The Perfect Provoked Storm: Jessica’s Story
…type 2 heparin induced thrombocytopenia, or type 2 HIT, which is an allergy to heparin, but I also had severe May-Thurner Syndrome. This explained the feeling of a pulled muscle…
I Experienced DVTs on Three Occasions: Joanna’s Story
…heparin to self-administer. I was referred to a hematologist who tested me for thrombophilia and discovered that I had antiphospholipid syndrome. After a couple of months of heparin injections, I…
TABLE OF CONTENTS
…of blood clots? What is the factor V Leiden? What is the …
Our 8-Year-Old Died of a Blood Clot: Garrett’s Story, as Told by his Mother
…was for ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) which the doctors thought indicated an autoimmune response that was triggered by infection. They did not know why he was clotting so much. This was…
Fight For Yourself Until You Get an Answer That Makes Sense: Kristina’s Story
…She checked me for blood clotting disorders and found that I was positive for lupus anticoagulant, antibody that the immune mistakenly produces that can lead to blood clots. I started…
The Fear of Death Loomed Over Me: Mercedes’ Story
…cause of the clots remained a mystery, with a positive antinuclear antibody test, but negative results for autoimmune diseases. Upon discharge, I was prescribed apixaban twice daily. Unfortunately, I had…
I’m Still Struggling After Months of Recovery: Melissa’s Story
…hit Canada, where I live, and they think it could have been a factor in my situation. I recently had the antibody test, but the likelihood of antibodies being detectable…
I Went in Circles for Years Trying to Get Answers: Cassandra’s Story
…back pain and coughing up blood before my hospitalization and ICU stay. I will now be on blood thinners for life and was diagnosed with APS (antiphospholipid syndrome), antithrombin 3…
I’ve Spent the Last Decade Fighting to be Heard by Medical Professionals: Kate’s Story
…doctor visits, I was officially diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disorder that causes unprovoked blood clotting mainly in young women. It was then that I realized that my…
Patients Educating Patients
…Cogan, hematologist at the University of Minnesota, shares …