December Athlete of the Month

Here is wishing EVERYONE a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

May you receive all the good health, happiness, and good fortune you deserve.

If you are in need of polka-dot gear you know you are at the right place to order some.

It has been an incredible year of spreading awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

It has been an incredible year of celebrating that blood clot survivors CAN DO ANYTHING.

It has been an incredible year of getting the @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots out to various parts of the country and the world. I can't get enough of seeing the polka-dots going places...

STOPTHECLOT.org is closing out the year in style as we have a NFL Player with STOPTHECLOT.org cleats playing on prime time on Sunday... if you did not see this check out all the posts about it both on Twitter and on Facebook. It is truly remarkable the reach we have in our quest of spread awareness.

Speaking of polka-dots going places... The NYC Marathon is one of those places and this year we had our largest team yet since we started in 2013. 

It is very cool to see the program grow and get people involved in it.

KATIE is one of those who got involved as a blood clot survivor. She is definitely a survivor WHO CAN AND WILL DO ANYTHING!!!

I don't need to tell you about it... I will let you read what Katie wrote about her story as found on her fundraising page from the NYC Marathon Campaign.

Please read on and get INSPIRED TO OVERCOME!!!

In January, 2022 I was preparing for my wedding when the unthinkable happened. 4 days prior to the big day I developed severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. I went to the local ER where they diagnosed me with a large blood clot in my lung. I was placed on blood thinners right away and underwent additional testing to determine the cause of my clot. As a 36-year-old healthy, active woman a clot diagnosis was a shock and absolutely crushing. I feared I would never run again.  I have since learned I have a condition called Factor V Leiden which is a genetic blood clotting disorder. This condition places me at an increased risk of blood clots.

Prior to my clot diagnosis I was a very active runner. I completed a 3-hour endurance run (in the snow!) just 2 weeks prior to my diagnosis. My husband and I even organized a 7K run event the morning of our wedding for our family and friends. Sadly, I was not able to run the wedding event due to the clot. In the 7 months since my diagnosis I have had to learn to be patient with my body as it continues to heal. I haven’t stopped running and in fact completed a few events since my diagnosis including a half marathon in Yellowstone.

While looking for support from other athletes affected by blood clots I found The National Blood Clot Alliance and Team Stop the Clot. This group has provided me with education, guidance and encouragement as I continue to recover.

Running the New York City Marathon with Team Stop the Clot is a sure way to prove to myself and others impacted by clots that blood clot Survivors can do anything.

We are so glad that you we were able to find STOPTHECLOT.org Katie.

So glad to hear and know that you have not stopped running.

Can't wait to see where else you will be running and what barriers you will breakdown in the process

NEVER STOP GOING FORWARD!!!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

November Athlete of the Month

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!

Let me repeat...

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone on @TeamSTOPTHECLOT who participated and crushed the NYC Marathon this weekend.

What an inspiring day!

It looked to be an amazing day for everyone involved.

#STOPTHECLOT had their very own cheering section along the course which I am sure was rocking and helped the runners out there get after the finish.

Almost 10 years since the time I ran the NYC Marathon and I can still remember all of it. It is truly an experience that you will never forget. But the experience is even better because @TeamSTOPTHECLOT was in their polka-dots representing a cause that is making a difference.

THANK YOU to everyone in the team for your efforts in fundraising but also in your efforts to complete the marathon.

Over the past several months we have been celebrating members of the 2022 @TeamSTOPTHECLOT with a post on this blog. Since we had our biggest crew to date I have some amazing stories to share so please come along to meet another member of the team.

Please allow me to introduce to you ALEX. She has certainly an incredible story that you will want to read. I am truly amazed... and inspired by what Blood Clot Survivors CAN DO!

If you are willing and able you can still donate to Alex's Fundraising Effort by using the following link >>> https://donate.stoptheclot.org/fundraiser/3858591

My Story...

I dedicated nearly a decade trying to become the best version of myself in the sport of rowing, and in my final year of training toward my goal of making the Olympic team I developed a blood clot in my left shoulder. Ten pushups during a pre-practice warmup left my arm swollen, achy and purple. I consulted with the team doctor, who suspected I was dealing with a clot, and got myself to the ER immediately. 

A few tests later and the staff was able to confirm that I had developed a sizeable clot in my sub-clavean vein due to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Years and years of impingement between my clavicle, first rib and over-used muscle had formed scare tissue that had ultimately closed off my vein.

I spent the next three days alone in the hospital, during the height of the pandemic, including a full 24 hours in the ICU with a 14-inch catheter in my arm that dripped clot-busting medicine into my vein. I returned just four days later to have my first rib surgically removed to free up space in that thoracic outlet region and to prevent the same type of clot from forming again. 

I was lucky enough to have a great team of loved ones, coaches and PT's who helped expedite my recovery process. I was on the spin bike three days after surgery and back in a boat just 12 weeks after surgery. Needless to say my goal of making the Olympic team had been significantly impacted by this untimely challenge, but it was important to me to see my journey through to it's end in whatever way I could - so I set a new goal: get healthy enough to compete at Olympic trials. I am extremely proud and grateful to say that I was able to reach that goal and race a pretty courageous regatta with my double's partner.

