Never Let Embarrassment Stop You From Getting Help: Briar’s Story
…being nothing, but going saved my life. Your health is far more important than worrying about what others might think. Resources Birth Control Factor V Leiden Know Your Risk …
Don’t Dismiss Pain: Stephanie’s Story
…two injections daily for almost a year throughout pregnancy and the weeks after. My advice to others is: Don’t dismiss pain. Resources Signs and Symptoms Factor V Leiden Birth Control…
My Risk Factors Were a Perfect Storm: Presley’s Story
…factor II, I had broken my leg, had surgery (which left me non-weight-bearing for six weeks), was on estrogen-based birth control, and was dehydrated. I would say no matter your…
I’m a Nurse and I Missed The Signs: Rachael’s Story
…months. I also stopped estrogen-based oral birth control. Four weeks after my diagnosis, I tested positive for factor V Leiden (heterozygous). If my DVT had been caught earlier, I might…
This Experience Changed the Course of My Life: Libby’s Story
…In the ER my D-dimer came back and was crazy elevated, and I finally got a diagnosis of bilateral PEs, and birth control was thought to be the cause. A…
Take Pain and Swelling Seriously: Julie’s Story
…where the subclavian vein is compressed, leading to blood clot formation. Estrogen-based birth control increased my risk. Unfortunately, the recommended treatment to reduce the long-term risk of more clots was…
Leg Pain Was Mistaken For an Injury: Karlie and Celina’s Story
…it was from a blood clot until the autopsy. She had been on birth control, and that created a DVT, which ultimately led to a pulmonary embolism and her death….
I’ve Learned How to Advocate For Myself: Melisa’s Story
…My DVT is believed to be triggered by estrogen-based birth control. I was also diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome. Through this experience, I have learned to advocate for myself. It’s made…
Listening to Your Body Could Save Your Life: Kamisha’s Story
I’ve been living with DVTs and PEs since the age of 15 when my calf pain was misdiagnosed as arthritis. I’ve never taken birth control and, to my knowledge, there…
The Hardest Parts are the Unknowns and ‘What-Ifs’
…to a birth control pill with estrogen. I was low risk since I do not have any family history of blood clots. In May, I started having even more pelvic…