PE
A Fatal PE After Knee Surgery: Eric’s Story, as Told by Sophie
My late boyfriend, Eric Vignando, passed away at 49 years old on November 29, 2010. Eric had knee problems after ski accidents, and he finally went in for a partial knee replacement after having pain for 20 years. His surgery was on Nov 12, 2010. His surgery went well, his doctor was pleased, and Eric…
Birth Control Pills Can Pose a Risk for Blood Clots: Sharon’s Story
Four years ago, I found out that taking birth control pills could almost take my life! Shortly after returning from my honeymoon in December 2007, I felt severe abdominal pain. My former primary doctor changed the brand of my birth control pills, prescribed ibuprofen for pain, and eventually sent me for a pelvic ultrasound that…
Our 8-Year-Old Died of a Blood Clot: Garrett’s Story, as Told by his Mother
My son Garrett Elder had a stomach virus in April 2008, and a strep throat two days later that was treated with a full course of antibiotics. He developed pneumonia on day 3 and complained of leg pain during the night. His breathing became heavy and his leg became swollen and hard. We took him to…
He Shouldn’t Have Died: Nick’s Story as Told by his Parents
Nick Sanders was one of those individuals that you could not forget. It wasn’t just that he was 6 feet 6 inches tall, had red hair and played football. He was also a fun loving son, brother, grandson as well as a loyal friend and colleague. On his 25th birthday, Nick was embarking on his…
Having a DVT and PE Has Changed my Life: Nicole’s Story
My experience with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) started in June 2011, three months after I got married and spent a three week honeymoon “road tripping” around New Zealand with my husband. Late one night, I felt a twinge of pain behind my left knee. I ignored it, figuring that I tweaked…
Healthy People Can Get Blood Clots: Kelly’s Story
A year ago today, I had no idea the curve balls 2009 would throw at me, and I would have never guessed they would involve a life-changing experience involving my health. You see, I’m the “healthiest person” all of my family, friends and colleagues know. I’m studying for my Master’s in nutrition, eat more than…
You Can’t Take Breathing For Granted: Leah’s Story
My orthopedic surgeon dubbed me his “airplane” girl, because of an ironic twist of fate (and twist of my knee!). Believe it or not, I tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee as I was getting onto an airplane in October 2006. One would think I might be injured throwing a football…
I Began Coughing Up Blood: George’s Story
George’s persistence helped save his life after his first pulmonary embolism was misdiagnosed and his initial DVT was not treated. I reported for one of my 24 hour shifts as a Firefighter/Paramedic in November 2007. There was a carbon monoxide call that required me to be on a ladder for an extended time that meant…
Died of a PE at 23: Anna’s Story
Anna Frutiger embodied brains, beauty, compassion, and athleticism, and seemed the picture of health while she was living her dream of becoming a dentist. No one expected that a blood clot would end her life, and it seemed beyond belief that Anna died on May 20, 2010 from a pulmonary embolism (PE) due to an…
Running Nearly Cost Me My Life: Kristine’s Story
Running is my greatest passion, but at age 27 it nearly cost me my life. Last March, I ran a half-marathon and went straight into training for a full marathon. I noticed a pain in my hip after I completed the half-marathon, but like most runners, I ran through the pain. As it turned out,…