I consider my experience a lucky one for a number of reasons, but most notably, I could not have had a better support system. I had a team of doctors and friends within my rowing and personal communities who knew exactly what was happening from the very beginning and as a result my treatment timeline was as stream-lined as possible. Additionally, I was lucky enough to know two other athletes in my sport who had gone through the exact same thing. They were both incredibly helpful through the entire process and made it all a little less scary.

This leads me to why I am so excited about supporting the National Blood Clot Alliance! They have a mission dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis and successful treatment of life-threatening blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and clot-provoked stroke. I had great care after the major symptoms developed, but I have since learned that there were many indicators that I missed that could have helped to identify the clot in an earlier stage. With that said, not all clots are the same and not every person has access to the resources they need to deal with them. I am really humbled by the opportunity to help build community and awareness around this issue so that more clot stories can end safely and positively.

Thank you for your support!

How about that?!?!?

A Blood Clot Survivor at the Olympic Trials for rowing... THAT IS AMAZING.

I would love to learn how to row someday... It looks so elegant and fluid... 

But again, the tenacity and dedication to overcome a set back like blood clots to return to the Olympic trials and try again is simply unreal.

NEVER STOP trying ALEX. 

Thank you for the inspiration to never ever give up!

Get inspired! You can do this!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

October Athlete of the Month

Here comes the fall!

Can you believe it?

I was just outside doing one my long runs in preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon at the end October in the beloved CLOT BUSTER @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots. As I was running all around I saw all of the trees changing colors and leaves falling all over the place. Are you ready? Although the colors are beautiful saying goodbye to the summer takes me a while... 

However, inspiration comes on strong at this time of the year because World Thrombosis Day happens on 10/13 and STOPTHECLOT.org always has an event to celebrate this massive day of awareness around the world. 

Are you going to run between 10/13 and 10/17 in the "RACE TO STOP THE CLOT Virtual Fun"? Register here >>> https://bit.ly/nbcarace COME ON RUN WITH US!!!

Also, inspiration comes in the form of @TeamSTOPTHECLOT getting ready to run in the upcoming NYC Marathon. This year we have our largest group of Blood Clot Survivors and Friends taking on this incredible race while they spread awareness about NBCA's mission. I can't believe how many people we have running this year. Very proud and inspired to see this effort grow as much as it has since our first go back in 2013.

Back in August you got read about DAVID - https://clot-buster-triathlete.blogspot.com/2022/08/august-athlete-of-month.html He is keeping us his training and he will be ready to crush it come Marathon Time. You can also see his fundraising page HERE.

So for this month's Athlete of the Month post I wanted to highlighted another runner in the team.

ASHLEY is Blood Clot Survivor and nothing is getting in her way to keep breaking down barriers. 

Please read on to learn more about Ashley and her journey...

In December of 2013, I decided to join a local gym after just moving to a new area, and spent a lot of time doing group classes and walking on the treadmill. One day while I was walking, I looked down and noticed some swelling in my lower left leg. I figured the swelling was just from the exercise, but I would soon find out that I was wrong.

A few weeks had passed, and I noticed the swelling was still there. I convinced myself it wasn’t serious and that it was just a lingering side effect of the exercise. I mentioned these symptoms to my mom and she immediately went into “mom mode” and begged me to call my doctor…so I did. Since the swelling was in my left leg, the doctors thought it could have been something to do with my heart and had me come in right away. I saw the first person that was available who wasn’t even my doctor, and after a brief line of questioning, they sent me in for an ultrasound on my legs. I was sure this was overkill and that everything would come back clear, but I was wrong again.

The doctors made me wait for the ultrasound results before I could go home, and the results that were read to me changed my life forever. The ultrasound indicated superficial clots in my left leg, (inflamed veins due to a blood clot just below the surface of the skin). This was all foreign to me, as blood clots were something I knew nothing about until that day. Luckily, the clots were on the surface and this didn’t seem to be too serious – but since I was a healthy 24 year old they wanted to figure out what risk factors may have lead to this. I was sent down to the phlebotomy lab where they drew several vials of blood, and a few days later the results showed I had factor V Leiden, a blood clotting disorder.

I was referred to a cardiologist in Boston and embarked on a 6-month-long journey full of tests and countless doctors appointments. During this period, I received an MRI which revealed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in both of my legs. I spent months on injected anticoagulants, and was now a 25 year old sporting compression stockings on a daily basis – all from something I didn’t know existed 6 months prior.

Once I was given the green light, I began exercising again. I trained for my first, and what I thought would be my my last, 5k! I told myself I would do just one small race to prove to myself that I could complete a race after my diagnosis; and here I am - 7 years later having run numerous 5ks, a handful of 10ks and half marathons, and the 2021 Boston Marathon all under my belt! This goes to show that blood clot survivors can do anything!

THANK YOU ASHLEY for being a part of the team this year.

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING.

NEVER STOP GOING FORWARD!

So glad that you have been able to recover and continue to push your efforts from a 5Ks all the way to Marathons... SO IMPRESSIVE.

If you would like to donate to Ashley's Fundraising Efforts please do so HERE.

