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December e-Newsletter | ‘Tis the Season

This holiday season, the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) wishes you and the people you care …

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Groundbreaking New Medication Option for AFib Patients Poses Less Bleeding Risk

People with atrial fibrillation (AFib) are at risk for bleeding while taking direct oral anticoagulants, but a groundbreaking new option…

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NBCA works to advance blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis & successful treatments to #stoptheclot.

HAPPENING TOMORROW: The Centers for Disease Contro

HAPPENING TOMORROW: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Blood Disorders is offering a free webinar addressing the quality of life of patients following a blood clot diagnosis tomorrow, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. ET.

Dr. Rachel Rosovsky will discuss the results from a study she conducted in collaboration with the National Blood Clot Alliance. The findings of the CLUES Study (a Critical Look at Understanding the Emotional Suffering of Blood Clot Survivors) can help guide future patient care, education and research.

Dr. Jeffrey Kline will address the importance of empathy and the need for emergency department providers to be aware of biases that might distract them from recognizing the need to test for a pulmonary embolism.

Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #cdcwebinar #bloodclotpatients #cluesstudy #drrachelrosovsky #drjeffreykline #vteresearch

"I had my first deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary

"I had my first deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism at 18 years old due to May-Thurner Syndrome. My symptoms were left lower abdomen pain and fainting.

I was told multiple times it was a miracle I was alive due to the clot burden. I spent 12 days in the hospital and had a temporary IVC filter and a permanent iliac stent placed. I was prescribed anticoagulants for 18 months.

After this, I suffered for many years with fainting, shortness of breath, inflammation, anxiety, decreased mobility, and chronic pain. I felt like I was going in circles for years trying to get answers to all my symptoms.

I recently had my second pulmonary embolism at 35. I was having extreme 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 deficiency, and chronic thromboembolic disease.

I am currently scheduling a pulmonary thromboendarterectomy to remove the old solidified chronic clots. I am hoping this will change my life.

Blood clotting disorders are rare, but with increased awareness and education, we can contribute to the data and field of science to create better outcomes and treatments for people who suffer from blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Finding the Blood Clot Alliance has helped me feel less alone knowing there are other rare warriors out there."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #maythurnersyndrome #mts #antiphosphoidlipidsyndrome #aps #antithrombin3deficiency #chronicthromboembolicdisease #bloodclotsurvivor

Beyond the immediate health risks following a bloo

Beyond the immediate health risks following a blood clot diagnosis, patients often face a decline in their quality of life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Blood Disorders is offering a free webinar addressing this topic on Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. ET.

Dr. Rachel Rosovsky will discuss results from a study she conducted in collaboration with the National Blood Clot Alliance. The findings of the CLUES Study (a Critical Look at Understanding the Emotional Suffering of Blood Clot Survivors) can help guide future patient care, education and research.

Dr. Jeffrey Kline will address the importance of empathy and the need for emergency department providers to be aware of biases that might distract them from recognizing the need to test for a pulmonary embolism.

Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #cdcwebinar #bloodclotpatients #cluesstudy #drrachelrosovsky #drjeffreykline #vteresearch

"I remember going for a walk with my 10-month-old

"I remember going for a walk with my 10-month-old daughter the day I first felt the pain.

I thought I'd pulled a muscle in my shoulder while pushing a heavy pram up a steep hill. Over a few days, the dull, sharp pain became worse. It felt like it was wrapping around my shoulder and trying to drag me down. But I wasn't worried and just thought it would pass.

I put my daughter down to bed one night and began experiencing chest pains and shallow breathing. It wasn't till I coughed up some blood that I realized something wasn't right.

Before I had a chance to call an ambulance, I suddenly couldn't breathe at all. Luckily, my partner was with me and he called. After a few tests, I was told I had several small blood clots in my lungs. If I had left it any longer, they could have traveled to my heart.

I spent five long days away from my family in the hospital. I could barely walk for days, and couldn't shower or go to the toilet alone.

After 12+ months of being on blood thinners and having my second child, I’m finally off blood thinners and trying to live a healthy lifestyle for my kids.

Since my clot, I have major health anxiety, always thinking something is wrong. It is something I'll always live with, but it helps to know the signs and symptoms of a clot.

Before my clot, I had zero knowledge of blood clots. I was very lucky and forever grateful I'm able to watch my kids grow every day."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #pulmonaryembolism #pe #healthanxiety

September is National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) A

September is National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month. Did you know that more than 2.6 million Americans are affected by AFib, which can lead to blood clots, heart failure and stroke?

