After an eight-mile run in November 2025, I had pain behind my knee/high calf. I thought I may have strained it, but after two days of rest, I could barely walk.
I went to urgent care on the third day, knowing something was off. The nurse laughed and yelled at me and said I was wasting their time and should go home because there was no way I could have a blood clot. I was only 40 and had a low heart rate and blood pressure.
Luckily, my partner encouraged me to stay and talk with the doctor. She listened to me and ordered a precautionary ultrasound. They found the DVT immediately and admitted me to the emergency room.
I did not experience a pulmonary embolism, but I had chest pain and abnormal troponin levels. Troponin is a protein that’s released into the blood when the heart muscle is under stress or injured. In terms of risk factors, I was on estrogen-based birth control.
It’s frustrating and anxiety-inducing going from being so active to not trusting my body. Also, every doctor has said apixaban doesn’t have side effects, but I don’t feel well on it (headaches, digestive issues, fatigue).
You know your body, so trust your gut and push for answers. You are your only advocate.
Resources
How is DVT Diagnosed?
Birth Control
Psychological Impact of Blood Clots
