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‘The Back Pain That Saved My Life’: NBCA Podcast Episode Highlights Life After a Near-Fatal Blood Clot

The National Blood Clot Alliance this week released a powerful new episode of its Taking a Breath podcast featuring board…

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Curriculum

NBCA and CDC Renew Online VTE E-Learning Course Offering No-Cost Continuing Education

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is pleased to…

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Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis & treatments to #stoptheclot. Submit your story @ link below ⬇️ Our podcast: Taking a Breath 🎙️

"It was after nine in the evening when my phone ra

"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 pleasure—and was relaxing on the couch. Her cheerful voice came through as always, but this time her first words were different: “So, I’m calling you for medical advice…”. Those words would come to haunt me.

My best friend Susan and I had known each other since Girl Scouts. We graduated from high school together in upstate New York and stayed close even after she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Just twelve hours after that phone call, Susan was gone. She died from a massive blood clot that had formed in her leg and traveled to her lungs, blocking blood flow and stopping her heart. She was only 35—radiant, funny, smart, and generous.

That night, she told me she’d been having chest discomfort for a week. It had gone away, then returned. As we talked, I tried to think through possible causes based on my experience working in the nursing field.

Could it be anxiety? Maybe her asthma is acting up? I asked if she’d used her inhaler, and she had. Could it be costochondritis—which means inflammation in the chest muscles or cartilage? I told her to try a little more ibuprofen.

A blood clot? Probably not, I thought. She didn’t smoke, wasn’t over 35, and saw her doctor regularly. No family history of clots. She wasn’t struggling to breathe and sounded fine. “Perhaps see how you feel in the morning,” I suggested.

But the next morning, the pain was worse. It hurt when she breathed in and out. She fainted getting out of bed. Susan died at the hospital around 9 a.m.

According to NBCA, about 273 people in the U.S. die every day from blood clots. Birth control that contains estrogen—like the pill, patch, or vaginal ring—can increase that risk. Susan was taking a combined birth control pill (one that has both estrogen and another hormone called progestin). Her healthcare provider had never mentioned that these pills could increase the chance of dangerous blood clots..."

Read the full story on our website.

Did you know that when you travel, there is an eas

Did you know that when you travel, there is an easy way to communicate in the event of an emergency that you take blood thinners?

The American College of Emergency Physicians advises people to wear medical ID jewelry if they have experienced blood clots, or if they take blood thinners, which can pose bleeding risks.

Many online sellers offer inexpensive, customizable medical ID bracelets, silicone wristbands like the ones pictured here, and necklaces.

The alert should include your major medical conditions, such as a history of pulmonary emboli (PE), medications you’re currently taking, such as your anticoagulant, and the name and phone number of an emergency contact.

Do you wear medical ID jewelry when you travel? Show us a photo or tell us in the comments!

More safe travel tips for blood clot patients: Link in bio!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #MedicalAlertBand #BloodThinnerBand #TravelSafety

🎄Deck the halls with lifesaving information thi

🎄Deck the halls with lifesaving information this holiday season!

Looking for a meaningful gift for someone passionate about blood clot awareness? Consider our Stop the Clot® ornament!

This double-sided ornament features Buster on one side and the STOP CLOT acronym on the other — a unique way to spark conversations and spread awareness with family and friends during the holidays.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Browse our shop for additional awareness-themed gifts!

Shop now: Link in bio!

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClots #Ornament

“Two weeks after hip labral repair surgery, my t

“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. After explaining my symptoms, the nurse told me to get to the emergency room within the next hour.

There I was diagnosed with multiple blood clots from my goin to my calf (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) and in my lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE) as well. The nurse on the hotline may have saved my life and I am so thankful for her.

I was prescribed apixaban and underwent testing to look for additional risk factors for blood clots. Luckily I had none, and I was able to stop taking apixaban after six months. I was told I would live with the side effects of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) for the rest of my life, as the clot caused lasting damage to the valves in my legs.