Get inspired to run, to represent, to celebrate and to spread awareness.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

September Athlete of the Month

Wow...

Sorry about the delay in getting this post going this month.

Somehow the month of September started and got away from me. I don't even know how I lost track of time... maybe all of the training miles I am doing in preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of October is taking its toll on my brain's capacity to keep up... I mean the legs and body are sore and tired along with the mind... 

But, just like Blood Clot Survivors we will overcome and keep going on day at the time counting the small victories along the way.

Speaking of victories...

How about SERENA WILLIAMS and her performance at the US Open? 

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!

She is an inspiration for sure. 

Yes, she did not win the whole tournament but as she is facing the twilight of her professional tennis career she delivered some captivating victories that are worth appreciating.

That is what being a survivor is all about. That is what the stories I have been sharing for almost 15 years of this blog are all about... 

Doing what you can! 

Appreciating the small progress or victories along the way that may eventually lead to bigger success!

Overcoming the challenges.

Doing what you can the best that your body will allow you to as you recover.

There is not much else to say about Serena's career that has not been said... She does need to someday plan on wearing some CLOT BUSTER @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots to truly wrap up and put a nice bow on top of all of her accomplishments.

Many years ago when news came out about her diagnosis I of course had a post about her celebrating that she is a BLOOD CLOT SURVIVOR... https://clot-buster-triathlete.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-athlete-of-month.html

Since this may be the end of her professional tennis career I think that it would nice to dedicate September's Athlete of the Month in 2022 to her. May she go on and continue to be a force for inspiration and good for all of us. It will be fascinating to see what she will do next and the success that she will have along the way.

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!

Thank you for reading, 

The Clot Buster

August Athlete of the Month

As we scramble to get ready for the start of the school year I refuse to accept that summer is coming to end... I am just getting started enjoying the heat...

How is your summer going? 

Looking back on the past few months for me it has been a glorious summer. 

Thankful for being able to be outside as much possible.

Thankful for being able to get CLOT BUSTER @TeamStopTheClot polka-dots shipped all over the world.

Thankful for being able to race a little while spreading awareness with my polka-dots.

Thankful for the time to be with family and friends.

But as summer shifts into fall there is more to look after... Team STOP THE CLOT is getting ready for the NYC Marathon. This year is going to be a BIG ONE as we have our largest group running in the race representing the polka-dots while they celebrate all blood clot survivors and spread awareness. It is very cool to see how far the wings of STOPTHECLOT.org are spreading. We are making a difference in so many levels...

One of the runners in this year's team is DAVID. 

You have to read his story because it is a remarkable one. I very much admire David's dedication and tenacity to get after it and really making a difference for him, his family, and the blood clot survivor community. This guy is working HARD to make a difference and we are thankful for his involvement!

You will be inspired after you learns from David's experience. We are very lucky to have him share his thoughts with us. THANK YOU David!

Now sit back and read on to get inspired to overcome!

What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it? My sport has always been tennis, but I discovered a love for running in early 2021. My wife Sara and I bought an incline treadmill.  We decided to purchase it a couple days after Thanksgiving 2020 because I stepped on the scale and it read "340 lbs". I was shocked. I looked at it again…340. I was immediately scared. Not because of the number itself or that I had never weighed that much. I was scared because I felt perfectly fine, and I know that I would have been very capable of gaining even more weight and not feel the difference. When you’re slowly gaining weight, that’s really easy to do. This was the moment where I decided, at age 49, that it was time to take control of my health.

How did you get started in that sport? During the first 8 months of the Covid pandemic, it was really easy to sit around and comfort eat and drink. If it wasn’t for the pandemic and the bad habits that came along with it, I’m not sure I ever would have started running. As they say, “it’s always darkest before the dawn”. 

 

We had the treadmill for a couple of weeks. It was amazing. It was a top-of-the-line nordictrack that with the IFit program, would allow me to go walking and hiking all around the world with an IFit trainer. I never even thought about ever trying to run. I always hated it. I didn’t have a problem with it if it was in short spurts, like tennis. But a long, sustained run? No way. 

 

I’ve been really interested in seeing Portugal and when I saw there was a Portugal series on IFit, I loaded it up and off I went. Oh wait, but there was a problem. It was a beginner running series. The trainer, Tommy Rivers Puzey, immediately said that this six week walk/run series will take a complete beginner, like myself, and have me running for a full 30 minutes by the end of the six weeks. I thought that was crazy. That first program was intervals of walking for 60 seconds and running for 30 seconds. I could barely make it through those 30 seconds. How am I going to do this? I’ve had a DVT and PE. I know I have some heart and lung damage. I’m on anti-coagulants. I weigh too much. Every excuse I could think of as to why I couldn’t do it.  Tommy implored me at the end of that first walk/run to keep coming back it will get easier. I was skeptical, but I kept coming back. 30 seconds turned into a minute, then two, then 4, then 8, then 12, then 20. Surely enough at the end of six weeks, I ran for 30 minutes straight through and I felt a whole new freedom. This whole, unknown new world had just opened up right before my eyes and I was ready to explore it!

