I’m a 63-year-old man and have experienced two instances of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVTs) in my left calf. The first happened in 2018, shortly after being diagnosed with stage one lung cancer. I had surgery to remove the lower part of my left lung and followed regular scans for five years before being declared cancer-free.
For a while, I was in great shape and exercised regularly. But over the past few years, life got busy — I was working a lot, earning my master’s degree in Information Systems Management, and teaching my first class on Microsoft Apps. During that time, I gained about 50 pounds.
Earlier this year, I started swimming again, about 1.5 miles three times a week, to safely lose weight. I had dropped 10 pounds when I noticed pain in my calf. I assumed it was a muscle strain from swimming, but the swelling got worse. I was admitted to the hospital and treated for another DVT. I spent four days on a blood thinner while doctors monitored me for potential clots in my lungs.
Now, I’m back to exercising and focusing on my health again. I still have some swelling in my lower leg, but it’s improving. I have a cardiac angiogram scheduled soon, and I’m continuing on apixaban indefinitely. I actually discovered this group while watching a YouTube video about blood clots, and I’m grateful to have found a community that understands what this journey is like.
Resources
Living Your Best Life on Blood Thinners
Stop the Clot’s YouTube Channel
Blood Clots and Cancer
