Unprovoked
My Diagnosis Was Cortical Venous Thrombosis in the Vein of Labbe: Oscar’s Story
My blood clot experience started with an intense fever and headache that lasted five days before I was hospitalized. On July 26, 2023, I was leading a work call when I suddenly became unable to pronounce the words on my computer screen. My girlfriend and our housemate took me to the emergency room, and as…
I Live Every Day Freely, With Love and Intent: Egypt’s Story
After walking up five flights of stairs to a friend’s Manhattan apartment, I rested at the top of the staircase. It took me almost 15 minutes to gain control of my breathing. I chalked it up to the extra pounds I had gained. A few days later, my bottom lower right extremity began to swell…
Talking About My PE and Researching It Has Helped Lessen My Anxiety: Sarah’s Story
On Dec. 8, 2021, I was about to take my daughter to a holiday event before going to work. She had forgotten her hoodie, so I ran upstairs for it and immediately felt lightheaded with a pounding heart. I had been suffering from shortness of breath for a few weeks but had put it down…
If I Hadn’t Been Persistent, My Outcome Would’ve Been Much Different: Licinda’s Story
On April 22, 2021, I was experiencing shortness of breath, but I thought it was just allergies or connected to wearing a mask during the height of COVID-19. I was walking my dog when my Apple watch started beeping to alert me of my extremely high heart rate. I couldn’t decide if I should call…
The Doctor Who Almost Sent Me Home was Very Apologetic: Jersey’s Story
On Nov. 17, 2021, I had a right knee arthroscopy, an outpatient procedure that only took only 15 minutes. I was told I would be back walking in two to three weeks. However, my healing time would be severely prolonged. Two days after my procedure, I began having a painful charley horse in my right…
Keep Your Cell Phone Nearby: Bonnie’s Story
I got up on a Saturday in January 2023 and suddenly became nauseated and faint. I laid down on the floor and texted my husband since I was unable to call out to him. He helped me to the living room sofa and called 9-1-1. All of my vitals were fine, but the medics…
Recognize the Signs of Blood Clots and Act Quickly: Patrick’s Story
It was the day after Thanksgiving last year and I was doing yardwork. I had been having breathing issues and was feeling lightheaded and tired over the past day or so. But I dismissed it as being due to the holidays and a busy work schedule. Around 3 p.m., as I walked up a set…
I Am a Woman of Faith and That Has Kept Me Encouraged: Jody’s Story
This is my second experience with a blood clot. I had my first deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 2013 when I was 47. I did not have any risk factors. I had not been hospitalized, taken a long trip, or been on birth control. I am an educator and am on my feet most of…
I Missed Two Doses of My Blood Thinner: Diana’s Story
In August 2020, I had severe left calf cramping, but I didn’t think much of it. The next morning, I awoke to a sensation going up my leg. I felt an explosion in my chest and could not catch my breath. I figured it was anxiety until the next day, when I couldn’t handle the…
‘Am I Going to Die?’: Christopher’s Story
I had an injury to my forearm in June 2022. Less than a week later, I started getting severe chest pains. I was taken to the hospital with c-reactive protein test (CRP) markers of 93 and was sent home with antibiotics. A week later, I experienced the same pain, but worse. This time a CT…