What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve? I’m writing this in August of 2022. I’ve been running for 19 months now. In that time, I’ve had Covid-19 twice and two serious bouts of bronchitis. I’m currently over 1200 miles since I began running. I ran my first race, a 10k, the day before my 50th birthday. In February of this year, I ran my first 1/2 marathon. In a couple of weeks, I’ll run my second 1/2, and in 90 days, I’ll run the NYC Marathon.

Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission? My clotting event happened on October 13th, 2018. I was in the middle of my tennis season and had a doubles match early that morning. I felt really tired after we had finished warm-ups. That felt strange. I was in decent tennis shape and was perfectly capable of playing long matches. I felt as if I just played for a couple of hours, even though we just warmed up for 10 minutes. Near the end of the second set, I couldn’t seem to get my feet moving. I would take a few steps and I was done with the point. I was having trouble catching my breath and I couldn’t take a deep breath. We finished the match and I told my partner that something wasn’t right. I said I was going home and going back to bed. 

 

When I got home, I could barely make it up the stairs. I told my wife that I just needed to rest and promised that if I didn’t feel better the following morning, I’d go to the hospital. Surely enough, the following morning I found myself in the emergency room, telling intake that I thought I was in the early stages of a heart attack. A number of symptoms seemed to line up with it, except I didn’t have any shooting pain down my arm. No pain really. Just fatigued during movement. After a chest scan, it was determined that I had a sub-massive pulmonary embolism in my right lung and was immediately admitted to the hospital. My wife, a pharmaceutical and device defense lawyer, was very fearful knowing how dangerous this was. I on the other hand, didn’t have a clue. If it wasn’t for her vigilance and fierce advocacy for me, I’m unsure how it would have gone for me. When the pulmonologist came and saw me for the first time, he said he expected to see someone in a lot worse condition, based on my scans. That’s when it really hit me how much danger I was really in. After a few days in the hospital, I was discharged with a prescription for Eliquis, told to rest, and schedule to see a hematologist. That was about it. Something most of us can relate to. I did what I was told, and was back on my feet after about a month, taking everything slow.

 

When were you able to return to activity? I was able to get back on the tennis court after about three months.  I started working with a coach doing 30 minute sessions just to regain my fitness. It was really important to start slowly, take extra breaks and build it back up step by step. It’s really easy in your mind to think you can just go back out and pick up right where you left off. However, our bodies aren’t built that way. We de-condition pretty quickly after a trauma like PE. Along with our body, we have to re-condition our minds as well. We have to tell ourselves that it’s a long process and it doesn’t happen overnight. Also, that it’s OK to have bad days while trying to put the work in. I always try to remember that “failing forward”, even repeatedly, builds to something great.

 

After about five months from my diagnosis, I felt 100% back to my “new normal”. A month later, I was told I could come off Eliquis. I told my hematologist that because I wasn’t a bleeder, even after taking all the skin off my knee when I slipped and fell a couple month prior, that I was going to stay on anti-coagulation for probably life because my PE was unprovoked and I preferred the peace of mind I had being on them. 

 

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? I can’t come up with just one favorite piece of running gear as they all play a vital part of helping me turn the doorknob and going for a run. In a short time, I have become a running shoe “geek”. I have over 20 pairs. Different shoes for different specialized runs. I will say that I enjoy putting on the Stop the Clot Polka Clots shirt when I run my races. It’s always great hearing folks cheer for you when they see and mention the shirt and the cause. I’m always happy and filled with gratitude when I’m able to run in it!

How much are you getting out doing your sport?  As far as my training, I go for a run outside or on the treadmill 5-6 days a week, averaging 20+ miles. Most of my runs are slow as I try to keep my heart rate below 90% of my max. I try to mix in some body weight strength work and have recently started going to get a 50 minute assisted stretch once a week as I train for the marathon.

 

What is your favorite food?  My diet has been an essential part of my training and has allowed me to go from 340lbs to my current 285. I haven’t given up on too much, I just have made some small tweaks to what I eat most days, such as switching to almond milk and not eating breads at every meal. Also, having a salad for lunch instead of a sandwich. I have cut down on my wine consumption, which has also led to cutting down on the cheese and crackers that are surely to coincide. Moderation is key.

 

For my running- I have a coffee, a piece of peanut butter toast, and a FairLife protein shake to start my day, followed by another post-run shake. I personally have found that peanut butter has been a great fuel that gives me long energy throughout my run.

 

If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go? As a wine lover who grew up just south of Napa and Sonoma valleys, I would love to travel to other famous wine growing regions like the Loire Valley in France, Williamette Valley in Oregon, Tuscany, and along the Mosel river in Germany. I’d really have to earn my wine with some long runs!

 

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

I want those who’ve been recently diagnosed with a clot to know that you are not alone and there is a big network of support through the National Blood Clot Alliance. It’s difficult for family and friends to understand your daily struggles with dvt/PE/vte if they haven’t gone through it. We are here for you. You can find us on a daily basis on Facebook, Blood Clot Support-Team Stop the Clot. There are other groups as well- Running after a Pulmonary Embolism, Embolism to Exercise,  and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness to name a few. 

