As such I have one more opportunity to feature another CLOT BUSTER SURVIVOR who is currently training and preparing for that magnificent race. She will be a part of Team CLOT BUSTERS Running to STOP THE CLOT!
Please allow me introduce to you SAMANTHA LEE and her personal account below.
What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
Running was always my choice of sports between running for my parish, Blessed Trinity, to running on the varsity soccer field for Stella Maris High School. I enjoy running because it an exciting activity between running to win or simply changing the speed of your running.
How did you get started in that sport?
My parents placed my brothers and I in every sport possible at a young age. We ran track, played basketball, swam for the swim team, and ran on the soccer fields. We were always running it seemed. I was very blessed to have parents who cared to teach us and have us involved in both sports and education.
What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve? (Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)
Over the last few months, my greatest milestones were running two half marathons. One half marathon was in central park, and the other one was in Connecticut. It was exciting to complete both half marathons.
Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
Last summer, I was on vacation with my mom and Great Aunt Muriel in the Czech Republic. I began experiencing breathing difficulty in the days leading up to my hospitalization. The day before we were supposed to leave the Czech Republic, my prescribed inhaler broke. My mom and I went to a pharmacy. The pharmacist told me I would need a prescription. He said there was a lung specialist in the next building. The lung specialist took my vitals and took some blood work. An hour later, the blood work came back. The lung specialist told me that she was sending me for another test, the very test that saved my life. The lung specialist helped save my life. The doctors found a pulmonary embolism bilaterally. The doctors put me in intensive care and began treatment. I was diagnosed with DVT a few days later. I was transferred to another hospital for another procedure to treat the DVT. I was hospitalized for seventeen days. Through the love and support of my mom and Great Aunt Muriel, I never gave up hope.
When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time?
It took me a few months to regain my strength. I begin working out again a little bit at a time. I was nervous the first time working out. The question was “What would I be able to do?” Would I be able to challenge myself and work out the same way as before? Only time would tell, what would happen next?
What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? (Bike brand, running shoes, perhaps a running singlet or the Clot Buster's Running Polka-Dot Technical Shirt...)
My sneakers are awesome. I think the pair I am wearing now is called brooks.
How much are you getting out doing your sport? (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)
I run at least 5-6 days a week. It feels odd if I don’t run that day. I love running, can’t you tell!! I take at least 1-2 days a week to replenish my strength and relax my muscles.
What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout. For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito.
Peanut butter and an apple is my general go to food after a workout. It’s healthy and delicious. .
If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
I would like to go some place with beautiful scenery and were I could run for miles on end, such as, Ireland. I have never been there but I hear it’s beautiful
What would like to say to someone who is going through a clotting episode,
perhaps very similar to yours? How can people return to do what
they enjoy? Tells about your concerns and what you look out after as you got
back.
If you
are going through this right now, you can overcome. Please don’t give up hope.
Honestly, Its rough and my story began with a doctor saying you might not
survive tonight, and even with these treatments you can have complications.
Guess what? I prayed and thought of my nephew back in New York. I had
motivation and never loss sight of hope. Hope Prayers and Family got me through
this. You can survive too!! I will not be an easy road to recovery. It’s
difficult to go back to what you enjoy. But with time heals all things no
matter how big or little it may be. You
must have patience even though life will be different for you. I was concerned
with how my life would be, the quality of life; I survived and became a
marathon runner. Keep the hope alive!!!Indeed Samantha KEEP THE HOPE ALIVE!
Blood Clot Survivors can do Amazing Things! You are one of those overcoming the challenges and going on to be a marathoner in November. I can't wait to see pictures of you finishing the race and show those blood clots that they cannot keep you down.
You are an inspiration not only for me but for many other.
Keep hope alive and keep on running until you can't anymore...!
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
