Know your Risk

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Know Your Risk

Last updated: July 13, 2022

Know your risk for blood clots. The first and most important thing you can do to protect yourself from a life-threatening blood clot is to learn if you are at risk.

Below is a list of some of the most common risk factors for blood clots. Know your risk:

Hospitalization for illness or surgery
Major surgery, particularly of the pelvis, abdomen, hip, knee
Severe trauma, such as a car accident
Injury to a vein that may have been caused by a broken bone or severe muscle injury
Hip or knee replacement surgery
Cancer and cancer treatments
Use of birth control methods that contain estrogen, such as the pill, patch, or ring
Pregnancy, which includes up to three months after the baby is born
The use of hormone therapy that contains estrogen
A family history of blood clots
Overweight
Confinement to bed or wheelchair
Sitting too long, especially with legs crossed
Smoking/vaping
Age 55 or older
Long-term diseases such as heart and lung conditions, or diabetes

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if any of these risk factors apply to you and know your risk for blood clots.

Risk Factor Checklist

Learn More

There are several important signs and symptoms of blood clots: Know the signs and symptoms of blood clots

Blood clots are serious, but they can also be prevented. Find out how you can prevent blood clots here: Prevent Blood Clots

Connect with others who have experienced a blood clot here: Patient Stories

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Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are lifesaving med

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are lifesaving medications that help in preventing and treating blood clots. However, they come with potential risks—most notably, an increased risk of bleeding. Understanding the different types of bleeding, what to expect, and how to manage them is crucial for patients on blood thinners.

In our December PEP Talk, we’ll explore the concept of nuisance bleeding, often referred to as "patient-relevant bleeding," how it differs from "clinically-relevant" bleeding, and when to seek medical attention.

Attendees will also leave with practical strategies to help reduce bleeding risk and stay safe, while maintaining quality of life while on lifesaving anticoagulant therapy. Plus, we’ll discuss the future outlook for new medication options. We hope you join us for this informative session!

Register: http://bit.ly/Dec2024PEPTalk (link in bio)

#stoptheclot #peptalk #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #anticoagulants
#bloodthinners #bleeding #nuisancebleeding #patientrelevantbleeding

"In January 2024, I had an uncomplicated, five-hou

"In January 2024, I had an uncomplicated, five-hour labor on my due date. Immediately after handing my baby off, a nurse applied a standard procedure intervention known as controlled cord traction. I instantly felt sick and demanded she stop, but it was too late. My baby's placenta was shredded and forcibly ripped out of my body.

Within four minutes, I lost half of my blood (an amount that is often lethal) and went into a coma. After this massive blood loss I suffered a little-known complication called trauma induced coagulopathy, a response to physical trauma that can cause blood clots.

Basically, I lost so much blood that what was left solidified because it was trying to stay in my body.

These blood clots traveled to my lungs, and we suspect a small one made it to my brain. This is known as bilateral pulmonary embolism and stroke, two separate possible outcomes of dislodged clots.

My PE was substantial. A good portion of my left lung was infarcted, my right lung collapsed, and the right side of my heart threatened to fail.

The mini stroke took place within 24 hours of my hemorrhage. I woke up blind and unable to speak. The clots that traveled to my lungs presented weeks later. The first large clot in my right lung caused a sharp pain high up on the back of my neck. It felt like a severe pinched nerve, so bad that I couldn't turn my head.

The pain worsened with every breath and spread across my chest and back. When my lung collapsed, it became unbearable. I found myself once again unable to speak, this time because I could not breathe. I spent about a week in the ICU.

I lost a year of my life, but more importantly I traumatized my family and missed a year of their lives. I had to be cared for 24/7 for months, and nearly a year later I can barely consider myself independent.

I had asked my midwife if there was anything I could do to prevent blood clots and she said I had no reason to worry that I would develop a clot.

Every pregnant mother should be aware of the risks of cord traction and the inherent risk of blood clots during and after pregnancy."

