Woman
May-Thurner Syndrome, Two PEs, and a Month in Athens: Lefkie’s Story
Health Is a Privilege, Not a Guarantee At 18 years old, I was an incoming college freshman, excited to open a new chapter of my life filled with exciting experiences and people. Everything changed when I was diagnosed with two massive pulmonary embolisms and DVT in my left leg. It Started in Greece I was…
Half the Veins in My Brain Were Completely Occluded With Clots: Lucy’s Story
A 5 in a Million Diagnosis Just before Christmas in 2024, I was making my dinner. When I stood up from bending down at the dishwasher, I felt a sudden shock go down my head and neck — and instantly heard whooshing in my ears, which I now know is pulsatile tinnitus. I shrugged it…
A Broken Ankle Became a Blood Clot That Changed My Life: Isabelle’s Story
8 months ago, my world stopped. What started as a simple ankle fracture turned into a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — a blood clot that changed everything. From Running to Unable to Walk I went from running and training to being stuck in a boot, unable to walk, my leg swollen and heavy. The pain…
A Torn ACL Led to a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism: Dawn’s Story
Luckily They Found The Clots in Time It all started back in 2024 when I injured my knee. I came to find out I had torn my ACL with my right knee. Not knowing that clots were forming in my leg and traveling, I had my MRI appointment. Something Was Wrong My heart was racing.…
“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…
A Severe Migraine That Turned Out to Be Much More: Lindsey’s Postpartum Story
I had my daughter on September 27, 2021. About the 4th day after, I started getting a headache. One nurse said it was because I am a tired new mom. Then a different nurse said I should not ignore headaches. My delivery was very traumatic. I lost over 1000ML of blood and passed out during…
“My Leg Went Stiff, Foot Was Grey and I Was in Tremendous Pain So I Went Directly to the ER.”
My name is Heather and I nearly lost my leg after a routine surgery took a scary turn. In March 2025, I had surgery for varicose veins on my right leg, and everything went well. Two months later, I returned for the same procedure on my left leg. It was considered a standard surgery, similar…
My Daily Birth Control Was the Cause of My DVT and 4 Pulmonary Emboli: Courtney’s Story
Three years ago, I woke up on a Friday with pain in my calf that felt like a cramp that would not go away. I had big plans that weekend, so I went along my way, but the pain never went away. Sunday morning, I iced and heated my leg, thinking I just pulled a…
Dismissed for Over a Week: Chelsea’s Story
I am on the Ohio State Women’s lacrosse team and on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, I felt sharp breathing pain after a warm-up sprint. The next day I could barely practice. I felt light-headed and like I couldn’t breathe. I was hardly able to walk. By Friday, I told my trainer and didn’t practice. On…
