Athlete
There is Life After Blood Clots: Rebekah Bradford’s Story
The personal story below is intended for informational purposes only. The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) holds the rights to all content that appears on its website. The use by another organization or online group of any content on NBCA’s website, including the patient stories that appear here, does not imply that NBCA is connected…
The Best Cure is Knowledge: Cedric’s Story
As U.S. Army Master Fitness Trainer, I was use to physically challenging my body. So it was not unusual, when in August of 2002 I shrugged off a sharp pain in the calf of my leg – a pain that had jolted me from a restful morning sleep. “What is it,” I thought, and quickly…
Do Not Wait to Seek Care: Melissa’s Story
I was a healthy 25-year-old who ran numerous half marathons, sprint triathlons, and I am also an active Crossfitter. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I’d battle life-threatening blood clots in my calf (deep vein thrombosis/DVT) and lungs (pulmonary embolism/PE). I noticed lingering calf pain in my left leg in September 2011. There…
The Worst Pain I Ever Endured: Mr. E. Anonymous’ Story
Mr. E. Anonymous was healthy and active when he had an unexplained DVT while he was pursuing a Master’s degree in Physical Education. His DVT detoured him from his goal, and he was also laid off from his job soon after, so he is coping with many unforeseen events. I was a completely healthy 29…
A Routine Sports Injury Was Actually a Blood Clot: Dan’s Story
I am a 56+year old male. I have occasional asthma, primarily exercised induced. If I notice asthma symptoms while working out, I can usually push through them and finish the work-out, although I do use a bronchodilator when I need to. I am an avid martial arts devotee – black belt in one style, brown…
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…
Misdiagnosed With Chest Wall Pain: Jim’s Story
My sport and how I got started are directly linked. I lost my father and grandfather to blood related cancers when I was a young boy. In 2005 I became aware of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies Team in Training and got involved. I became an endurance athlete and began raising money to fight blood…
Giving Back After My DVT: Karen’s Story
In July of 2004, I was diagnosed with a DVT in my left leg. I had experienced swelling and pain in my left calf, ankle and foot, in addition to fatigue. Until I was diagnosed however, I didn’t have the faintest idea what was wrong with me! My mother had experienced two PE’s years ago. I…
I Felt Like I Was Having a Heart Attack: Jessica’s Story
Jessica Stadler went from being a healthy, active young woman to someone with 3 pulmonary emboli (PEs), and she wants to alert everyone to the signs and symptoms of DVT and PE, so that they seek care right away. I have always been considered the healthy one among my friends and family. As an athletic young…