When you have AFib, your heart's normal rhythm becomes irregular due to disorganized electrical signals. This causes the upper chambers of your heart (atria) to beat chaotically and restricts blood from being pumped efficiently from your heart. As a result, the blood can sometimes pool in your heart and form a blood clot.

Learn more about AFib at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #afib #atrialfibrillation #afibawareness #afibsucks #afibawarenessmonth #clotprovokedstroke

Telling your blood clot story is an act of courage

Telling your blood clot story is an act of courage and empathy that can have a positive impact on other survivors and their caregivers. It’s a powerful way to promote awareness, offer support, help you process your own experience, and contribute to the broader understanding and management of blood clots.

If you’ve experienced a blood clot, we hope you’ll consider sharing your story. You can do so here at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #storytelling #bloodclotstories #survivorstories #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness

The highly anticipated TCS New York City Marathon

The highly anticipated TCS New York City Marathon is less than three months away and training for Team Stop the Clot runners is in full swing! Throughout the upcoming weeks, we’ll be showcasing each of the remarkable individuals that will embark on the iconic 26.2 miles in support of NBCA.

Sisters Lawson and Cameron Park are running the TCS NYC Marathon in memory of their grandfather, who died of a pulmonary embolism,

“My little sister Cameron and I are running for Team Stop the Clot in the NYC Marathon. Together we have committed to raising funds in honor of our grandfather, Grampy, who passed too young from a pulmonary embolism. Thankfully, my mom, sisters and I discovered our diagnosis of factor V Leiden shortly after, which has been immensely important in making decisions regarding our health and being proactive and aware.”

Good luck in the race, Lawson and Cameron! Thank you for all you do to Stop the Clot.

Read more about Cameron and Lawson’s story at the link in bio and support their marathon goal.

#stoptheclot #nycmarathon #tcsnycmarathon #nycmarathontraining #nycmarathonrunners #nycmarathon2023#teamstoptheclot #bloodclotawareness #factorvleiden

"In April 2021, I was diagnosed with a cerebral ve

"In April 2021, I was diagnosed with a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. I was fortunate enough to have been diagnosed quickly following three days of headache, nausea, and vomiting. My risk factor was estrogen based oral contraceptives.

This diagnosis has taken a physical and emotional toll, but I am thankful for where I am. I want to raise awareness of all blood clots because this condition can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or health status.

I especially want to raise awareness of CVST. Symptoms often mimic more benign conditions, and diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in poorer outcomes.

I advise others to know your risk factors, make educated decisions regarding your health, and be patient and kind to yourself. Recovery is not linear. It does get better with time."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotawareness #cvst #brainbloodclot #cvstsurvivor

Question: I recently started taking Eliquis (apix

Question:

I recently started taking Eliquis (apixaban) after experiencing a DVT and PE. I’m concerned about how it interacts with other medications. Can you offer any insight? Also, if I switch to a different anticoagulant in the future, should I be concerned about different interactions?

Answer:

Yes, certain drugs can interact and cause anticoagulants to be less effective. Other medicines may also increase the risk of complications such as bleeding. Be sure to check with your doctor and/or pharmacist about all other medications and supplements you are taking to ensure safety and efficacy. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. The list of potential interactions and recommendations varies based on which anticoagulant you are taking so if you are considering switching from Eliquis to Xarelto for example, all other medications and supplements should be reviewed with your doctor and/or pharmacist once again.

***This information is provided for general education purposes only. You should not rely on information provided as a substitute for professional medical advice.

#stoptheclot #anticoagulants #eliquis #apixaban #pulmonaryembolism #pe #dvt #druginteractions #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention #bloodclotssuck

Blood clots are not only potentially life-threaten

Blood clots are not only potentially life-threatening, they also result in a hidden struggle for survivors, affecting their quality of life in numerous ways.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Blood Disorders is offering a free webinar addressing this topic on Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. ET.

Dr. Rachel Rosovsky will discuss results from a study she conducted in collaboration with the National Blood Clot Alliance. The findings of the CLUES (a Critical Look at Understanding the Emotional Suffering of Blood Clot Survivors) study can help guide future patient care, education and research.

Dr. Jeffrey Kline will address the importance of empathy and the need for emergency department providers to be aware of biases that might distract them from recognizing the need to test for a pulmonary embolism.

Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #cdcwebinar #bloodclotpatients #cluesstudy #drrachelrosovsky #drjeffreykline #vteresearch

"I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism in 2013

"I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism in 2013 as a side effect of steroids I was taking for nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder. I was on warfarin for two years until my doctor advised me to stop taking it.