 

My one piece of advice is to always listen to your body and don’t delay seeking help it’s telling you something is wrong.

 

My mantra- The devil whispered in my ear, “You can’t handle the storm”. I whispered back, “I AM THE STORM!”

Yes Sir!!! YOU ARE THE STORM! 

So proud to read about your progress and the impact that it has had in your life.

Can't wait to see you throw down in the NYC Marathon.

For sure I will have a glass of wine at the ready to celebrate YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

July Athlete of the Month

Summer keeps rolling along...

Are you enjoying the time in the sun? 

I very much do as much as I can as this is my favorite time of the year.

The inspiration to get out and enjoy everything I can outside comes from many different sources... the sun and the warm weather + the need to move and train + knowing that Blood Clot Survivors are out there doing incredible things + being part of the preparations for @TeamStopTheClot as the team is getting together to tackle the upcoming NYC Marathon... All of it gets me energized to see how much more I can push while wearing the CLOT BUSTER @TeamStopTheClot polka-dots.

One race down this summer and I placed 4th overall while Kayaking, Running and Cycling... I have a few races to go this summer still with my eyes on a marathon... Unfortunately not the NYC Marathon this year but instead the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. This one seems like another unique experience so my wife and I are going to give it a go... I don't think I am ready for the punishment of a marathon yet but we are starting our build up so we will see how this one goes... Realistically I think that I may have a couple of marathons left in me. This one in October and perhaps one more if I ever attempt a full iron-distance triathlon which is still one of my bucket list items to achieve. 

I could not do this without the BLOOD CLOT SURVIVOR CAN DO ANYTHING POWER... As the orders of polka-dot gear keep heading out all over the USA, to the UK, and Canada I get to meet more and more survivors who are overcoming massive blood clotting incidents and their stories are truly fascinating... 

For this month we have a gift of a personal experience story that is very much worth sharing and reading. Thank you JOANNA for sharing your story! There is no question that it is going to make difference with someone who is looking to overcome and get back doing what they enjoy.

Read on...

It’s been two years since massive blood clots in my lungs nearly took my life. The first week in December 2019 was a typical week for me, including flights to see clients in Miami, NYC and DC. Then I flew from my home in NYC to Seattle to be with my family for the holidays. I arrived a few days early, as I needed to have an abdominal surgery that was supposed to be straightforward and recovery was to be a few days on the couch watching holiday movies with my family. Instead, I ended up in the ICU fighting for my life. I woke up a few days after my surgery with a very intense calf cramp, and what we now know was a DVT. But my leg was not hot, red or swollen, so I did not initially think it was a blood clot. I got up to move around, hoping the cramp would go away. But by the time I got downstairs, I could not breathe and my heart was racing. At the ER, they did an emergency CT scan and told me I was being admitted to the ICU as I had three massive pulmonary emboli, occluding three of my four pulmonary arteries. Because of my recent surgery, I was not a candidate for some of the interventions they may have otherwise considered. It was terrifying to struggle so much just to breathe, even on oxygen. And it was all so confusing and surreal. I didn’t understand what was happening, and was so shocked by the suddenness of it all. A few hours after I got out of the hospital, the oxygen provider arrived at my parent’s house to install an oxygen compressor and tanks throughout the house with a long hose. I couldn’t walk for more than a few feet without gasping for air. I remember watching these tanks being brought into the house and just wanting to cry. But I couldn’t cry because that would mean I couldn’t breathe. So instead, I tried to use the little energy I had to research and try to figure out how to heal as fast as possible so I could get back to my life. I had no idea what a health recovery journey would lie before me.

I am so grateful to be a survivor. It’s an unbelievable miracle to have your life saved by a team of medical professionals and medications. I intentionally savor my days, and do not take them for granted. Even though I no longer recognize my life and have had incredible health challenges to overcome. The embolisms caused damage and trauma to my lungs, heart and brain. And has led to a cascade of new health challenges impacting nearly all of my systems. I now see 20+ health practitioners on a regular basis, and much of my time is dedicated to a robust health and wellness routine. In fact, I now say that wellness is my way of life. Every day (even the hard ones) feels like a bonus, and I ensure it’s a day that is lived well and filled with beautiful moments in between the challenges.

My previously fast paced life has slowed significantly. I now make space for painting, meditating, things that make me laugh, beauty, nature, naps, nourishing food and daily walks. Last year I was on oxygen for four months, struggling to walk even a few steps. But every day I added a minute to my walk. Eventually I could walk for 60 minutes, but only made it half a mile.  And then I started getting stronger and walking faster. I started doing virtual walking challenges like the 124 mile Ring of Kerry and the 482 mile Camino de Santiago, 3-4 miles a day over the course of months. I was surprised that I found the challenges with the medal on completion so motivating! As a friend said to me, “After what you’ve been through, you deserve some medals!” 

 

I wanted to challenge myself, and so decided in November of 2021 to join Team Stop the Clot and walk the virtual NYC marathon in San Diego (where I am now living). I enjoyed every minute of it - pacing myself and taking care of myself along the way, enjoying the beautiful scenery in San Diego and the connection to my beloved NYC, full of gratitude for the love and support of my family and friends who walked segments with me.  And it was remarkable to see myself as a strong athlete, a marathoner with the endurance to walk for 26.2 miles in a day rather than as just a weak and vulnerable patient struggling to survive.

