Woman
Everything Can Change in the Blink of an Eye: Courtney’s Story
On September 30, 2023, I was driving up a mountain to a fall festival near my home in West Virginia with my husband and parents when I began having difficulty breathing, and my heart started racing. By the time we stopped, I could not breathe deep enough and almost passed out. I had to sit…
Everyone Was Drawn to her Positivity: Angela and Mallery’s Story
As told by Angela’s daughter, Mallery. My mom passed unexpectedly in September 2024. She had been sick for a few days and finally decided to go to the ER. They did scans and found massive blood clots in her lungs. They were about to med-flight her when she passed away within 1.5 hours of arriving…
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 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…
Birth Control and a Muscle Strain Injury Caused my DVT: Chana’s Story
I went on a strenuous hike and my whole body was sore afterwards. A few days later, the soreness subsided everywhere except for my left calf. I thought I had a muscle strain injury. A few days later, the pain got worse, and I could barely walk, so I went to urgent care. I knew…
Leg Pain Was Mistaken For an Injury: Karlie and Celina’s Story
As told by Karlie’s mother, Celina. Last June, my 17-year-old daughter Karlie mentioned pain in her left leg. She was a dancer, and dancers always have pain: a pulled muscle, a pinched nerve, or sciatica. The pain increased and moved into her groin area. We treated it as the internet said: heat, ice, and elevate.…
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…
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…
Fight For Yourself Until You Get an Answer That Makes Sense: Kristina’s Story
My story began in late 2018. I was on oral birth control for a few weeks in October 2018 and stopped as it caused mental health symptoms. A short time later, I experienced sudden increases in heart rate every time I got up to move, and progressed to sudden shortness of breath and a feeling…