In March 2023, I had sudden pain in my left leg that was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. It felt like it was too heavy to move.

I was eventually diagnosed with extensive left leg deep vein thrombosis and required a couple of procedures. There was no explanation for the DVT. I wasn't on steroids at the time. Now I've been advised to take Eliquis for the rest of my life.

In terms of lifestyle changes, I have started exercising regularly and have started eating properly, I appreciate life more than ever.

My advice to others is to regularly move your body and never ignore your symptoms."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #bloodthinners #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotssuck

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease (SCD), which disproportionately affects Black individuals, is a chronic condition that causes the red blood cells to harden and form a sickle shape.

In addition to severe and unpredictable pain, fatigue, and infections, SCD increases the risk of developing life-threatening blood clots.

Join us this month to support those living with SCD, and help spread awareness about SCD and its associated risks. Together we can make a difference!

#stoptheclot #sicklecelldisease #scd #sicklecellawarenessmonth #sicklecellmatters #knowyourrisk

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first journal club session earlier this month! If you missed it, you can watch the recording at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #journalclub #nbcajournalclub #bloodclotresearch #vteresearch #awarenessmatters #bloodclotrecovery

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awaren

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, a day to address HIV’s impact on adults 50 and older.

Did you know that older age and HIV are both risk factors for blood clots? Patients who are diagnosed with HIV are at 2-10 times greater risk of developing a blood clot than the general population. Help reduce stigma and promote prevention, testing, and treatment among older adults. More info at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #NHAAD #stophivtogether #knowyourrisk #hiv #aids #bloodclots #olderadults

Blood clot patients are at risk for bleeding while

Blood clot patients are at risk for bleeding while taking direct oral anticoagulants, but a groundbreaking new option is on the horizon.

Anthos Therapeutics announced today that AZALEA-TIMI 71 Phase 2 study in 1,287 patients with atrial fibrillation has been stopped early after meeting its primary endpoint. The study results showed abelacimab, a dual-acting factor XI / XIa inhibitor, demonstrated an unprecedented reduction in bleeding in the largest and longest head-to-head study comparing a factor XI inhibitor to the standard of care anticoagulant.

Leslie Lake, president of the National Blood Clot Alliance, said this could signal a more effective treatment option for patients.

“Abelacimab has the potential to provide a game-changing treatment option for all those patients who live with the daily fear of bleeding while taking current anticoagulants” she said. “We can now imagine a future where these patients are able to resume and enjoy activities that they are currently being forced to give up due to concerns associated with bleeding. We are thrilled that AZALEA-TIMI 71 has demonstrated such a positive outcome and excited about the promise that it offers to patients.”

Read more at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #anthostherapeutics #doacs #abelacimab #bloodclotpatients #bleedingrisk #afibawareness #afib

"It was one of the most exciting times! After six

"It was one of the most exciting times! After six long weeks of wearing an air cast, I had just received news that I could get it removed. I told the doctor that my leg had been cramping, but he said it should subside once the cast was off and I moved around.

Later that night, the cramping in my leg had gotten worse and had me in tears. I took some Tylenol and went to bed. When I woke up, my leg was cramping beyond belief and was purple and green.

I went to the doctor and he sent me directly to the hospital. They diagnosed me with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and admitted me. I was discharged three days later and started on the blood thinners that were prescribed.

The next morning, I passed out in my living room and my 6-year-old called 9-1-1. When I woke up in the hospital, they told me I had a massive pulmonary embolism. The doctor told me I could start treatment or go home and let God’s will be done because he didn’t think I would live.

Of course, I chose to be treated. I have had several DVTs since then, but I am still here. I have also had another child since then and managed to keep myself healthy and clot-free during and after my pregnancy. Life is great!

Through this experience, I learned how serious blood clots can be. I have a family member who wasn’t as lucky as I was and dropped dead from a blood clot. I’m currently going through testing to determine if I have an identified clotting disorder. I still have pain in my leg from post-thrombotic syndrome.

It’s important to be your biggest advocate. If something doesn’t feel right, seek help. It could save your life!"

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #pulmonaryembolism #pe #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodthinners #bloodclotssuck #postthromboticsyndrome #PEsurvivor

Today is World Patient Safety Day, a time for heal

Today is World Patient Safety Day, a time for healthcare providers and patients to work collaboratively on ways to increase patient safety.

