot against J.J. Barea #5 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on February 3, 2016 in Dallas, Texas.