DVT
My Leg Was Massively Swollen, Purple, and Hot: Shelby’s Story
I live a fairly active lifestyle as a preschool teacher, firefighter wife, and dog mom. I am always on the go! When I began experiencing what I thought were muscle cramps, I thought nothing of it. Little did I know, my body was experiencing a trauma that would halt me in my tracks. In November…
Not Only Have I Lost Central Vision In My Left Eye, I’ve Also Lost My Son: Debbie’s Story
My first blood clot happened in 2004. I was working as a phlebotomist in a blood bank when my calf felt tight and painful to walk on. I saw my doctor the same day and was sent for a Doppler of my lower left leg. It showed a blood clot, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).…
My Hospital Stay Contributed to My Blood Clots: Krista’s Story
I started 2020 with a three-level spinal fusion surgery in my lower back. I recovered for about five days in the hospital. During that time, I was given conflicting information: The nurse told me to get up and walk, and the doctor told me to lay flat and move as little as possible. I remember…
I Thought I Was Having a Heart Attack While Holding My Newborn: Megan’s Story
When I was 37 weeks pregnant with my first child, I began experiencing a painful, pressurized cramping sensation in my upper thigh that was dismissed by three different OB/GYNs during my weekly appointments. They assured me it was just the baby putting pressure on nerves and ligaments in my pelvis. However, at 17 days post-delivery…
I Developed a DVT During Childbirth in the 12 Hours I Was Off My Blood Thinner: Maggie’s Story
I developed my first blood clot at 16 years old, a massive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my left leg, extending from the middle of my shin to my belly button. Unfortunately, this clot resulted in multiple pulmonary emboli (PE), both caused by oral contraceptives. I developed another DVT at eight weeks pregnant, even…
I Remained on Life Support For Four Days: Felecia’s Story
On March 11, 2021 I woke around 2 a.m. to use the restroom and I suddenly couldn’t see. I realized my night shirt was over my eyes and I was upside down. I had passed out. I sat on the floor with a leg on each side of the toilet and tried to figure out…
Women Need to be Extremely Careful About Birth Control: Amy’s Story
My name is Amy, and I experienced a massive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 17. I was at school when I experienced excruciating pain in my lower back and legs. At the hospital, I was told I had a urinary tract infection that had spread to my kidneys, and was prescribed medication. I had trouble…
I Am a Woman of Faith and That Has Kept Me Encouraged: Jody’s Story
This is my second experience with a blood clot. I had my first deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 2013 when I was 47. I did not have any risk factors. I had not been hospitalized, taken a long trip, or been on birth control. I am an educator and am on my feet most of…
I Suffer from Anxiety and PTSD Now: Louise’s Story
On January 1, 2002, I woke up feeling like I had a weight on my foot and was dragging my leg. As the morning went on, my leg felt like it was double the size of my right, and I was in pain. My husband took me to the emergency room. The doctor believed I…
Never Give Up: Beril’s Story
At the beginning of 2022, when I was 18, I started feeling pain in my chest. Since I was a professional triathlete preparing for the next season’s races, this pain was negatively affecting my training. I ignored the pain and difficulty breathing and pushed myself harder. However, one night I woke up with extreme pain…
