Your Body Remembers How to Fight, and Your Spirit Knows How to Rise: Isabelle’s Story

Your Body Remembers How to Fight, and Your Spirit Knows How to Rise: Isabelle’s Story

Nine months ago, my world stopped. What started as a simple ankle fracture turned into a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot that changed everything.

I went from running and training to being stuck in a boot, unable to walk, with my leg swollen and heavy. The pain was physical, but the fear was deeper: fear of moving, fear of another clot, and fear that I’d never feel strong again.

The months that followed were slow, messy, and humbling. I wore compression socks every day and took anticoagulants. There were endless medical appointments and the challenge of learning to trust my leg again, one step at a time. Some days I cried out of frustration, and on others I was simply grateful to still be here.

Then came the post-thrombotic symptoms: pain, swelling, and the constant reminder of what I’d been through. Little by little, I started rebuilding through physical therapy, patience, and hope.

Today I ran 2.7 km. 🏃‍♀️ It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t perfect. But it was everything.

This journey taught me that healing isn’t linear — it’s a marathon of resilience. I’m still wearing my compression socks and still listening to my body, but I’m finally moving forward again.

To anyone going through recovery — from injury, illness, or fear — don’t give up. Your body remembers how to fight, and your spirit knows how to rise.

Resources

Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
Compression
Living Your Best Life on Blood Thinners

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