Surgery
The Calf Pain I Ignored for Months Was Actually a Massive Blood Clot: Melisa’s Story
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…
I’m Grateful to Be Alive, But the Health Anxiety is Very Real: Elizabeth’s Story
Two weeks after hip labral repair surgery, my thigh became very sore. I assumed it was from new exercises in physical therapy, but a few days later my calf became painful also. I was having a hard time getting around, so I called my insurance company’s 24/7 nurse hotline in the middle of the night.…
I Was Repeatedly Misdiagnosed and my Symptoms Were Dismissed: Liz’s Story
After a dilation and curettage (D&C), my doctor tore my cervix. I was given medication to stop the bleeding, but I passed out in the hospital from blood loss five days later. My doctor gave me tranexamic acid (TXA) to control the hemorrhaging. Later that day, I started feeling a burning sensation in my chest.…
I Could Never Have Imagined a Diagnosis Like This: Carlie’s Story
In May 2024, a few days after delivering my first child via C-section, I began to feel heavy-chested and winded after doing very little, like walking and showering. I had already been discharged as a patient, but my son was in the NICU, so we were staying across the hall in the hospital. I really…
I Wasn’t Expected to Live: Michael’s Story
In 2014, I was having pain in my stomach. I went to a local doctor and he told me it was my gallbladder. I weighed around 380 pounds at the time. I was scheduled for the operation, but I knew something wasn’t right a couple days before. On April 14, I had my surgery. Afterwards…
She Knew What Was Happening and Said Her Goodbyes: Kassandra and Danny’s Story
As told by her husband Danny. Just a few weeks after my wife and I got married, after an eight-year relationship and many years of courtship, she died suddenly due to a blood clot. She was a few weeks post routine knee surgery, a surgery that I coincidentally had while we had dated. At 4…
I Had to Learn to Trust That the Medication is Working: Kacey’s Story
I took oral birth control starting at age 18 until 33, when I got pregnant. I delivered twin boys by C- section in May 2024 and resumed taking the same birth control shortly after. In September 2024, I noticed my left leg was swollen and began turning a dark red/purple color. I went to the hospital…
Never Ignore What Your Body Is Telling You: Annastasia’s Story
On May 6, 2024, I was admitted to the hospital to give birth to my little rainbow baby. I had planned a natural birth, but complications meant an emergency C-section. I was terrified and unprepared. Surgery went well, but hours later I developed a severe headache. My doctors said it could be spinal leakage. I…
This Made Me a Better Person Because I Value My Life: Julia’s Story
I had suffered with a sore knee for quite some time and eventually ended up needing keyhole surgery on it. I was on the combined pill at the time and was not told of any clotting risk factors before my surgery. The operation was successful, and I went home with crutches, thinking that my knee…
Now, I Want to Heal: Taylor’s Story
I gave birth to my daughter on March 15, 2022 via C-section. By April 9, I had developed debilitating pain in my right lower extremity, as well as a low-grade fever. I called my doctor, and she stated my pain was sciatica and the fever was not attributed to my recent surgery. My leg didn’t…
