I have always been a very avid runner and I was training for my 7th marathon when I developed pain and swelling in my left leg in August of 2024. 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 pain in my leg. I still believed I had a calf strain despite the pain and swelling I was experiencing.
Fast forward to January of 2025 when I woke up with more swelling but this time it was my entire leg. I honestly thought going for a run or walk would help but within just a tenth of a mile my entire leg got very uncomfortable to the point 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 and 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. I also found out I have May-Thurner Syndrome, a structural condition in which the right iliac artery compresses the left iliac vein, which contributed to the clot. I’m back to running again and training for a half marathon!
Honestly, it has made me feel very fortunate to have the access to health care that I have. I am a Veteran and I’m grateful to have a supportive care team.
I have learned to advocate for myself. I read over the new patient information which helped explain what happened to me.
If something seems off don’t hesitate to get it checked out.
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