I have learned that clots are a lot more common than I ever even imagined, and they are also a lot more dangerous. I used NBCA’s resources so I was as educated as possible when I went to my doctors appointments and knew what questions to ask.

I am grateful to be alive, but the health anxiety is very real. I now talk to anyone who will listen about the signs and risk factors for clots. I’m always surprised by how many people have been personally affected or know someone who has.”

More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #PostThromboticSyndrome

We want to make our community aware that Andexxa

We want to make our community aware that Andexxa — the medication used in emergencies to reverse the effects of blood thinners apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto) — will be discontinued on December 22, 2025.

Emergency teams will still have options. The primary alternative will be 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs), which are already widely used in hospitals when rapid reversal is needed.

Reversal medications are used only in rare, urgent situations. Someone taking a blood thinner might need reversal if they experience life-threatening bleeding, are seriously injured, or require emergency surgery where the medication would make bleeding unsafe. In these cases, quickly counteracting the blood thinner helps doctors control bleeding and stabilize the patient.

We know medication changes can raise questions or concerns. Please remember:

1. Your current anticoagulant medication is not changing.
2. This update only affects the availability of Andexxa as a reversal agent.
3. In an emergency, PCCs remain an effective option.

If you have questions about your personal treatment plan, it’s always best to talk with your healthcare provider.

#StopTheClot

If you think you may have a blood clot, getting to

If you think you may have a blood clot, getting to the ER quickly can save your life. Knowing what to expect — and how to advocate for yourself — can make a critical difference once you arrive.

Our latest resource, written by Dr. Jeffrey Kline of @waynestate and NBCA’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, breaks down the warning signs of DVT and PE, what to tell the ER team, what tests you may receive, and the questions to ask before heading home.

👉 Learn how to recognize symptoms, push for timely evaluation, and navigate the ER with confidence. Read the full guide: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #MedicalMemos #BloodClotCare #ER #PatientAdvocacy

Ultrasound is one of the most accurate and lifesav

Ultrasound is one of the most accurate and lifesaving tools for detecting dangerous clots early, yet many patients never receive one. Why? Symptoms get dismissed. Risk factors are overlooked. And many people don’t realize they can — and should — advocate for this critical scan.

Kick off the new year with our first PEP Talk of 2026 on January 13 featuring Julie Cardoso, CEO of Universal Ultrasound. She’ll explain how ultrasounds find clots, what technicians look for, and how to advocate for timely imaging.

If you’ve had leg pain or swelling, a history of clots, increased risk, or want to be a more informed advocate, this session is for you.

👉 Date and time: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET

🔗 Register: Link in bio.

@julie.at.umm
@universalultrasound
@uu_diagnostics

#StopTheClot #PEPTalk #BloodClotWebinar #Ultrasound

Every quarter, we take it back to the very importa

Every quarter, we take it back to the very important basics!

In this clip from last night's PEP Talk for newly diagnosed patients, clinician Diane Wirth explains what blood clots are and the connection between deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

🎙️ Watch the full recording to learn more: Link in bio.

Join us for our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. on how ultrasound can be used to detect DVT. Register: Link in bio.

➡️ Please consider sharing this post to help spread lifesaving information.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE #BloodClotAwareness

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Season 3, Epis

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️

Season 3, Episode 4 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot Podcast is now live on all major podcast platforms.

Yesterday, we shared a short video featuring Dan Walsh — blood clot survivor and NBCA Board Member — whose “simple back pain” was first misdiagnosed as a pulled muscle, but ultimately became what he now recalls as the back pain that saved his life.

Today, Dan opens up even more.

In this new episode, he shares the deeper parts of his journey:

- The self-advocacy he had to learn overnight
- The hours of late-night research just to understand what had happened
- The fear and mental health struggles that followed
- The long, winding path from trauma → recovery → purpose

Thank you, Dan, for your courage and commitment to helping others recognize the signs sooner and find the support they need throughout their recovery.

