Woman
Blood Clots in the Brain at 19: Lauren’s Story
Lauren Murdock had venous clots in her brain that seemed to come out of the blue during her time at college, but she found positive ways to cope. 2010 started off as an amazing year for me. I was adjusting to life at a new university, socially active on campus, and had adopted a healthy,…
Foot Surgery Resulted in a DVT: Bridget’s Story
Bridget Schaap thought she was having simple foot surgery, and was surprised to find that she developed a blood clot after it. When I look back, it’s hard to believe all that happened to me. As I prepared to quit my job and move from Chicago to Michigan to begin graduate school in December 2010, I…
I Still Live With a 6-Inch Blood Clot: Cassandra’s Story
Cassandra Bradshaw was at death’s door due to a large blood clot found in her inferior vena cava and an infection after delivery, but she refused to believe her prognosis and is now a hopeful survivor who wants to spread awareness. I was 23 years old when I gave birth to a sweet baby boy…
It’s Too Risky to Have More Children: Sarah’s Story
At age 26 in June 2006, I was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that extended from my ankle to my groin on my left side. I was unable to walk, because of intense pain and swelling in my leg, and I thought I was going to die. I was too scared to move,…
Birth Control Pills Can Pose a Risk for Blood Clots: Sharon’s Story
Four years ago, I found out that taking birth control pills could almost take my life! Shortly after returning from my honeymoon in December 2007, I felt severe abdominal pain. My former primary doctor changed the brand of my birth control pills, prescribed ibuprofen for pain, and eventually sent me for a pelvic ultrasound that…
Keep Your Legs Active on Flights: Melanie’s Story
Two years ago, I flew from Sydney to San Francisco, a 14 hour flight, in a middle seat in coach. I took a sleeping pill to try to beat jet leg. I slept for about 4 hours, awoke for a minute, and then went back to sleep for another 4 or 5 hours, so I…
Having a DVT and PE Has Changed my Life: Nicole’s Story
My experience with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) started in June 2011, three months after I got married and spent a three week honeymoon “road tripping” around New Zealand with my husband. Late one night, I felt a twinge of pain behind my left knee. I ignored it, figuring that I tweaked…
First a Blood Clot, Then Cancer: Hope’s Story
I had just completed the greatest of my 12 marathons, the NYC Marathon! What an experience! I had never had so much fun at a race and I was determined to return the following year! In addition to this huge achievement, I had just been promoted at work. I was now one of the few…
Healthy People Can Get Blood Clots: Kelly’s Story
A year ago today, I had no idea the curve balls 2009 would throw at me, and I would have never guessed they would involve a life-changing experience involving my health. You see, I’m the “healthiest person” all of my family, friends and colleagues know. I’m studying for my Master’s in nutrition, eat more than…
You Can’t Take Breathing For Granted: Leah’s Story
My orthopedic surgeon dubbed me his “airplane” girl, because of an ironic twist of fate (and twist of my knee!). Believe it or not, I tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee as I was getting onto an airplane in October 2006. One would think I might be injured throwing a football…
