In December 2019, my left arm started to feel different — heavy, swollen, and uncomfortable. I had been working out and thought I pulled something.
I decided to go to urgent care on New Year’s Eve and was told I likely pulled a muscle. A week later, it was the same, so I contacted my PCP who recommended an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a DVT in my left arm, and we were all shocked. They started me on rivaroxaban immediately.
I met with a vascular surgeon who diagnosed me with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, an anatomical condition in which the subclavian vein is compressed between the collarbone and first rib, restricting blood flow from the arm and increasing the risk of upper-extremity DVT.
To treat it, I needed a rib removed and underwent surgery in June 2020.
Since then, I’ve gone back to living a pretty normal life — I got married in June 2021, welcomed my first daughter in July 2022, and my second daughter in October 2025, both with no complications. I was and still am very grateful for the best medical team, especially my PCP, who took my concerns and fears seriously, advocated for me, and constantly checked in on me after working hours.
I never knew you could get a DVT in your arm, and every appointment that I went to, I was asked to confirm that the DVT was in my arm and not in my leg!
DVTs don’t discriminate, and they can happen to anyone at any time. I was 29 and in the best shape of my life. I never imagined walking into urgent care that day getting a DVT diagnosis.
I have a visible scar right under my collarbone that reminds me every day of my journey — and it’s a scar that tells a very important story.
