Patient Stories
Know the Risk of Birth Control Pills: Carmen’s Story
Carmen McArthur’s story demonstrates the risk of blood clots associated with birth control pills. Although the prescribing physician mentioned the risk, this patient did not think that she would be affected. She chose the therapeutic benefit of the pills to treat heavy menstrual bleeding over what she perceived as minimal clotting …
My Wife’s Insistence Saved My Life: Steve’s Story
I am a 58 year old teacher, a life-long runner, and live in Bedford, NH. I noticed tightness in my right calf in early February 2007, and ignored it for a couple of weeks. It was not painful, and I thought it was a slight muscle pull or soreness due to insufficient stretching after my…
My Low Potassium Was Actually a DVT: Beverly’s Story
I learned about NBCA in a brochure that was in my doctor’s office at the University of North Carolina, and wanted to share my story. I woke up one morning recently, and noticed that my left leg was swollen, and also felt pain in back of it, so much so that it felt as if…
I Couldn’t Catch My Breath: Kim’s Story
My name is Kim Gronholz. I am a 38 year old married mother of 3, an exercise addict, a former high school English teacher, a school/church volunteer, a stay-at-home mom, and most pertinently, a DVT/PE survivor! My husband and I had just returned home from a 5 day business/pleasure trip to Canada on a Sunday…
Minnesota Vikings Brian Robison Tells His Blood Clot Story
Inver Grove Heights, MN, December 10, 2009 – Brian Robison, MN Vikings Defensive End, suffered from two blood clots in his leg in August,2008. Fortunately, his blood clots were surgically removed, but Brian realized how serious they could have become had he ignored his symptoms. Brian shares his experience and why he agreed to be…
DVTs Can Occur After Surgery: Tim’s Story
My name is Tim Allen and I am 59 years old. I “busted” my foot playing soccer in college and needed surgery to repair it about 35 years ago when I was in the Air Force. However, it got worse recently, and I dislocated my toes whenever I ran. Unfortunately, I developed DVTs in my…
Tell Doctors Your Family Medical History: Andy’s Story
My name is Andy Morris, age 26. I have always been aware of the threat of blood clots, because my dad has had to take a “blood thinner” daily due to a protein deficiency. He has a history of blood clots in his legs, and in one instance in particular he developed not just one,…
Spreading Awareness of Blood Clotting Disorders: Lynn’s Story
When I awakened from a deep sleep on the morning of June 12, 2003, I had no idea what the awful pain in my right side was. Could it be the hotel bed that I was sleeping in, the heavy box I had moved earlier in the day, a cold coming on? I continued to…
Pregnant Women Need To Assess Their Blood Clot Risk: Lisa’s Story
I never knew that I was a risk for a blood clot that nearly killed me. One week after giving birth to my second child I started experiencing hip pain, called the OB office, spoke with a nurse and I was told that it was probably the result of delivery and I was advised to…
I Was Told My Leg Might Need to be Amputated: Velton’s Story
In October of 1993, when I was 47, my left leg started swelling from my hip to my toes and I started experiencing trouble breathing. My leg felt so tight, that I couldn’t bend my knee, so I contacted an orthopedic practice who then referred me to an internal medicine physician, Dr. D. Dr. D.…