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot

🩸 Living Your Best Life While Taking Blood Thin

🩸 Living Your Best Life While Taking Blood Thinners 🩸

Blood thinners are essential for preventing life-threatening clots, but they can sometimes cause “nuisance bleeding” that impacts the quality of a person’s day-to-day life. While not life-threatening, this type of bleeding can still be frustrating and inconvenient. Here are some examples:

- Frequent nosebleeds, or those lasting longer than five minutes
- Small cuts that bleed longer than usual, like shaving nicks
- Minor cuts or skin tears that may bleed for a long time

Surprisingly, more than half of all emergency room visits among people who take blood thinners are for these types of nuisance bleeds. Even though they’re not dangerous, they can lead some people to stop taking their medication, which puts them at risk of developing another life-threatening blood clot.

We created a resource to help those on blood thinners prevent and manage bleeding. Find it at the link in bio!

Join us for our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. ET, where we’ll dive deeper into managing bleeding while on blood thinners. Register at the link in bio or at bit.ly/Dec2024PEPTalk

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #anticoagulants #bloodthinners #bleeding #nuisancebleeding #peptalk #bloodclotprevention #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

"My daughter Sydney's blood clots began in 2020 af

"My daughter Sydney's blood clots began in 2020 after driving six hours to Mississippi and back. The next morning after returning home, she was out of breath and her leg was hurting badly and had a cramping feeling.

I knew immediately what was happening to her as I had been there before. I was hospitalized when Sydney was 9 with a severe DVT and PE. I immediately got her to the hospital to be checked out.

They did an ultrasound and found a clot in her lungs. They placed her on apixaban for only three months because of her age. In addition to myself, my sister and cousins also have a history of blood clots and protein S deficiency, but we went with the three months they had suggested.

Two years went by. In the spring of 2023, I woke up to hearing Sydney coughing a wet-sounding cough.

I knew it was happening again. She was hospitalized for five days and diagnosed with a saddle PE.
She was to be on blood thinners for the rest of her life. The doctors, myself, and my sister all told her she had to take it daily.

A few more months went by. One morning she came into my room and said, 'Mom, It's happening again.' I asked her if she had missed her medication, but she said no. Sydney passed on November 24, 2023.

She was very tall — 6 feet — and a beautiful soul. She was funny, a good person, and a giving person. She loved children and worked as a teacher at Trinity Early Learning Center in Atlanta.

During middle and high school, she did competitive cheerleading for the Stingray Allstars. She also cheered at Walton High School.

Sydney had been learning and practicing to be a DJ under the name DJ SYDUATION. She said to me, 'Mom, things are really looking up for me at work. I got a bonus check today and I have four DJ gigs coming up in December.' She passed the same day.

Sydney was my only child and she lived with me. She was 27 and had so much more life ahead of her. My world is broken, torn apart. My entire family and I are totally devastated.

My advice to others is to pay attention if you have a charley horse or cramp in your leg. Try flexing your foot and if that doesn't fix it and you begin to feel out of breath, seek help immediately."

@therealcharita

November is National Family Caregivers Month. This

November is National Family Caregivers Month. This month, we honor the incredible family caregivers who provide support to loved ones facing health challenges, including those navigating life after a blood clot.

Caregivers are the unsung heroes who:

✨ Advocate for timely diagnosis and care

✨ Offer comfort during recovery

✨ Help loved ones manage medications, treatment, and prevention plans

This year’s theme, “I Care,” highlights the compassion and dedication of family caregivers who stand by their loved ones through life’s toughest moments.

To all caregivers: thank you for showing the world what it means to say, “I Care.”

For NBCA caregiver resources, go to the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth #NFCMonth #familycaregivers #ICare #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient

📅 Mark your calendars — Giving Tuesday is alm

📅 Mark your calendars — Giving Tuesday is almost here!

Giving Tuesday—a global day of giving and kindness celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—is less than two weeks away. This year, we’re highlighting The Power of Us: driving change, spreading awareness, and saving lives together. It’s a collective effort—patients, caregivers, clinicians, and communities all working side by side to make a difference and save lives.

This Giving Tuesday, your generosity can amplify the power of our community. Together, we can expand our impact in 2025, delivering lifesaving education, awareness, and resources to communities nationwide.