👉 Listen to his full conversation on our website or wherever you get your podcasts: Link in bio

#StopTheClot #BloodClotPodcast #BloodClotSurvivor #BloodClotAwareness

Sometimes a single story changes everything. What

Sometimes a single story changes everything.

What Dan Walsh thought was a simple pulled muscle turned out to be a silent, deadly blood clot. Hours after being sent home from urgent care, he was fighting for his life.

Dan survived — but he knows many families aren’t as lucky.

That’s why he’s paying it forward:

💛 Sharing his story

💛 Raising awareness

💛 Helping others recognize symptoms before it’s too late

His story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and how lifesaving it can be when awareness reaches the right person at the right time.

NBCA is here for moments like these. Through education, support, and community, we’re here to help people find answers in their most vulnerable moments, and to prevent future tragedies.

🎥 Watch Dan’s story: Link in bio.

❤️ If Dan’s journey moves you, please consider supporting our work. Your gift helps us reach more families with the awareness and resources that save lives.

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #CharitableGiving #BloodClotAdvocacy

🎄 December is here — the busiest and most gen

🎄 December is here — the busiest and most generous time of the year!

📌 If you plan to itemize, gifts made by December 31 allow you to take full advantage of the current deduction rules.

📌 If you take the standard deduction, a new charitable deduction will be available starting in 2026.

No matter when you choose to give, your support saves lives.

Learn more → Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #YearEndGiving #SmartGiving #Philanthropy #FinancialPlanning #BloodClotAwareness #FederalTaxRules

🚨 HAPPENING TONIGHT: Our December PEP Talk for

🚨 HAPPENING TONIGHT: Our December PEP Talk for newly diagnosed blood clot patients starts at 7 p.m. ET.

Clinical expert Diane Wirth returns to share her expertise on the basics of blood clots, recovery, blood thinners, follow-up care, and more.

Can’t join live? Register anyway and we’ll send the recording straight to your inbox.

🔗 Register: Link in bio

#StopTheClot #PEPTalk #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #NewBloodClotDiagnosis

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join us for our next PEP Talk

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join us for our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET for a foundational-level session for people who are new to navigating life after a blood clot. We’ll cover key topics like blood thinners, recovery, follow-up care, and returning to daily life.

Plus, we’ll walk through some of the most important questions to ask your doctor after a clot, like:

✔️ How long will I be on a blood thinner?

✔️ When can I start exercising again?

✔️ How are DVT and PE connected?

Whether you were diagnosed days, weeks, or months ago, this conversation can help you feel more confident at your next appointment and more in control of your care.

🔗 Register now: Link in bio.

👉 Can’t join the live event? Register anyway to get the recording sent straight to your inbox.

#StopTheClot #PEPTalk #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness #NewBloodClotDiagnosis

“I ran my first 5K in years the Sunday before al

“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 day three I was getting out of breath just hopping from my desk to the bathroom — maybe 100 feet.

By Saturday, I still felt off, but figured I was just out of shape and needed to get back to the gym once my knee healed. On Sunday, I was moving a little better but still didn’t feel right. That afternoon, I took my husband to get a haircut and collapsed on the floor.

He rushed me to the ER, where they quickly diagnosed me with a massive saddle pulmonary embolism and a DVT in my right leg. After a thrombectomy and three days in the MICU on heparin, I was sent home on apixaban for six months.

I’m still in the early stages of treatment, still learning, and honestly still terrified that it could happen again, or that I could die and leave my daughter without me.

What I do know is this: I’m not taking my life for granted anymore.”

👉 More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClots #BloodClotAwareness

❤️‍🩹 A blood clot diagnosis can feel over

❤️‍🩹 A blood clot diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET is for people who are newly diagnosed and their loved ones who are looking for guidance, clarity, and support.

We’ll cover Blood Clots 101, what to expect after a diagnosis, common challenges, and steps you can take to manage your health. You’ll also learn how to navigate medications and follow-up care, and where to find reliable resources and a supportive community.

Have questions you want answered during the session? Email PEPquestions@stoptheclot.org or include them when you register at the link in bio.

