Surgery
Changing My Outlook on Life: Natalie’s Story
On January 25, 2016, I found out I had a blood clot after going to a follow-up doctor’s appointment. Ten days prior, I had cosmetic surgery and was advised that developing a blood clot was possible, but I never thought it would happen to me. Two days after surgery, I noticed my left leg was swelling…
I’m a Survivor: Paul’s Story
Before that day, I was physically fit. I had recently won the National Championship in the Firefighter Combat Challenge. I was a full time Captain with the Fire Department, and the single parent of a 19 year old son, and 16 and 9 year old daughters. I was happy, my kids were happy. Life was…
A Super Hero Taken Too Soon: Manu’s’ Story, as told by Christina Martin
Manu Ajamu Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 14, 1977. Affectionately known as “Shaq,” he was always the life of the party and had a wide assortment of friends. Shaq stood tall at 6 feet 3 inches, and weighing in at 300 pounds he was all muscle. He had beautiful honey-brown eyes that…
Changed in an Instant: Jenna’s Story
In every person’s life, there is one instance or one moment that changes them in ways they never believed possible. A moment where they reevaluate all that they have and all that they have worked for. Whether it is a good or bad change, it is without a doubt a memorable one. Some happen later…
In Memory of Justin as Told by his Mother Tina
Justin Sexton’s Blood Clot Story as Told by his Mother Tina Sexton A little about Justin. He was a loving, kind, helpful, amazing boy. He always loved and wanted to help everyone. He had a heart of gold. He had a great sense of humor, and he loved his family and friends so much. He…
Waiting Could Cost You Your Life: Helen’s Story
My Name is Helen Smith. I’m 36 years old and have a genetic blood clotting disorder (thrombophilia) that could have taken my life twice. This is my story. In January 2008, I delivered my third son via cesarean section. Since this would my last planned pregnancy, I also elected to have a tubal ligation performed…
Afraid to Breathe: Samara’s Story
Samara McAuliffe gave birth to a daughter by what she thought was an uncomplicated C-section until she developed a pulmonary embolism eleven days later. I gave birth by emergency C-section in 2006 to a son, and the surgery was life-saving for both of us. My daughter was born by a routine C-section on Christmas Eve,…
My First DVT Was Related to My C-Section: Salonda’s Story
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…
Foot Surgery Resulted in a DVT: Bridget’s Story
Bridget Schaap thought she was having simple foot surgery, and was surprised to find that she developed a blood clot after it. When I look back, it’s hard to believe all that happened to me. As I prepared to quit my job and move from Chicago to Michigan to begin graduate school in December 2010, I…
I Didn’t Think Blood Clots Could Happen to Me: Jim’s Story
Jim Smith had DVTs in each leg and a PE after a prostatectomy, and he is now dealing with complications. My story begins in 2006 when I had abdominal surgery for a prostatectomy. I was hit with a massive pulmonary embolism (PE) ten days after I was discharged from the hospital. Luckily for me, it…