Join us in driving change. Save the date for Giving Tuesday on December 3, and please consider supporting NBCA on this global day of generosity. Together, we can save lives.

📣 Want to super charge your support? Set up a fundraiser to benefit NBCA for Giving Tuesday at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #globalgenerosity #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #thepowerofus

"Not long after I turned 21, I started to notice t

"Not long after I turned 21, I started to notice the veins on the left side of my chest becoming extremely prominent. My left arm felt like it was falling asleep constantly throughout the day. It was strange, but I just assumed I had pulled a muscle or slept on it wrong.

I didn’t feel any pain, so I ignored it for about a week until I noticed my arm turning purple. It kept getting darker and more swollen so I rushed to the ER in a panic. I was instantly dismissed and the doctor told me I probably just overextended my arm, and that I was too young for it to be a clot.

I knew nothing about clots so I didn’t put up a fight, but I still felt like something was really wrong. I saw my primary doctor about a week later and she was furious that the ER dismissed my concerns. She immediately ordered me a CT scan, blood tests, and an X-ray, and within a few days my life changed drastically.

I got a call saying I had a DVT under my collarbone and a pulmonary embolism, caused by a condition called venous thoracic outlet syndrome. I started daily enoxaparin injections that night, and was contacted by a vascular surgeon who told me I would need two procedures. The first was a thrombectomy, and the second was a first rib resection.

The whole process was terrifying and it all happened so fast. I had to drop out of college and resign from a job I loved. It was really hard to see my friends live regular lives while I spent the year in recovery.

Luckily I have an incredibly strong support system and I’m surrounded by so much love. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my family, partner, and friends. It took a lot longer to heal than I thought, but 10 months later I feel like I’m finally getting back to normal. I’ve just come off blood thinners and it feels amazing. Plus, I got to keep my rib in a cup which is really cool.

When you’re young and healthy you feel invincible, and being faced with a sliver of your mortality is life-changing. I value and prioritize my health so much more now. It’s extremely isolating to go through medical turmoil at this age. It helped so much to read other people’s stories."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot

Anticoagulants are lifesaving medications that hel

Anticoagulants are lifesaving medications that help in preventing and treating blood clots. However, they come with potential risks—most notably, an increased risk of bleeding. Understanding the different types of bleeding and how to manage them is crucial for patients on anticoagulant therapy.

In our December PEP Talk, we’ll explore the concept of nuisance bleeding, often referred to as "patient-relevant bleeding," and how it differs from clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), and major bleeding, and when medical intervention is necessary.

We’ll also provide practical strategies to help patients reduce their bleeding risk, stay safe, and maintain their quality of life while benefiting from lifesaving anticoagulant therapy, as well as future outlook for new medication options. We hope you join us for this informative session!

Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #peptalk #bloodclots #vte #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #anticoagulants #bloodthinners #bleeding #nuisancebleeding #patientrelevantbleeding

After being diagnosed with blood clots in July, Ch

After being diagnosed with blood clots in July, Christian Barmore of the New England Patriots made an emotional return to the field on Sunday.

The 25-year-old defensive tackle expressed deep gratitude to his teammates and coaches for their support during his recovery. His powerful message: “Never give up and don’t quit... I told myself every day people are supporting me, and I love everybody here.”

Christian, thank you for using your platform to raise awareness about life-threatening blood clots. We’re cheering for you every step of the way!

A huge shoutout to the Patriots’ medical team for catching the warning signs and to his teammates and coaches for their unwavering support.

Barmore's story is a reminder to stay vigilant about blood clot awareness. Early detection and support can save lives. Learn about the signs and symptoms of blood clots at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #newenglandpatriots #christianbarmore #dvt #pe #americanfootball #nfl #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotsurvivor #knowyourrisk @barmore_ @patriots @NFL

"I began having a belly ache on Friday, August 3,

"I began having a belly ache on Friday, August 3, 2012. I was unable to use the restroom. The only relief I got was laying in hot water in the bathtub. I did this every half hour or so. It continued to worsen, and by Sunday, August 5, it was almost unbearable. Finally, my wife insisted I go to the hospital.

