I had my first child by emergency C-section. A couple of weeks later, I noticed a huge bruise on my left upper thigh. The pain was horrible, and I had to hop to get around the house, so my doctor ordered an MRI that detected a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clot in my leg. I was hospitalized for a week, after which I took warfarin for six months. I also took injectable low molecular weight heparin during my second and third pregnancies to prevent blood clots.
About 10 years later, I noticed swelling once again in the same leg that I had the DVT and I began to limp. I went for an assessment but was told it was not another DVT.
A month later, I went back to the ER and was told I did in fact have another blood clot in my left upper leg, and was hospitalized again. I am now on blood thinners for life. I take warfarin, and need to check my INR levels often.
I am grateful that I know the signs and symptoms of blood clots, pay attention to my body, and advocate for myself when I know something doesn’t feel right.
The doctors tested me for blood clotting disorders, but the tests were negative. They attribute the first DVT to pregnancy and the C-section, but are unsure what caused the second DVT. There is no history of blood clots in my birth family.
I have three beautiful children that I would like to raise to adulthood, and would do anything to be around to watch them grow. I am very grateful to be alive. I would love to help others become more aware about risk, prevention, and treatment of blood clots.
Resources
Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots
Women and Blood Clots
Know Your Risk
