Woman
Waiting Could Cost You Your Life: Helen’s Story
My Name is Helen Smith. I’m 36 years old and have a genetic blood clotting disorder (thrombophilia) that could have taken my life twice. This is my story. In January 2008, I delivered my third son via cesarean section. Since this would my last planned pregnancy, I also elected to have a tubal ligation performed…
I Was Told I Had Broken Ribs: Hannah’s Story
I had just graduated from college and I was moving back home to Helena, MT to start my career as a registered nurse. I woke up one morning and noticed pain in my left shoulder. I thought I had slept wrong or pulled a muscle. The pain continued for the next few days. I noticed…
The Day Life Changed Forever: Ashleigh’s Story, As Told By Her Mother
Ashleigh’s Blood Clot Story, as told by her mother: The day life changed forever. I am a hardworking wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. I have raised three amazing children and been married for just over 25 years. My family is very unique as we live close to each other and most of us work…
I Never Thought it Could Happen to Me: Mariah’s Story
In October 2012, I started to feel a pain in my left calf. I immediately thought I pulled a muscle, so I tried stretching and even got new tennis shoes. The pain would not go away and after about three weeks, and shortness of breath joined in. I had to take breaks walking to class…
I Still Can’t Bend My Left Foot: Marjorie’s Story
When I was 23, no one knew of my genetics. My parents adopted me, and I had no medical history. For the most part, I had a healthy childhood. I had my fair share of broken bones, all in my arms and hands, from various sports. But I never had any complications, besides some lingering…
I Knew Something Was Wrong: Jessica’s Story
I was 25 years old in January 2011, and I knew nothing about blood clots. Several months prior to that January I felt a mild, irritating pain in my right side. It occurred mainly when I was laying down too long, hiccupping, or when my breathing was heavy. I went to my doctor; she ordered…
As a Doctor, I Was in Denial: Tanya’s Story
My name is Tanya Warwick, MD. I am a Vascular Neurologist – a doctor who evaluates, treats and studies diseases that affect the structure and function of the blood vessels supplying the brain, such as strokes – at the University of California San Francisco/Fresno. I am also a patient who had a pelvic DVT…
I Don’t Know Why This Happened: Sydney’s Story
My life changed drastically on November 15, 2012. I was diagnosed with an Acute Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot in the lung) in my right lung. I remember the day before. I was walking from my college class to my car and running out of breath. This was unusual for me because I was always…
I Thought it Was Appendicitis: Samantha’s Story
My name is Samantha and I am 20 years old. On April 12th, 2013 I walked into the emergency room (ER) thinking I had appendicitis. A week prior my 6’2″ friend sat on my back for while I played cards on the floor. Since then, I was having symptoms like nausea and an extreme…
Teenagers Can Get Blood Clots: Amy’s Story
The personal story below is intended for informational purposes only. The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) holds the rights to all content that appears on its website. The use by another organization or online group of any content on NBCA’s website, including the patient stories that appear here, does not imply that NBCA is connected…