We were in the ER for about five hours, running test after test. Finally, they came in and said I had two blood clots, one in my portal vein, which carries blood from the abdominal organs to the liver, and the other in my lower mesentery vein, which drains blood from the lower gastrointestinal tract and carries it to the liver.

I was admitted, and after two days they sent me to another hospital where I could receive treatment and specialists could look after me.

On my first day in this hospital, my mom had a major stroke and passed away. My wife asked if I could attend her funeral, and the doctor said absolutely not. He then emphasized to my wife that I was critical, and I might not survive.

Over the next few days, I had countless relatives and friends come to visit me in the hospital, although I don’t recall most of my time there.

By the grace of God, I fully recovered. I spent almost three weeks hospitalized until the clots finally dissolved. I was diagnosed with factor V Leiden homozygous and returned to work two weeks later.
The doctors told me I was a very fortunate man, and my prognosis was great. I have led a normal life for the past 15 years although I’m now a lifer on blood thinners.

In addition to factor V Leiden, my other risk factor was a previous clot behind my right knee two years earlier. I wasn’t hospitalized but spent five days in bed with daily blood thinner injections.
Blood clots are nothing to mess around with."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #vte #mvt #pvt #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient #bloodthinners #anticoagulants #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

Did you know that our New Patient Resource Guide w

Did you know that our New Patient Resource Guide was updated this year?

Since its debut in 2022, blood clot survivors have turned to this guide for trusted information and support during the first year after experiencing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE). Packed with resources, it’s designed to empower patients on their journey to recovery.

Get your guide here and share with others who might need it at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotdiagnosis #bloodclotpatient #pesurvivor #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotawareness #newpatientguide #dvt #pe

"On September 22, 2013, I realized just how fragil

"On September 22, 2013, I realized just how fragile life can be.

Following a sprint to catch my evening train, I found a seat, sat down, caught my breath, and experienced a sudden shooting pain in my head. As I neared my destination, the headache dissipated, but when I stood to leave the train, I felt terrible pain across my chest and back along with a tremendous feeling of dread.

Thankfully, my sister was at the train station waiting for me. I told her what I had experienced and asked that she take me to an emergency room. She wanted to call 9-1-1 but I insisted otherwise. Ironically, as we approached the hospital, my pain had dissipated.

After a thorough exam by a nurse practitioner and a blood test, I was sent for a CT scan. I remained in good spirits and was hopeful that the positive blood test result was related to the DVT I had experienced five years prior.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’ll never forget the look on the nurse’s face when she delivered the news – 'I’m so sorry, you have multiple bilateral, sub-acute, pulmonary emboli.'

I was immediately rolled out of the ER holding area and to a bed directly across from the nurse’s station. By midnight I was in the ICU. Two days later I received a catheter-directed thrombolysis and was administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by a priest. In total, I spent 15 days in the hospital.

Upon my return home, I wanted to jump back into life and quickly realized I couldn’t.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, I experienced aphasia, chest pain, panic attacks, depression, and extreme anxiety. I found few resources to help me navigate my recovery. Even when I advocated with my healthcare providers, they offered little insight about what I was experiencing other than telling me that I'm lucky to be alive.

I later tested positive for protein C deficiency, as did my two children and sister.

I only just started to become familiar with NBCA and recently volunteered to support its advocacy efforts. I'm looking forward to doing all I can to support the organization."

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory

Today is World Diabetes Day. If you have diabetes,

Today is World Diabetes Day. If you have diabetes, you may be at increased risk for a blood clot.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to conditions that raise the likelihood of clot formation. Understanding your risk and taking steps to protect yourself is crucial.

How Diabetes Increases Your Blood Clot Risk:

- Damage to blood vessels: High blood sugar levels contribute to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, increasing clotting risk.

- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: Many individuals with diabetes also experience obesity and lower physical activity, both of which contribute to the risk for blood clots.

- Cardiovascular conditions: Diabetes is linked to heart disease, stroke, and conditions like atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure, all of which increase the likelihood of blood clots.

