DVT
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…
In Memory of Jamie Lee Gravley: His Blood Clot Story
My name is Melanie Gravley, and I am 23. This story is about my husband, Jamie Lee, who lost his life due to a pulmonary embolism (PE) in June 2012 at age 22. We were together since June 20, 2007, married on Sept 3, 2010, and welcomed a son on May 20, 2011. We…
Don’t Stop Fighting: Tara’s Story
Tara Robison was startled at age 20 by 21 blood clots in her lungs. She was misdiagnosed at first, but her persistence in seeking further care saved her life. In June 2010, I felt a pain in the right side of my upper chest that I thought at first was just gas pain. I…
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…
Misdiagnosed Repeatedly: Cheryl’s Story
I noticed I had a cough that would not go away in November 2007. I knew it wasn’t a cold, because I didn’t have any other symptoms of a cold. I went to my doctor the next month, and she couldn’t identify a cause. She suggested that I try allergy medication for a week, but…
I Had My First PE at 16: Cassie’s Story
Cassie Sheffield and her birth family were affected by blood clots, and discovered that the family has a genetic blood clotting disorder, Antithrombin (AT) III deficiency, that carries a high risk for blood clots. Cassie not only developed multiple pulmonary emboli in her teenage years, she learned that her mother and two brothers had AT…
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…
I Increased My Risk Without Realizing It: Lisa’s Story
Lisa was an active 27 year old woman when her life was interrupted by blood clots in both her left leg and her lungs that she found out were related to May Thurner’s Syndrome. My name is Lisa Jensen and I am a fortunate survivor of both a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism…
Blood Clots Across Three Generations: Amanda’s Story
Amanda Liimatainen was caught by surprise when she was diagnosed with a DVT. Her mother had a pulmonary embolism at age 46, and she tried to make healthy choices to prevent them. My mother, who is a nurse, had a pulmonary embolism (PE) when she was 46 and I was 16. After her treatment with blood…
I Was In Denial: Brianne’s Story
Brianne Paisley is pregnant and has Protein C deficiency. She had a large DVT in her groin during this pregnancy for which she self-injected with low molecular weight heparin, but is now awaiting the birth of her second child. My name is Brianne Paisley, and I want to share my story with anyone and everyone…
