Thrombectomy
As a Physician, I’m More Aware of Looking for Blood Clots in my Patients: Lynette’s Story
In 2014, while in podiatry school, I went to the student health center because I felt short of breath and was coughing up blood. The nurse practitioner diagnosed me with bronchitis. I was diagnosed with a saddle pulmonary embolism due to oral contraceptives less than two weeks later. Other factors that increased my risks were…
Living With Blood Clots Has Left Me Feeling Isolated and Misunderstood: Kevin’s Story
Not long ago, I faced a medical nightmare that nearly ended my life. It wasn’t just one issue — it was a total breakdown of my body from the inside out. It started with unbearable chest pain, shortness of breath, and intense abdominal pressure. I went to three different hospitals before I was treated. The…
This Experience Has Instilled a Deep Sense of Gratitude: Karla’s Story
On October 29, 2024, I began experiencing persistent pain in my right calf. The discomfort was significant enough that, five days later, I drove myself to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, no blood work was conducted, and the ultrasound performed on my leg was brief and inconclusive. I was diagnosed with a muscle cramp and advised…
I Was Incredibly Fortunate to Have Made it to the Hospital in Time: Rand’s Story
In August 2024, I experienced growing weakness in my legs after a hamstring injury. I had a pain in my lower back and almost complete numbness in my hamstrings. Gradually these symptoms worsened to the point where I needed help to stand on my own. Around the beginning of March 2025, I made an appointment…
I’ve Learned How to Advocate For Myself: Melisa’s Story
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…
I Waited Until the Pain Was Unbearable: Taylor’s Story
It started on a Tuesday with mild lower back pain. I assumed that I’d strained something somehow. By Wednesday, the pain was slightly worse, and I felt weak, short of breath, and dizzy when standing—something definitely wasn’t right. By Friday, the pain spread to my left groin and down my left thigh. I convinced myself…
I’ve Learned to Live Life With Less Stress and More Peace: Dustin’s Story
In January 2022, at 27 years old, I checked in to the hospital and was treated for a superficial clot in my right leg, along with a minor case of cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. Over the next few months, the pains in my leg continued to the point where I could no longer walk.…
Nothing Can Prepare You for the Mental Toll: Amanda’s Story
I wrapped my leg around a chair while walking by it on January 16, 2025 and fell. My right leg immediately bruised and swelled, so I went to the emergency room. X-rays showed a contusion to the bone. My leg was bandaged and I was sent on my way. As time wore on, my leg…
I Suspected a Clot, But I Was Told It Was a Pulled Muscle: Paula’s Story
I went to the emergency room last year over what I thought was a blood clot in my leg. My D-dimer was elevated, but they still told me it was a pulled muscle and sent me home. So when I woke up in June 2024 and had the same pain in the same leg, I…
I’m Thankful to be Alive and Healthy: Jamison’s Story
I was 19 years old and home from college. I got what we thought at the time was a stomach virus. My mom took me to the doctor, but the symptoms persisted. After about a week, she decided we needed to head to the emergency room. We when arrived, they informed us that my heart…