- Poor circulation: Diabetes can lead to peripheral artery disease and other circulatory issues that make blood clots more likely, particularly in the legs.

What You Can Do:

Regular physical activity, managing your blood sugar, and staying mobile are key to reducing your risk. It’s also important to recognize the signs of blood clots, such as swelling, pain, or redness in the legs, or sudden shortness of breath.

If you have diabetes, take a moment to assess your risk for blood clots via the link in bio.

Know someone with diabetes? Share this post with them to help raise awareness about blood clot risks and prevention.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #worlddiabetesday #diabetes #bloodclotawareness #diabetesawareness #knowyourrisk #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotrisk #WDD

NBCA is returning as an official charity partner o

NBCA is returning as an official charity partner of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, hosted by Bike New York!

“On Sunday, May 4, 2025, cyclists of all skill levels will come from around the world to roll through every borough of New York City on streets totally free of cars. For one day, the roads are yours, the bridges are yours, the city is yours – there’s no better way to experience NYC.”

NBCA's Team Stop the Clot is growing, with 25 bibs up for grabs this year! Applications are now being accepted. Learn more and apply at the link in bio, or bit.ly/NBCA5Boro2025

#stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #TDFiveBoroBikeTour #BikeNewYork #bikenyc #nyccycling #bicycling
#bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention #charityride #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient

🌟November 13 is CTEPH Awareness Day 🌟 Chron

🌟November 13 is CTEPH Awareness Day 🌟

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious complication that can follow a pulmonary embolism. CTEPH can occur when blood clots don't fully dissolve, causing high blood pressure in the lungs and potentially leading to heart failure if untreated.

Last night, the National Blood Clot Alliance hosted a PEP Talk on CTEPH and other complications that can occur after a blood clot with Dr. Timothy Fernandes, pulmonologist at UC San Diego Health. Dr. Fernandes explained that CTEPH is under-diagnosed and doctors need to listen to their patients when describing their symptoms.

By understanding CTEPH, we can work to support those at risk and improve early detection and treatment. If you missed the PEP Talk, you can watch it along with our other sessions at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #cteph #ctephawarenessday #vte #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #ctephtreatment

"In Dec 2022, I had the worst pain in my left side

"In Dec 2022, I had the worst pain in my left side of my buttocks after working out. Being a physical therapist and a retired figure skater, I assumed I had strained a muscle until I was unable to walk or bear weight on my left leg.

After three ER visits, I was finally diagnosed with a massive DVT that extended from my left groin to right below my heart, a collapsed left iliac vein, and multiple clots in my left lung.

ER doctors initially signed it off as a muscle strain and anxiety. I knew something was horribly wrong and refused to leave the hospital during the third visit. I was in the ICU with heparin and tissue plasminogen activator (iPA) and the clot did not decrease in size. I had an emergency thrombectomy and later a stent was placed to keep my left iliac vein open.

We learned my clots were caused by four things: Factor II deficiency clotting disorder, birth control, May-Thurner syndrome, and a suspected previous injury to my iliac vein from a prior heart procedure. I have no family history of clotting disorders.

Doctors said I’m lucky to be alive because they believe my clot started about 10 years before it was found. I had no symptoms until it became a crisis. I’m blessed to be alive. I am thankful for my workout class and my medical team that saved my life. God’s not done with me here.

I will be on blood thinners for life and have close monitoring to ensure I don’t clot again. As a healthcare worker, I’m a strong advocate for my patients regarding blood clot education and have used my story to educate my peers about blood clots and disparities in the diagnosis of clots. I was a 32 year old healthy female and was initially overlooked due to my age and good health.

I’m so thankful for NBCA and all they do to advocate and educate as they greatly helped me in my lifelong journey of being a #bloodclotsurvivor. I wear my Stop the Clot pin proudly on my work badge now.

You are your best advocate and it’s possible to live an active and healthy lifestyle after clots. You are not your diagnosis, it just is a part of your story."

