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.
Resources
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Psychological Impact of Blood Clots
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
