Woman
My Risk Factors Created a Perfect Storm: Amelia’s Story
On December 15, 2022, I sprained my ankle and was checked at urgent care for a possible break. I was told that I had no break, but that I should not put any weight on my ankle for five days. After that, I was able to put some weight on the ankle, but I started…
I Was Incredibly Lucky—But Not Everyone Is: Hannah’s Story
I had a pulmonary embolism on September 10, 2025 at 24 years old. A couple weeks before, I noticed the left side of my back and neck were hurting. I thought I was just sore from Pilates so I took ibuprofen and didn’t think much about it. On September 5, I got engaged in Las…
Blood Clots Can Happen to Anyone: Susan and Lauren’s Story
As told by Lauren, a nurse practitioner residing in Rochester, NY, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice student at Duke University School of Nursing. It was after nine in the evening when my phone rang. It was my best friend, calling a little later than usual. I had “Married at First Sight” on TV—my guilty…
I’m Grateful to Be Alive, But the Health Anxiety is Very Real: Elizabeth’s Story
Two weeks after hip labral repair surgery, my thigh became very sore. I assumed it was from new exercises in physical therapy, but a few days later my calf became painful also. I was having a hard time getting around, so I called my insurance company’s 24/7 nurse hotline in the middle of the night.…
I’m Not Taking My Life For Granted Anymore: Chelsea’s Story
I ran my first 5K in years the Sunday before all this happened. During the race, I injured my right knee. On Monday, I went to the doctor and was told to try rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and to use crutches for a few days. The first day on crutches wasn’t bad, but by…
My History is a Sequence of Crises: Whitney’s Story
I’m 27, and my story isn’t about being young; it’s about blood that doesn’t flow. My history is a sequence of crises. Two weeks postpartum, IVF hormones and an emergency C-section created the perfect storm. I was struck by shortness of breath, chest pain, and neck pain. Rushed to the hospital, they found a pulmonary…
My Goal is to Raise Awareness and Promote Healthy Blood Flow Habits: Megan’s Story
In June 2024, shortly after turning 30, I was diagnosed with an unprovoked blood clot in my lower left leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). The diagnosis and the sudden need to start blood thinners felt like a death sentence. I was terrified and didn’t know where to turn. Once the clot was discovered, I…
Never Stop Advocating For Yourself: Nicole’s Story
On December 11, 2024, I went to the emergency room because my entire right arm was swollen. My father told me not to go since I wasn’t in pain and already had a doctor’s appointment scheduled for the next day, but something told me to get it checked out. I truly believed nothing serious was…
I Was Repeatedly Misdiagnosed and my Symptoms Were Dismissed: Liz’s Story
After a dilation and curettage (D&C), my doctor tore my cervix. I was given medication to stop the bleeding, but I passed out in the hospital from blood loss five days later. My doctor gave me tranexamic acid (TXA) to control the hemorrhaging. Later that day, I started feeling a burning sensation in my chest.…
Always Pay Attention to Changes in Your Body: Kristian’s Story
In May of this year, I took a short flight, only about two and a half hours one way, and soon after, I noticed a cramping sensation in my right calf. I assumed it was just soreness or dehydration, so I ignored it for a couple of days. When the pain didn’t go away, I…