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #vte #bloodclots #factor2 #maythurnersyndrome #mts #dvt #pe #birthcontrol #misdiagnosed

HAPPENING TONIGHT: Join us tonight at 7 p.m. ET fo

HAPPENING TONIGHT: Join us tonight at 7 p.m. ET for our November PEP Talk on post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED).

Dr. Timothy Fernandes, pulmonologist with UC San Diego Health, will be with us to discuss how to manage these conditions.

We hope to see you there! Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #cted #pts #postthromboticsyndrome #cteph #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotsurvivor #peptalk

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join us for our November PEP T

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join us for our November PEP Talk on Tuesday, November 12 at 7 p.m. ET as we explore long-term health conditions that can occur after a DVT or PE.

Dr. Timothy Fernandes, pulmonologist at UC San Diego Health, will share insights on managing post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED).

There is still time to register! We hope to see you for this informative session.

📅 Date: Tuesday, November 12

🕖 Time: 7 p.m. ET

💻 Where: bit.ly/Nov2024PEPTalk

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #vte #cted #pts #postthromboticsyndrome #cteph #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotsurvivor #peptalk

On this Veteran’s Day, Stephanie “Jersey” Ma

On this Veteran’s Day, Stephanie “Jersey” Martinez gives a glimpse into her life as a former active duty service member, wife, mother, Thrombassador, NBCA staff member, and passionate blood clot awareness advocate.

Did you know that military personnel and veterans are at an increased risk for blood clots?

Several factors contribute to this elevated risk, including:

1. Injuries and surgeries: Combat-related injuries, surgeries, and prolonged immobility during recovery can increase clotting risk. These events often result in damage to blood vessels or periods of immobility, both of which are key risk factors.

2. Immobilization and long travel: Veterans often endure long travel times or may experience periods of restricted mobility, which are known to increase the risk of clots.

3. High levels of physical and emotional stress: Stress and conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is more common among veterans, can contribute to inflammation, which raises the risk for blood clots.

4. Underlying health conditions: Higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular issues in the veteran population can compound clotting risk.

Increased awareness among veterans and their healthcare providers is critical, as early detection and intervention are essential in preventing serious complications from blood clots.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #vte #dvt #deepveinthrombosis #ijvt #jugularclot #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotstory

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we’re sharing the b

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we’re sharing the blood clot survival story of Stephanie “Jersey” Martinez, development and outreach coordinator at the National Blood Clot Alliance and a U.S. Navy veteran.

“On Nov. 17, 2021, I had a right knee arthroscopy, an outpatient procedure that only took only 15 minutes. I was told I would be back walking in two to three weeks. However, my healing time would be severely prolonged.

Two days after my procedure, I began having a painful charley horse in my right calf muscle. A day after the pain began, I started to see discoloration and swelling in my leg. I went into the ER and had an ultrasound, which showed that I had a blood clot, or deep vein thrombosis, in my right tibial vein, which is in the shin area.

I was sent home on rivaroxaban. A day later, I began to have pain, weakness, and swelling in my left arm. My face was also tingling and I knew something wasn’t right. I went back to ER and was told that I seemed fine and I should just go home. I refused and said, ‘No, please check!’

The hospital then performed an ultrasound on my upper left extremity and discovered a second clot within my left internal jugular. The doctor who almost sent me home was very apologetic and said I needed to be admitted immediately and put on a heparin drip. I found out that if had I listened to her initial suggestion, I could have gone home and died that night.

They were shocked that I had two clots at the same time, with one being in a dangerous and rare location given my age. I’ve been told by many doctors that my situation shouldn’t have happened from a 15-minute procedure, but it did.

In 2023, after many hospital visits, genetic testing, heart ECHOs, brain and CT scans, and MRIs, the cause is unknown and considered unprovoked. The clot in my tibial vein dissolved, but the DVT in my left internal jugular is chronic and still present. I am now on blood thinners indefinitely.

This situation changed my life, as I was super healthy before this. I was a personal trainer and nutrition coach for 7 years. However, I now see health in a new way. I achieved my Master’s Degree in Health Promotion so I can help bring a change to our community.”

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