I have always been an avid runner. In August 2024, I was training for my seventh marathon when I developed pain and swelling in my left leg. I thought I had strained my calf and did physical therapy, but I didn’t make any progress.
I attempted the marathon but ultimately dropped out at mile 8 because of the pain in my leg. I still believed I had a calf strain.
In January 2025, I woke up with more swelling, but this time it was my entire leg. I thought that going for a run or walk would help, but within a tenth of a mile, my entire leg got very uncomfortable to the point that I was having trouble walking.
I went to the emergency room thanks to the urging of loved ones and was diagnosed with a massive DVT. My iliac and femoral veins were fully occluded, and my popliteal/saphenous veins were partially occluded. I was started on a heparin drip and hospitalized. The following day, I had a mechanical thrombectomy to remove the blood clot from my leg.
My DVT is believed to be triggered by estrogen-based birth control. I was also diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome.
Through this experience, I have learned to advocate for myself. It’s made me feel fortunate to have access to the health care that I have. I am a veteran, and I’m grateful to have a supportive care team. Also, NBCA’s New Patient Resource Guide has helped explain what happened to me.
I’m back to running again and training for a half marathon!
Resources
New Patient Resource Guide
May-Thurner Syndrome
Athletes and Blood Clots
