Unprovoked
I’m Back to Doing Everything I Want to Do: Joe’s Story
My story began with a nagging ache in my calf. I had ignored it for a few days thinking it was a pulled muscle. Other than a leg cramp, I did not have any other symptoms. I had done my usual six-mile run and worked in the yard later that day. It was not until…
The Fear of Death Loomed Over Me: Mercedes’ Story
It all began around the Christmas holiday in 2022 when I started experiencing what I thought was indigestion. Despite trying various over-the-counter medications, nothing seemed to relieve my discomfort. By New Year’s Eve, my condition had worsened, but I pushed through to celebrate the new year. However, while ascending the train steps, …
She Had No Known Risk Factors: Shelby’s Story
As told by her mother, Noelle. My daughter passed at age 27 from a saddle pulmonary embolism on February 28, 2024. She stayed home from work with a headache. She got up after a nap, came downstairs and passed out. She came to and was clammy and sweaty. She said she was fine but we…
I Want to Help Raise Awareness: Corrinne’s Story
In the spring of 2023, I gained a new appreciation for the gift of breathing. Over a period of weeks, I grew increasingly short of breath. As I was misdiagnosed twice, first with allergy-induced asthma and then bronchitis, I struggled more and more to breathe during everyday activities. After several weeks, I was so short…
Please Listen to Your Body: Tonya’s Story
I started experiencing pain in my left calf and by morning the next day, I was in excruciating pain. I called my doctor’s office and they asked me to come in as soon as possible. After the D-dimer bloodwork results showed I likely had a clot, I received a Doppler scan that revealed the DVT.…
We Have No Idea Why I Clot: Fran’s Story
I had my first DVT about 15 years ago after a surgery that damaged my deep vein, which slowed the blood flow and increased the risk of clots. I gave myself enoxaparin injections and went on warfarin (that’s all there was at the time) for six months. Two years ago, I had an unprovoked superficial…
I Couldn’t Accept This Odd Diagnosis: Elle’s Story
I woke up one morning with back pain. I live an active and healthy lifestyle, so I figured I pulled a muscle working out the day prior. I took some ibuprofen and went about my morning. The pain continued to get worse, and eventually wrapped around my right flank up into my right chest and…
I’ve Learned I’m Not Alone: Robin’s Story
On the evening of November 29, 2023, I was preparing for bed when I experienced shortness of breath and a racing heart rate. I chalked it up to having taken my heart medication two hours late. The next morning, I was very short of breath with pressure in the middle of my chest. It hurt…
I Felt Like I Was Having a Heart Attack: Andrew’s Story
For over a month and a half, I had excruciating, indescribable pain in my leg. I was given lab tests, but doctors couldn’t detect anything. My PCP and the ER continued to give me steroids and pain medication, stating it must be coming from my back, which made no sense based on the pain and…
Don’t Give Up, Keep Going: Alejandra’s Story
In March 2019, I woke up with my left leg all red and swollen. Thanks to God and the speed with which I received medical attention, the doctors saved my life and also my leg. I was in hospital for four days and I had two surgeries. They put a filter in my vena cava…
