DVT
My Doctor Dismissed My Leg Pain as Sciatica: Ashley’s Story
At 31 weeks pregnant, I was getting ready for the arrival of my baby when I started experiencing extreme pain in my left leg. I remember going to my baby shower and barely being able to walk. This was very concerning, so the next day, I called my OB/GYN and explained my symptoms. Unfortunately, she…
Stay Resilient, Listen to Your Body and Advocate for Yourself: Lauren’s Story
In the fall of 2023, I was a healthy 21-year-old college senior busy with graduate school applications and interviews. I was working out multiple days a week and going to class, trying to enjoy my last year of college. One night, I went bowling for the first time in a while and woke up the…
Use This As Your Reason to Live: Tilly’s Story
It began with excruciating back pain and shooting pains up my left leg. I felt unable to walk. The week that I noticed my first symptoms, I was back and forth to urgent care and the doctors. They kept saying the same thing, “You have nerve damage” (sciatica). They gave me painkillers and told me…
We Must Be Advocates for Ourselves and Our Family Members: Marcus’ and Shannon’s Story
As told by his daughter, Shannon In April 2024, my father, a retired police lieutenant, was diagnosed with duodenal cancer. He was unable to have the tumor removed and was undergoing chemotherapy. In late August 2024, he started complaining about being dizzy and lightheaded. He went to his primary care provider who told him that…
I Developed PTSD From This Experience: Autumn’s Story
In September 2024, I went on FMLA and short-term disability due to severe pain in my leg that was assumed to be a hamstring and calf cramp issue. Less than two months later, on Nov. 14, 2024, I had the biggest scare of my life. I woke up that morning and went to let my…
I Dealt With Pain and Swelling For Five Years: LaVon’s Story
After leaving the gym in 2017, I experienced the worst pain imaginable in my right leg without having an injury. I thought maybe the pain would leave after icing and elevating it. But, as the day went on, the pain and swelling worsened to the point I couldn’t stand or walk on it. I went…
I’m Grateful For My Team of Doctors and My Dog Kiko for Saving My Life: Esmaralda’s Story
I had my first DVT and PE almost five years ago at 21 years old. My leg was hurting, but I kept ignoring it. When my dog Kiko started sniffing my leg and whining, I felt that something was wrong because that was unusual behavior for him. I went to urgent care, and they sent…
Blood Clot Survivors Can Do Anything: Charles’ Story
In the summer of 2012, I was training hard, running, lifting weights, and eating clean. My goal was to be in my best shape for my best friend’s bachelor party in Las Vegas on Labor Day Weekend. My wife and I also took a trip to Europe. I was running along cobblestone streets and swimming.…
Trust Your Instincts and Advocate For Your Loved Ones: Christian and Leah’s Story
On January 19, 2024, I received a call from my 13-year-old son, Christian. He was struggling to breathe. He’d been unwell for weeks, starting with an unknown virus that had progressed to pneumonia. Just the day before, he was diagnosed and treated in an ER. We took him back, assuming his breathing issues were a…
It’s Important to Follow Post-Op Instructions: Janee’s Story
On Thursday, August 15, 2024, I had right knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. On Saturday, I experienced cramping in my calf that radiated up to my knee and behind it. By Sunday I had shortness of breath and a racing heart, the pain in my leg was excruciating – hot and radiating up…