This year’s theme is “Elevate the voice of patients.” People suffering from deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism are often misdiagnosed because these conditions can mimic other issues. Many of our patient stories reflect the serious consequences that can happen when the voices of patients are not heard.

Don't be afraid to be the “squeaky wheel” by insisting on further testing until a correct diagnosis is made. You know your body best. Be your own advocate!

Read stories of patients who used their voices to get the care they needed at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #worldpatientsafetyday #patientsafety #bloodclots #misdiagnosed #bloodclotprevention #patientadvocate #patientvoice

Serving her community was a big part of who Leah D

Serving her community was a big part of who Leah Dawes was. Helping young people and making the world a better place for them to grow was her focus.

Leah, a senior training specialist at PECO in Philadelphia, volunteered with the PECO Explorers program, teaching leadership skills to children across the city. As a member of the Upper Darby School Board, Leah was known for her empathy, humor, and outspoken nature.

In November 2020, Leah underwent surgery to remove a cyst in her breast. Tragically, Leah developed blood clots following her surgery and died of a pulmonary embolism on March 6, 2021. She had just turned 45 years-old.

After this devastating loss, Leah’s 20-year-old daughter, Milia, wanted to take meaningful action in her mother’s memory, as Leah would have done.

Milia arrived at the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) with a purpose—to raise awareness about the condition that claimed her mother's life. She reached out to Leah's employer, PECO, and helped to organize a webinar that educated 235 employees about the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Milia's heartfelt storytelling during the webinar left a lasting impression.

Milia's efforts didn't stop there. She encouraged PECO employees to donate to NBCA in her mother’s memory and raised more than $1,500.

Milia's dedication, supported by @peco_energy's leadership, brought positive change out of a heartbreaking event. She not only honored her mother's memory but also raised awareness among her colleagues, possibly preventing others from Leah’s fate.

Milia, we're deeply grateful for your efforts, and we’re thrilled to name you NBCA’s September Volunteer of the Month.

To learn more about NBCA volunteer opportunities, see the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #volunteerofthemonth #bloodclotawareness #leahdawes #pulmonaryembolism #peco @peco_energy

The National Blood Clot Alliance is hosting our 4t

The National Blood Clot Alliance is hosting our 4th annual Race to Stop the Clot Fun Run in recognition of World Thrombosis Day (October 13, 2023)!

The Race to Stop the Clot Fun Run is a virtual walk/run and fundraiser, with options to complete a 10K, 5K, or 1-mile course of your choosing anytime from October 13-16. Take your support one step further and sign up to help fundraise! All proceeds support the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) and are 100% tax-deductible.

Vita Alaya of Chicago is participating in this year’s Fun Run, and she explains why: “I registered for the Stop the Clot Fun Run to support all blood clot survivors like myself and to increase the visibility of our conditions while raising funds to help promote research, education, and access to care.”

Thank you, Vita, for everything you do to help Stop the Clot!

#stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #funrun #virtualrace #charityrun #bloodclots #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotprevention #worldthrombosisday #racetostoptheclot

Sign up and join us: bit.ly/funrunwebsite23 *link also in bio*

"About a week after having an arthroscopy on my le

"About a week after having an arthroscopy on my left knee, I was icing the top of the knee and commented to my wife that I really should be icing the back of my knee. What I did not know at the time was that the back of the knee hurt because I was passing a clot that had formed in my left calf.

I had no idea that the pain in my knee was a warning sign. Later, I tried to lie down in bed, but then sat up and said, "I can't breathe, my chest hurts and I am scared.'

Fortunately, we took the fright and the pain seriously and we headed for the nearest ER. Looking at the incisions where the arthroscopic instruments went into the knee, the nursing staff knew exactly what was happening. They began the diagnostic procedures and administered pain medication.

I fully expected that I would be able to attend a scheduled meeting the next morning. But when I heard talk of a pulmonary embolism and the ICU, I knew that was not to be.

Ten years later, I once again suffered chest pain and attributed it to pulling a muscle while helping our daughter move into a new apartment. But when the pain didn't subside, I went to the ER and a CT scan revealed my second PE. Believe me, I will never take chest pain lightly again!

In terms of risk factors, I have factor V Leiden heterozygous. Our daughters have been tested. One has it and the other does not.

With both PEs, I had bouts of inactivity. The first time was because of recovery from surgery and the second time was due to a long car ride.

After the first PE, I thought I was out of the woods, but I will always be cautious about clots from now on. My advice to others is to be aware of risk factors."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #pe #pulmonaryembolism #arthoscopy #bloodclots #knowyourrisk

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