👉 Can't make the live event? Register anyway to get the recording sent straight to your inbox.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness

❤️‍🩹 NBCA’s PEP Talks change lives. Jus

❤️‍🩹 NBCA’s PEP Talks change lives. Just recently, a newly diagnosed patient shared how a PEP Talk helped them realize their clotting disorder testing was done too early, prompting a second opinion that brought clarity and peace of mind. That’s the power of getting the right information at the right time.

Clinical expert Diane Wirth returns Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. ET for our quarterly session designed for patients who are newly diagnosed or still learning about their condition.

Can’t join live? Register anyway and we’ll send the recording straight to your inbox.

Register: 🔗 in bio!

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is attendi

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is attending the American Society of Hematology’s 67th Annual Meeting and Expo (#ASH25) today through December 9 in Orlando, FL!

NBCA has also been selected for an Oral Presentation — an extremely competitive distinction awarded to only a small percentage of abstract submissions each year, and even fewer nonprofit organizations.

Our presentation will highlight insights from the B.L.A.C.K. (Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge) Church Bus Tour, a first-of-its-kind community-based initiative created to address critical health disparities by partnering with Black faith communities across the southeastern United States.

Post-event surveys showed significant increases in knowledge about blood clot risks, symptoms, and treatment — and 100% of attendees said they planned to share what they learned with others. These outcomes demonstrate the power of culturally tailored, community-driven outreach to close gaps in blood clot awareness and save lives.

We’re honored to bring this work to the clinical community — and to elevate how community partnerships can meaningfully address blood clot health disparities. Follow along with @stoptheclot on X for updates from the conference and #ASH25 scientific sessions.

🔗 Read the research: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #HealthEquity #VTEAwareness #ASH25

A blood clot diagnosis can turn your world upside

A blood clot diagnosis can turn your world upside down. In fact, hematologist Dr. Anna Parks says the emotional toll can feel as devastating as a cancer diagnosis.

That’s why every quarter we devote a PEP Talk to those who are newly diagnosed, offering clear information, trusted resources, and a supportive space to ask questions.

Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. for our next session, and connect with more than 12,000 people who truly understand in our private Facebook support group. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Register for the PEP Talk and join our support group at the link in bio.

#StopTheClot #BloodClots #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness

“I’m 27, and my story isn't about being young;

“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 embolism (PE). This life-threatening event led to the discovery that I had large, recurring blood clots in several veins in my left shoulder, arm, and neck.

We tried everything: endless anticoagulation and a series of procedures where doctors used special tools and medications to try to dissolve and physically remove the clots. My genetic panels were frustratingly normal. Then the doctors realized I was being provoked by a mechanical problem.

The culprit: thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). My first rib was physically crushing the vein.

A month ago, the rib was removed. The surgeons found that my vein was extremely damaged and surrounded by thick scar tissue. It was so blocked that blood still has to use my body’s natural “detours” instead of flowing normally through the main vein. They did their best to repair my main vein, but the trauma was profound.

I’m still figuring out how to trust my body, especially since the flow still relies on those detours. The rib that was causing the mechanical block is gone, but the emotional burden from the IVF, the C-section, and life-threatening blood clots is intense.

When your body is telling you something is wrong, trust that something is wrong. Keep pushing for answers.”

More stories: Link in bio.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #ThoracicOutletSyndrome #BloodClots

📚 Did you know that NBCA offers a no-cost onlin

📚 Did you know that NBCA offers a no-cost online VTE continuing education course for healthcare professionals?

Developed in partnership with @cdcgov — and recently renewed — this course provides essential, up-to-date training on how to recognize, prevent, and manage deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Whether you’re a physician, nurse, PA, pharmacist, or other health professional, you can earn 1.75 CE credits while strengthening your understanding of VTE risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.

If you care for patients at risk of blood clots, this course is an accessible, evidence-based way to stay current and support better patient outcomes.

Start learning: Link in bio

#StopTheClot #ContinuingEducation #VTEEducation #BloodClotEducation

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