 

On my clotiversary, I look back in amazement and immense gratitude at how far I have come. And on this second clotiversary, I am actually now able to look forward with hope and vision for a future (including another marathon!) as I continue to walk in wellness. 

 

NEVER STOP GOING FORWARD JOANNA! 

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!

For sure you deserve all of the medals you can earn as you keep on walking. You make us all proud and hopeful that anyone can overcome anything.

I am very much inspired... I hope you are as well.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

June Athlete of the Month

HAPPY JUNE EVERYONE!

Let the sun and warmth push you outside.

These days I am outside as much as I can... I feel pretty energized this time of the year.

The training is picking up and my time in the CLOT BUSTER @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots is very much increasing both training and racing. Let's see how my body is able to hold up... you know my mind wants to go but the body has some limitations. Certainly my recovery takes a bit longer and the aches are coming up in places in which I did not have them before. But I am making adjustments so let's how those will work out. 

You know that this movement of spreading awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders expands beyond the USA. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to be in touch with folks from many parts of the world. It is very cool to hear from people in Europe, South America, Australia, and even Asia. It is truly a blessing to be able to have this sort of relationships.

This month's Athlete of the Month comes to us from the UK!

Please allow me to introduce Mr. TONY. 

You just never know who will cross path with along the way. Quality inspiration is for sure available across the Atlantic Ocean. You will want to read this post because it is a good one!

THANK YOU Tony for sharing your story which for sure is going to make a difference for someone who will need it down the road.

Read on and get inspired!

What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it? 

My current activity of choice is running which I love. Always start my runs at a slow pace, even it feels slow I slow it even further until my breathing adjusts then just relax and enjoy it. I prefer outdoor runs and just love the awesome feeling when I'm cruising along at a steady pace with my breathing deep regular and smooth allowing any worry and concerns to clear and simply enjoy every moment.

How did you get started in that sport?

I was a competitive cyclist from 12 years old until 22 years old until an inherited form of arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) stopped me in my tracks. It had gotten to the point that my back was quite literally seizing in position on the bike and would take a considerable time until I was able to stand upright after climbing or occasionally falling off the bike. Effectively I couldn't train anymore so my performances dipped drastically and my realistic dreams of riding professionally were utterly shattered. The AS continued to flare up over the following 8-10 years but I was able to return to non competitive cycling and coaching by my early thirties. I had a custom built frame that effectively reduced the length of the top tube and increased the handle bar height which significantly increased comfort but meant I was a mobile wind breaker, great for other riders to draft behind but no longer competitive.

I always enjoyed running as a form of cross training during my racing days and ran 2-3 times a week, usually 5 milers with a local running club in the off season winter months for cross training. I was tempted into a couple of marathon events as for some odd reason the AS didn't cause me much discomfort running and found that my airobic fitness transferred across pretty well, recording a 3:13 on my first attempt having started conservatively and running 1:25 for last half !! Paced it better the following year recording a 2:25.

What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?

Post clots I've stopped cycling as I experienced so many close passes from motorists in my cycling days including plowing head first through a hedge to avoid an on coming car on the wrong side of the road that I consider the risks to far outweigh the benefits due to the high risk of internal bleeds on anticoagulants. Running is now my main choice and I'm pleased to say I don't miss cycling as much as I expected too as I get a similar satisfaction pushing myself and enjoying the rewards especially that sense of oneness mentioned earlier. I've far exceeded my expectations during recovery but the competitor in me is never far from the surface, current aim is nothing at all to do with pace except for trying to keep it slow and steady as I'm intending to test the water a little up to the end of June this year before committing to run the David Goggins 4*4*48 challenge, 4 miles every 4hrs for 48hrs to coincide with World Thrombosis Day this October to raise as much awareness as possible. Being in the UK I'll switch between my extremely eye catching 'Stop the Clot' singlet and Thrombosis UK one raising funds for Thrombosis UK.

Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?

2 Sub Massive Bilateral Straddle PE's with infarcts in both sides, July 2015 and Nov 2017.

 Recovery from the first incident was only partial, started by increasing short walks every 60-90 waking minutes to keep moving to increasingly longer walks, then introduced walk/run intervals using my Garmin watch to keep in Zone 2 before eventualy getting back to continual runs up to 10 mile. Once I came off the anticoags after 7 months I did make use of local shared use cycle paths but found lack of fitness frustrating. Improvements seemed to stall at around 12 min/mile pace which is clearly well short of pre PE levels. I also returned to regular works outs in local gym about the same time I introduced the walk/run intervals for variety with CV being the prime focus, which was 2 weeks after leaving hospital. I probably pushed too hard to begin with, all CV activities were kept to no more than 70% but I woke one morning with both myself and all the bedding covered in deep red blood I must of coughed up whilst sleeping. Needless to say I spoke to GP and backed off a little but was soon back on it.

