Don’t Let It Control Your World
Two weeks after having fractured my fifth metatarsal in my foot, with a non-weight bearing treatment plan, I began to have a cramping sensation in my calf — pain and tightness that was so intense and persistent for hours.
I first dismissed it earlier in the day as just still having pain from the broken bone.
But as it worsened throughout the day, I could tell something was wrong.
No Response — So I Went Anyway
After numerous attempts to call the physician on call at my orthopedic office for hours straight, getting no response back, I made the decision to go to the Emergency Room.
The ER
By the time I arrived there, my calf was almost doubled in size and there was a slight temperature difference between my two feet.
After running tests, I was told I had DVT clots in 4 different veins in my lower leg.
Being so young and not understanding how this was possible, it was difficult for me to process.
I was started on blood thinners in the Emergency Room and then sent home to rest with a prescription for apixaban.
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
About two months after my DVT diagnosis, I began suffering from post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) symptoms including swelling, pain, and discoloration in my lower leg.
At the same time, my hematologist did genetic testing to see if I have a clotting disorder.
Knowing that at this point the clots were not resolved and the symptoms were persistent, I was prescribed compression socks and referred to an Interventional Radiologist.
The Clots Dissolved — But Something Else Was Found
When I met with my Interventional Radiologist, about four months after my initial diagnosis, the PTS symptoms were still present.
To my surprise though, the clots had finally dissolved, leaving minimal scar tissue.
This led my physician to want to get an MRI done to see if the problems I was having were caused by something in my pelvis or abdomen.
May-Thurner Syndrome
Following the MRI, my physician was correct — I was diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome.
She indicated that the fractured bone causing immobility, having Factor V Leiden heterozygous, and May-Thurner Syndrome greatly increased my likelihood of getting a blood clot — so it made sense why my DVT clots occurred, despite only being 18.
Following the May-Thurner Syndrome diagnosis, I am on track to receive a venogram and most likely a stent to keep the iliac vein open soon.
It is both mine and my physician’s hope that these will resolve my persisting symptoms — and after over six months of having a good quality of life taken from me, I can get back to doing the things I love.
My Family
My grandfather was initially tested prior to me and had Factor V Leiden heterozygous, leading my physician to believe I probably had it too.
How This Changed My Life
My diagnosis prevented me from dancing for months, which is my passion and career — but I refuse to let it take more from me.
I have slowly been working to live a more naturally active lifestyle, while still dancing.
When enduring months of medical diagnoses and related stress, it’s important to find the things in life that bring you joy — and that’s exactly what I have been doing.
What I’ve Learned
I have become much more medically conscious and knowledgeable about blood clots and related risk factors and diagnoses since my initial diagnosis.
I am grateful for NBCA’s extensive resources and the opportunity to share my story because it really does ease the worry and make you feel less alone in your struggle.
What I Want Others to Know
Even though a blood clot is terrifying and changed your whole world, don’t let it control it.
Take back what it took from you.
Do the things you want to do in life.
And most importantly — always find the joy in what you do.
