Unprovoked
39, No Risk Factors, and Four Pulmonary Embolisms: Kimberly’s Story
Every Breath Is a Gift It started with a shortness of breath I couldn’t explain. At 39, you expect to be tired — but you don’t expect your lungs to fail you. There was no injury, no long flight, and no history of blood clots. It was “unprovoked” — the medical term for a nightmare…
“It Felt Like an Elephant Was Standing on My Chest” — Nicolle’s Story
I am writing to share my story with you and to express my gratitude for the guidance the NBCA has provided during my journey and recovery. After a life of travel, excitement, activity, and adventure — most recently zip lining in Costa Rica, traveling the Caribbean seas, exploring the mountains of Aspen, and actively playing…
The Most Serious Medical Event of My 60 Years: Teresa’s Story
In October 2024, I began experiencing mild discomfort in my left calf. Over the next few months the pain gradually worsened, especially when stretching my leg or flexing my foot — feeling like a Charley horse was about to occur. I assumed it was dehydration or stair use. My family did as well. We did…
I’m a Professional Runner — And I Still Got A Blood Clot: Sage’s Story
It was the spring of 2021. I was running like I usually do, training pretty much every day. I run quite a bit for my profession and to train for marathons and ultra distance marathon trail races, mainly, but also road marathons. It was April and I had some slight back pain — actually that…
“I Never Expected a Blood Clot as a D1 Athlete:” Matthew’s Story
Around late February 2026, a few days after one of my collegiate rugby games, I started to feel a cramping feeling in my calf. I thought it was just cramping from the game or dehydration. I was having shortness of breath doing just basic things like walking up a flight of stairs. I went to…
Almost Went to a Hair Appointment Instead of the ER: Miranda’s Story
Two years ago, my life changed forever. I was a healthy 42-year-old who was very active and exercised daily. My symptoms at first were not typical of those of a blood clot. I had an ache in the back of my right knee for a few days, which turned into a cramp. I did not…
A Sudden Collapse and a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism: Nicola’s Story
Around 9:10 on Saturday, December 13, while getting ready to go out for the day with my family, I suddenly had intense chest pain and collapsed at home. My two teenagers were still in bed and my three-year-old was running around. The last thing I remember is him shouting, “Mummy it’s not sleep time.” Around…
A Massive Saddle Pulmonary Embolism Without Warning: Pam’s Story
For several months, I had been dealing with high blood pressure, but otherwise felt mostly okay. One morning, I woke up early as usual and started doing chores around the house. After emptying the dishwasher, I felt unusually tired. My daughter noticed I was struggling and had me sit down. That’s when I realized how…
Advocate For Yourself: Fallan’s Story
In February 2025, while at work, I started developing a terrible headache, fever, chills, and body aches. I assumed I was coming down with the flu. I spent a day in bed watching TV and resting. Two days later, the flu-like symptoms subsided, but I developed stiffness and pain in my neck. Within 24 hours,…
I Had Constant Leg Pain That I Mistook for Soreness After the Gym: Alexia’s Story
On March 14, two months before I was to get married, I fell off my front porch steps and thought nothing of it. I went to work and walked normally for eight hours. In the last 30 minutes of my workday, I started experiencing extreme pain in my left foot. I went to the ER,…