Pleased to say I learnt my lessons from recovery from the first incident and 2nd time round it was more straight forward. Activity of choice has remained to be running and nearly five years on I'm still improving and have far exceeded my expectations. For me the key difference has been that I'm now on daily anticoags (I refuse to say 'lifer', I'm not a covict !!) and was fortunate to be in a position to hand in my notice at work and take 6 months out to recover and find more suitable employment. I had found the previous 2 years to be a battle of will against my former employer with my need to get up from my desk to move about on a regular basis which I pig headedly stuck to despite their constant protestations so I was delighted to hand in my notice. I now work night shifts which unfortunately prevents me from entering many running events (more later !!) but I no longer have any employment related anxiety at all as I'm constantly moving about all shift average 8-12k steps each shift occasionally topping 15K. My recovery hasn't stalled, over the past year my half marathon time dropped from 2:34 to 1:26 simply by gently pushing to run inside my previous best average pace every 4 to 6 weeks. Current focus has switch to distance rather than time and pace but I'm looking forward to ripping one again soon and seeing what I can do.

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? 

Favorite gear without any shadow of a doubt is my Garmin watch, personally I tracking heart rate is excellent way to ensure I am not over doing it, helps tremendously with pacing and is an excellent way to manage improvement. Conditions and courses vary but average pace/time against average heart rate is an enlighting metric. I'm not a slave to my Garmin, most runs are by feel alone for pure enjoyment but the occasional blast does satisfy my competitive nature.

 2nd in line is now my 'Stop the Clot' singlet, recently received thanks to Roland, excellent communication and prompt delivery. Love the design and hoping to generate as many chances as possible to raise awareness whilst wearing it with pride both outside and inside on the treadmill.

How much are you getting out doing your sport?  

I tend to run or go to the gym every day unless my body is literally telling me not too. If I don't exercise most days then my resting heart rate can drop to 32-36 bpm which means if I'm sat reading or watching TV for anytime then I will be constantly fighting off falling asleep even when I'm not in the least bit tired, a walk does help but only temporarily as it doesn't raise my heart rate enough but 20-30 minutes exercise at Zone 2 makes the world of difference as my hear rate will usually be 50+ afterwards for a few hours at least allowing me to enjoy a good read without fighting drooping eyelids !!

What is your favorite food?   

This one goes back to my racing days, simply creamed rice pudding with a spoonful of jam, high slow release carbs that is easy on the stomach. After a work out it's all about the protein so I often go for a high protein shake.

If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?

In 2010 I tried to cycle the Manali to Leh highway through the Himilayas in India but after an incident with a petrol tanker that reversed into me damaging my bike beyond immediate repair on only my 2nd day on the highway I had to abandon. If it wasn't for the anticoags and the extreme altitude, it is the highest road in the world you can cycle on at close to 18,000 feet then I'd love another go !!!

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

I'm a very positive character and try not too be concerned about further clots, impossible I know but at least it's very manageable. I've reasoned that I didn't fight my way back from the days in hospital dependent on oxygen to breathe and not being able to leave a hospital bed without it to spend anymore time than absolutely necessary worrying about it, life is far to precious for that. I keep active, hydrated and manage my weight and fitness to minimize the risk and improve chances of future recovery and keep active in the numerous online groups to stay abreast of any new medical information or treatments but more importantly I try to share my own experience of recovery to try and inspire others.

For sure I am rooting for Tony to get back on the road for his cycling adventure.

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!! You have made an incredible recovery and you are making remarkable improvements in your fitness. There is no question that you will be completing some incredible achievements along the way. 

NEVER STOP GOING FOWARD! 

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

May Athlete of the Month

Getting to do this blog since 2008 has been one of the coolest thing I have ever done.

Getting the opportunity to meet Blood Clot Survivors in person and virtually continues to be an outstanding experience that I very much appreciate and enjoy.

Getting inspired by these stories is an incredible gift.

Over the weekend while traveling to Oregon I got the incredible fortune to meet up with the "OG" Blood Clot Survivor on this blog Cheryl who I featured back in 2008. It was wonderful to get the chance to catch up and feel the energy that this survivor continues to have despite facing some devasting adversities over the years. I came away from Oregon supercharged and ready to keep going because every story of overcoming the challenges of blood clots matters. It matters to celebrate the survivors but it also matters to give hope and inspiration to others who are just starting their journey to overcome their very own blood clotting incident.

As the path forward continues to wind around at every turn I am ready to engage with someone new who was a story to tell... Please allow me to introduce to you Lisa. She has been generous enough to share her story of overcoming her own battle with a clotting incident. Lisa will supercharge you because she is a perfect reflection of BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING! 

There is such a thing as Blood Clot Survivor INSPIRATION POWER... This inspiration power has help me overcome some dark places in training and racing. There is NO question in my mind that after you read Lisa's story you will be ready to take on anything.

Please read on = 

What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it? 

My main sport has been running since I was about 9 years old, (I'll be 50 in July) but I also love road cycling, mountain biking, and hiking. I started something called Eat The Frog Fitness right before my blood clot and bilateral pulmonary embolism and I've really been getting into that H.I.I.T training, strength training and range of motions/agility exercises. One thing I am trying to do post-clots is become a more well-rounded fit person, not only with strong legs and heart, but also gain flexibility, balance etc... and these classes are helping a lot.

How did you get started in that sport? 

I started running 10k races in the early 80's with my dad and did varsity track and cross country in high school. I got into triathlon and cycling when I was about 20, but since I detest swimming it didn't stick :)  

What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?

December 2021, about 3.5 months post clot I did the Scottsdale Half Marathon with the finish time that I wanted. It was not a personal best but within 10 minutes of my "good times" so I was super happy.  April 30th, 2022 I just completed my first 50+ road bike ride since the clot and PE's and got to wear my polka dots which arrived in the mail the day before.

Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission? 

I had a dvt blood clot and bilateral pulmonary embolism in August. I'm 49 and in good shape so when I felt my calf was sore and swollen I figured it was either my HIIT class workout Friday night, my 3 mile run with my dog, Saturday morning or mountain biking Saturday afternoon.

I had done all 3 things within a 20 hour time-frame. I thought blood clots were only something elderly or sedentary people got so I had no idea even to think that might be the cause. 

I was super dizzy and out of breathe on the mtn bike ride, my friend had to carry my mtn bike up the side of a hill so we could ride the road the last 3 miles back to my dads house.

I figured I was just dehydrated from my run before then. 

I had a half marathon one week later, flying from AZ to Oregon to race. So I totally rested my leg for 6 days and did nothing. The swelling went down a lot.

I hiked a little the day before the race and my calf was still a little sore. I wore compression calf sleeves and got through the Half Marathon, disappointed

 in how slow I had done and how easily out of breathe I got. I attributed it to a hilly course. It was a lovely race, Bridge of The Gods and goes from Oregon to Washington.

I flew home the next day and my leg was getting more and more swollen even without exercising. 4 days later I was hobbling around my office, and was kept up at night form the pain,

so I slept on the recliner in the living room and decided I better go to the doctor.  

Since my doctor was booked up for weeks due to Covid, I decided to make an appt at Urgent Care and drop by after work.

When I got there the doctor told me I needed to go to ER for an Ultrasound.  I had superficial thrombosis on my left inner thigh the day I flew home, but it didn't hurt. It

looked like I had 2 small mosquito bites on my inner thigh. I had superficial thrombosis in my arm twice twice before when donating blood, and the doctor had put me on antibiotics,

 so I was not concerned about it was that combined with my symptoms that made the Urgent Care physician tell me I needed to go to ER.

When I got to the ER they found the DVT in my left calf and did the CAT scan with the dye to find the bilateral pulmonary embolism.

I wasn't really out of Commission for more then a couple days. I got home from the hospital, deep cleaned my house and was walking the dogs a couple days later.

I will be on blood thinners for life (Eliquis) since I am heterozygous Leiden Factor V. I was really disappointed when I heard that and saw a second hematologist and got the same answer.

So I decided to do the things I love (road cycling and mountain biking) and just be as careful as possible. I am still trying to decide if I feel safe enough to motorcycle again. 

My Ninja motorcycle is getting dusty in the garage.

When were you able to get back into your activity?  How did it feel that first time?  

I spend 2 days in the ER to get the blood thinners into my system and was able to get into my primary care doc a week later. He told me I could run, exercise etc... but to take it a little easy the first month. So I was able to run a week later though I was super anxious and paranoid about every single ache and pain.

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? 

I LOVE my new women's cycling polka dot jersey and can't wait to wear my sleeveless running singlet at a 5k race in a couple weeks!

How much are you getting out doing your sport? 

In January I started a body fat loss challenge and amped up my exercise. It was only 8 weeks but I lost 9 pounds and gained muscle so I've been keeping it up. I exercise 6 days a week, running a couple days a week, my Eat the Frog Classes about 4 times a week, bike when I can squeeze it in, and lift weights at lunch a couple days a week.

What is your favorite food?  

My favorite "naughty treat" is french fries. Maybe I need salt after a hard workout but salty french fries are so good. I'm usually good though and have a protein shake.

If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go? 

My bucket list places I want to go are Alaska and Costa Rica

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? 

What I think is most important is to realize that while we all went through similar experiences, everybody's story is different. Everyone's recovery is different. And everyone's timeline is different. I had not realized until I read others stories on the National Blood Clot Alliance site how lucky I was/am. I think we all need to know to love ourselves and work forward but to be easy on ourselves too. We have to find doctors we trust and sometimes it's not the first doctor we get. I had to find a second hematologist that was better at listening and explaining things. She answers questions I didn't know I had before I can ask them. And this is the hard part for me, that I am still working on. Learn to trust yourself on how you feel. Because I ran a half marathon race and didn't know I had blood clots, I am trying to find a balance between explaining away every ache and pain and becoming a hypochondriac.

With time there is not question that you will find that balance Lisa. This is a new journey for you in which you WILL overcome and be the best that you can be in the end.

Anytime you want share on a basket of fires I AM IN! 

But learning to trust yourself is a critical part of this journey where past experiences can be a guiding light to overcome what you presently feeling and thereafter be able to continue on.

May your journey take you where you want to go and keep wearing the CLOT BUSTER @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots PROUDLY!!!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster