CLOT BUSTER @TEAMSTOPTHECLOT POLKA DOTS now available at https://shop.stoptheclot.org/
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Monday, August 21, 2023
August Athlete of the Month
Here is hoping that you are enjoying the summer heat!
Of course with caution but I hope you are out there enjoying it.
You know that I am as much as possible. Not sure why I hold on so much to being out there but I try to be as much as I can doing whatever I can. Although in my late 40's I am finding some limitations with what I can and cannot do. I can't seem to recover as fast as I did and my body feels tired longer. However, if I truly knew how to "slow down" then perhaps my recovery from racing would be easier. I just don't really slow down and I keep hammering away as much as I can for as long as I can. As if I am trying to out run or out bike or out swim or out kayak my tiredness... This is for sure a really terrible idea and I realize that often just to slug it out and do it again the next day. I guess that I do have a problem but the fall and winter coming up will fix it for me very soon. The colder weather normally slows me down.
But this year @TeamSTOTHECLOT the fall brings the opportunity of the life time to gear up and conquer the NYC Marathon. Blood Clot Survivors along with friends and/or family will not be slowing down and in fact they will be throwing some heavy miles to train and get ready ahead of the marathon in November.
This is always an inspiring time of the year where we got to meet Blood Clot Survivors that truly CAN DO ANYTHING.
I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to get to meet some of these incredible individuals and ask them to share their story with us. Facing the prospect of running the 26.2 Miles is daunting but this survivors CAN and WILL DO IT.
For this month's blog post please allow me to introduce to you Jana who is currently training and building up her endurance so that in November she is ready to face one of the most iconic marathons in the world. We are very fortunate that Jana was able to spare sometime to share some of her thoughts with us about her journey and some of her favorite things in general from the questions that I normally ask.
Please read on and enjoy!
What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
I grew up playing lacrosse and played throughout college as well. Currently I am in to different types of workout classes - F45 has been my favorite - and fun summer activities like Pickle ball!
How did you get started in that sport?
I enjoy different workout classes because I am used to the structure of always playing a sport growing up. Got started in pickleball because it is the sport of the summer!
What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?
I recently completed 13.1 - we're halfway there!!
Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
I found out I had a pulmonary embolism the summer going into my senior year of college and lacrosse due to isolated chest pain I was having. Thankfully it was caught early and a few months of blood thinners/minimal physical activity was all I needed.
When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time?
I am extremely thankful that I was not out of commission completely so working my way back was not too difficult. It was more the mental aspect of understanding that internally my body was still healing and learning to recognize what was the new normal for me.
What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity?
I was hesitant to try out the running belts but have come to love mine! I think the Polka-dot apparel might take the cake though once it arrives.
How much are you getting out doing your sport?
Currently I am running about 3 maybe 4 times a week, and then trying to get in some other type of activity twice a week whether it is a bike ride, workout class, or anything!
What is your favorite food?
I love a plain pizza and caesar salad combo... or vodka chicken parm!
If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
I would LOVE to go to Italy! As cliche as it seems I would like to explore it someday. Less extreme I have been wanting to take a trip to California as well - see some of the beach towns and Napa Valley.
What would like to say to someone who is going through a clotting episode, perhaps very similar to yours?
A close friend of mine has this saying "all discomfort is temporary" - I would tell people that they will get through it, and whatever their new normal becomes will be just fine! Personally I take note on lingering pains/aches or excessive bruising but try and refrain from over-worrying. I was extremely thankful that my episode was caught early and now just take proper precautions when traveling!
Here is wishing Jana the best of luck with her training and eventually the race.
No question that you will have plenty of pizza and caesar salads in your future as those miles continue to add up. You are half-way there and the second half of the marathon is the one that matters with the last miles after 20 really defining your journey... YOU CAN DO IT and I can't wait to hear about how it goes.
Blood Clot Survivors CAN DO ANYTHING!
Thank you for reading,
The Clot Buster
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
July Athlete of the Month
Summer Greetings!
Here is hoping that this post finds you enjoying the summer doing whatever is that you enjoy
You know that BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
It is hard for me to believe that next month this blog will be turning 15 years old... Can you believe it?!?!
I am not sure how this is happening but here we are looking at this milestone that is been one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done. Getting the opportunity to keep this up and make a little difference in the lives of people looking for answers along with some inspiration to keep going after a clotting incident has been a thrill so far.
Over the years I have come across a lot of people with stories that continue to impress me to this day.
But to be perfectly honest the most amazing thing of this process has been getting to see and follow the evolution of recovery of the people who have been willing to share their stories. I am talking about the evolution over the years and all of the incredible things people are doing even after suffering from their clotting incident. I am not just BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING just to say it... I see it happening over and over everyday. This is truly inspiring and blows me away every time I get to see it.
Over the 15 years of the blog I tried my best to get a new story every single month. I am not sure if I was able to succeed on the repeating side of the equation but I am certain that I have not missed a single month...
But this month of July I wanted to make an exception because there is a blood clot survivors amongst us who is doing some truly mind bending stuff that I can't even comprehend is possible.
I got the chance to feature this individual back in September of 2014 so he is been at this endurance running thing for a long time.
You can see the post I did about him here >>> https://clot-buster-triathlete.blogspot.com/2014/09/september-athelter-of-month.html
No doubt that you are going to be impressed by what he was doing then... almost 10 years ago...
But you are not going to believe what he is up to now...Truly some epic stuff that you will need some time to process.
MARTIN is truly an example that BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANTHING!!!
Please checkout this update he put together about celebrating the 10th Anniversary of his clotting incident...
Read on and Thank You in advance for helping him celebrate that he is alive inspiring us all!
STOP THE CLOT - SUPPORT THE SCHNEEKLOTH
Exactly ten years ago, I felt a slight pain in my rib cage while in my office at work. I wrote it off as a strained muscle ma kept working. An hour later, I felt worse and decided to call it an early day. I headed home and messaged my wife that I didn’t feel well, but I want really concerned. An hour later, my wife arrived home to see me hunched over on the couch barely able to take a full breath. She drove me to the ER immediately. I limped inside complaining of chest pain and was immediately admitted for an extensive battery of tests that finally revealed the cause for my serious condition. My legs were covered in DVTs and I had pulmonary embolisms in both lungs. I received serious pain meds to allow me to breathe and I spent the next week in the hospital receiving books thinner injections and more tests. The first 3 days were touch and go with doctors unwilling and unable to confirm whether I would make it. These were the most emotional and scary days of my life, for me, my wife, my son and my entire family. Eventually, I recovered. The cause for the blood clots was identified as a misdiagnosed ankle injury and after a year of medical procedures and rehab, I was back to my old self, more determined than ever to spend life in the now and not in some distant future.
Since then, I have tried to stay true to that promise to myself. I have challenged myself and my body more than ever before to explore the world and to stretch the limits of what I thought would be possible for me to accomplish and I have had the opportunity to participate in some truly amazing adventures that challenged both my body and mind.
To celebrate these last 10 years, I am facing my biggest challenges, yet. Yes, I have completed nearly 150 ultramarathons as a blood clot survivor and I have run, walked and crawled distances on up to 240 miles in one go, but this year is even bigger. This year, I intend to complete the 268 mile Spine Race on the Pennine Way Trail in the UK in June (also coined as Britain’s Most Brutal Race) followed by the 200 mile Tor des Geants race in the Italian Alps featuring nearly 80,000 feet of vertical elevation gain. Before, in between and after, I have lined up some of the tougher 100 mile endurance events to make it even more challenging, all in an effort to celebrate the life I’ve been given and to raise awareness and funds for this often silent and overlooked killer.
I am targeting to raise at least USD 5,200 for the NBCA to mark my 52nd birthday on May 1, the kickoff date for this campaign.
Please help me support the National Blood Clot Alliance by making a donation through my page. The process is fast, easy and secure. Thanks so much for your support... and please don't forget to send this page to any friends you think might be interested in donating!
Friday, June 09, 2023
June Athlete of the Month
Are your CLOT BUSTER @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots ready for the summer?
This past weekend I got the chance to race my first triathlon of the summer and of course I had the polka-dots going. Without a question the BEST KIT in all of triathlon... everyone racing and cheering can see it which makes it an outstanding billboard to spread awareness and get people thinking about our message to STOP THE CLOT as well as celebrating that blood clot survivors can do anything!
Over the years my experience in the polka-dots has been exceptional. From survivors sharing their stories to family members talking about survivors in their families to regular individuals learning about the cause. I know that similar experiences are happening every time folks wearing polka-dots are out there training and racing.
This month's Athlete of the Month is very much a result of seeing the polka-dots in "action" during a trail running race...
Since BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING of course we have people participating on trail running events that range from short distances to marathons, ultra-marathons, and beyond. If you look at some older postings on this blog you will find folks that not only survived their clotting incidents but now are also back competing and achieving success on the trails.
The story of June's Athlete of the Month starts indeed as spectator of a trail run shortly after his clotting incident... But please allow ROB to explain on his own words...
"My clot, Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis, was two years ago (May 2021) and resulted in the loss of a few feet of bowel and a number of other complications. The clot is being managed but the accompanying issues continue to cause pain and problems 24/7 since the operation. There have been MANY times since the operation that I wasn't sure I would get through this, and there were many times I didn't want too (the mental barriers are as tough as the physical). Shortly after my incident, I went to watch my wife in a trail race (we have been trail runners rocking the 25+km races, 50km for her) and was very saddened to struggle just walking to meet her for the last 800m of the race. It was here on the course I was inspired by a runner sporting your polka-dot shirt who stopped to share some of his story.
The power of the polka-dots in full action as you got to learn about STOPTHECLOT and of course get inspired by the blood clot survivor you saw in action. How cool is this situation...!?!?
This interaction gets even better because Rob did get the chance to run that 10Km race he wrote about... and HE CRUSHED IT!!! Rob shared with me that the race went better than anticipate and that his time was respectable given his condition and circumstances. Without a doubt your first 10Km race was a success Rob! It is inspiring because you made it to the start line and participated until the end. May this be the start of your COME BACK TO BE BETTER THAN EVER!!!
Never Stop Moving Forward!
Thank you for reading,
The Clot Buster
Saturday, May 06, 2023
May Athlete of the Month
Getting to battle an injury for a long time sure makes you appreciate the times where you did not have any issues.
Slowly it feels like I am finally turning a corner and I am able to string together some workouts without the pain on my heel being a distraction from normal life.
Looking forward to the summer racing coming up as the CLOT BUSTER @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots are getting dusted off... But even better is the fact that the polka-dot goodness is being shipped out to survivors far and wide. It is very cool to see goods heading out all over the country and even to Canada over the latest blitz.
For this month's Athlete of the Month we have someone very special with a story that has a happy ending instead of all too common tragic ending that could have been prevented.
Please allow me to introduce to you Sarah along with her story.
Read on as you will be engaged and inspired.
How did you get started in that sport? through friends.
What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve? My goal this year is my half iron man coming up in October which is 56 miles for the bike portion. I'm also doing a couple duathlons and 5ks this year.
Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission? At the end of July 2021, I started to develop some intense jaw/ear pain. Thinking it was my wisdom teeth, I made an appointment with my dentist. She assured me my teeth were fine and advised me to see my primary doctor. He didn’t have any openings so I ended up going to urgent care. The doctor saw a little fluid build up behind my ear and started me on a steroid pack, nasal spray, Benadryl, and antibiotics.
A week later the pain remained, but I had been training for a duathlon and thinking I just had a head cold I decided to still compete. I was able to complete it but had a lot of difficulty regulating my heart rate throughout and just did not feel right.
It was soon after that, that I started to develop some left sided calf tightness to the point where it was painful.
I called my doctor and was able to get an appointment. I explained my calf symptoms and that I was worried due to being on oral contraceptives because I knew that increases my chances of getting a blood clot. I told him that I have a positive Homans sign and was concerned. He never examined my leg. In fact, he totally dismissed me saying that I’m young and healthy and have nothing to worry about.
Two weeks later, I felt my HR going fast. My apple watch alerted me that my resting HR was over 125 bpm for three straight hours. I then went through the data my watch stores and noticed that my resting HR was 15 bpm higher in August than it was in July.
I started monitoring it daily. A week later, I wore my watch to bed and my resting HR never went below 85bpm sleeping. I messaged my doctor about my symptoms saying I needed an appointment.
The next day, Monday, my doctor responds but not to come in, rather to call a hospital to get a HR monitor put on. The earliest appointment was two days away. I took it reluctantly.
But as that Monday went on, I started having shortness of breath, inability to take a deep breath in, and severe chest pains. I left work, called my husband and said we need to go to the ER. There I was diagnosed with an Acute Pulmonary Embolism, blood clot in my lung affecting my entire left lower lobe. They gave me a shot of blood thinners in my stomach and I was admitted.
After a year of tests and blood work, the clot was gone but I found out that I have a Protein S Deficiency that was brought out by my birth control. I am now forever on blood thinners. I’m thankful to have found this and to have known enough to repetitively seek medical attention until I was heard.
The clot traveling to my lung could have completely been avoided if my doctor listened to me and ran a simple test. Take this as a sign. If you feel something about your body isn’t right, chances are it isn’t. Keep being your own advocate. You just may save your own life.
When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time? Not for at least 6 months from my clot did I feel comfortable riding a stationary bike due to breathing issues. It felt impossible but turned out very rewarding. I remember the first week after being discharged from the hospital, and how hard it was to go upstairs, I had to stop every 3 steps because I was COMPLETELY out of breath, or even standing to shower was nearly impossible. To be able to ride for 20 minutes non stop was huge and inspiring.
What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? Definitely my Trek Domane SL6, absolutely LOVE my bike.
How much are you getting out doing your sport? I train on my bike 2-3 days a week. I do other workouts between to get ready for some Duathlons I have planned this year.
What is your favorite food? I love pasta especially a white sauce with sundried tomatoes and garlic!
If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go? Greece!
What would like to say to someone who is going through a clotting episode, perhaps very similar to yours...While in the acute stages of having a clot, recovery may seem so long winded. But it is possible. You have to stay positive, knowing that better days are ahead. Lean on your family and friends to guide you through the days. Once cleared to start some activity, start small, don't feel discouraged when you can barely walk for 5 minutes at a time.... I've been there and now I'm running/biking/and lifting 5 days a week. Your body can truly do amazing things.
How about this story from Sarah. Truly unreal that her primary doctor dismissed her concerns... So glad to hear that Sarah took it upon herself to go to the ER and get checked.
BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!! Even advocate for themselves.
Can't wait to hear how the events Sarah is planning on doing this year will turn out. She is truly an inspiration that all of us can follow because YOU CAN'T EVER GIVE UP!!!
Thank you for reading,
The Clot Buster
Saturday, April 22, 2023
April Athlete of the Month
Well... looks like April slipped right through my fingers and I almost missed this month's post.
It has been busy month.
Lots of CLOT BUSTER @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dot packages going out this month to Blood Clot Survivors all over the USA and Canada. It is a thrill to get to mail this packages of polka-dot goodness to people who are overcoming the challenges of blood clots and really getting back some sort of normalcy. I have said it many times... IT IS TRULY INSPIRING!
As it stands this month's post will need to be short and sweet as I need to fit in a Saturday "longish" workout ahead of my "futbol" coaching duties, and weekend chores... pedal to the metal everyday - ALL DAY.
This month's athlete of the month is DAVID and his story was first posted on STOPTHECLOT.org as part of the series of stories featured during Blood Clot Awareness Month in March. This is another interesting story worth reading as blood clots don't care about how young or fit you are... when they are coming they are coming... the question is... will you be ready to understand the signs and symptoms, will you seek help and be your advocate when doctors are hesitant, will you be able to overcome to come back to the best of your ability?
It is not easy BUT IT CAN BE DONE!!! David is doing it at his level... everyone has their own level which will allow you to return and hopefully be better than ever!
I had a pulmonary embolism in the fall of 2016. I was just 24 years old and was an avid runner/marathoner. I had completed about 10 marathons, including the iconic Boston Marathon.
But, a couple of weeks after some cramping in my legs began, I started to develop chest pain. I waited a couple of days before going to the hospital. On the day I finally went to get looked at, I had run 16 miles that morning. I was young, fit, and healthy. Doctors were skeptical when they first started running tests.
They eventually discovered I had a blood clot, and I stayed in the hospital for a couple of days. Tests showed that I have the factor V Leiden clotting disorder and I would need to be on blood thinners indefinitely.
The road back to full health wasn’t easy. Doctors didn’t know if I would be able to run the same way again. I started having regular panic attacks and still battle with anxiety today. I got back into running and did my first marathon about a year after the blood clot with Team Stop the Clot® at the New York City Marathon. I ran it in two hours and 47 minutes (2:47) and I have since run a 1:13 half marathon and a 2:42 full marathon.
Over the last couple of years, I have gotten into triathlons. I qualified for the 70.3 World Championships in my first attempt at the distance and competed at the World Champs in 2021 and 2022. I finished my first Ironman in November 2022 in less than 10 hours. I’m very close to earning a professional license in the sport, which is my goal in 2023.
Having a blood clot makes me more aware of my surroundings. I have to think about things other people don’t. When I’m riding a bike or driving a car, there’s an added risk if I were to get into an accident. The various blood clot forums have been helpful since there aren’t a lot of studies on high-level athletes and blood clots.
The journey back hasn’t been easy, but things seem to get a little easier each day. My wife, my family, and the larger blood clot community have provided immense support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!
Never Stop trying to overcome. It is worth it!
Thank you for reading,
The Clot Buster
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
March Athlete of the Month
MARCH is BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH!
MARCH is BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH!
MARCH is BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH!
MARCH is BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH!
MARCH is BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH!
This is the month to step it up and really push the awareness for this cause.
STOPTHECLOT.org is doing a FANTASTIC job promoting #BCAM (Blood Clot Awareness Month) and I am very much enjoying all of the valuable information that is being shared. Also, the personal stories that are being posted for sure are galvanizing this month of awareness. Every story counts because it can help with inspiration and with guidance that can help someone down road as they relate to the story. It is so important for these stories to be shared far and wide.
BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHIING!
I keep debating as to to which stories to share for this month's featured athlete because all the stories matter. I decided to get started with SHERRYE's story and I hope that if you are reading you can relate and hopefully find the inspiration you need to overcome the challenges of your own blood clotting incident. It is not going to be easy but YOU WILL GET THROUGH it because you ARE NOT ALONE in this journey.
My story is not that I had an extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT), since this happens to so many of us. My story is that it took me five weeks and five doctors, plus one physical therapist to have my symptoms truly heard and diagnosed. I had even asked all the right questions and pursued the correct doctors.
In June of 2021, my husband and I took a three-hour drive from Connecticut to Boston. This was three weeks after I started birth control to treat uterine fibroid symptoms. I had asked my doctors about blood clot risks since I am 48, but they said I wasn’t at risk because I didn’t smoke.
We arrived on a Friday night. When I woke up Saturday morning, I had a very sharp pain in my right calf and found it difficult to walk, but I had no swelling. I immediately thought it was a blood clot since I knew the symptoms, but decided to see how it progressed. I made a decision that I think truly helped me. I decided to walk all six miles of the Freedom Trail in Boston. If I had stayed in bed because of the pain, things could have been worse.
The calf pain didn’t subside, so as soon as I got home, I went to urgent care. The doctor said since there was no swelling, she didn’t think it was a blood clot and gave me a muscle relaxer. She performed no diagnostics.
The pain spread down to my heel, so the following week, I went to a podiatrist. I asked if it could be a blood clot, but I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Again, I was misdiagnosed.
The pain kept increasing. I saw an orthopedic specialist the following week. He said I had sciatica, even though he did a back x-ray and it came back as negative. He insisted that I did not have a blood clot and told my husband, “Your wife knows too much.” He gave me a prescription for cortisone and physical therapy. Diagnostic test for sciatica only.
The physical therapist was the first person to take my symptoms seriously. I was having severe leg pain throughout my entire leg by then. She said that I wasn’t presenting with sciatica and that my leg was indeed slightly swollen and warm. She asked me to go back to the ortho and request an ultrasound.
I immediately went back and saw a different doctor. He said I was already told that it was sciatica and not a blood clot. I said I’d like to have an ultrasound anyway. He couldn’t get me in that night but would ask the vein specialist to see me the next day.
That was the most important visit of my life! I was diagnosed with an abdomen-to-ankle DVT with three fully occluded veins in my upper thigh. The birth control and car ride were thought to have contributed to the clot.
Since then, I acquired a new team of doctors who I trust with my life, I’ve had a hysterectomy, I’ve been off of anticoagulants for a year, and I’ve never been healthier. Keep advocating for your health!
Indeed you have advocate for yourself.
Ask questions... ALL THE QUESTIONS.
Make requests... to make sure that you have the best care possible along the way. It was save your life!
I have seen countless stories in which the patient had to make the case for their care due to the lack of awareness of the physician. It is an unfortunate situation but it is one that we can overcome with awareness campaigns like BCAM that can bring light to this condition and avoid unfortunate errors in diagnosis.
Be careful out there.
Thank you for reading,
The Clot Buster
Friday, February 17, 2023
February Athlete of the Month
Where is the month of February going?
Did the Super Bowl just happen?
CONGRATULATIONS to the Kansas Chiefs and their Blood Clot Survivor Team Member TREY SMITH!
I was hoping the Chiefs would pull it off as I am a "partial" fan of theirs... I say partial because this household is dominated by Cincinnati Bengal fans and it is not easy to get swept into the madness when is 4 against one... Plus the power of the polka-dots in a blood clot survivor tips the scale for me during the championship.
With February going by so fast I can certainly look towards March and the fact that it is BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH.
STOPTHECLOT.org will be very active during the month to promote the message of awareness for all.
The effort does not stop to create awareness against blood clots and blood clotting disorders.
From my side the CLOT BUSTER @TeamSTOPTHECLOT polka-dots are at the ready be sent out to any and all who are interested in spreading the awareness. We are all and will be wearing the polka-dots proudly because we celebrate ALL Blood Clot Survivors but also remember those we lost along the way.
Over the 15 years of doing this blog I've had the incredible fortune to get to meet 2 Fantastic and Inspiring ladies named Kim that were featured previously. Well the third installment of KIM is going to be just as Fantastic and Inspiring.
I need to channel the grit and determination of all 3 Kims as I am trying to overcome my own set of injuries and issues that are trying to slow me down. I am inspired by this Kim and her will to overcome despite the challenges she faced with her own blood clotting incidents.
I won't say more and I will let you read her introduction from the fundraising page she had set up for her NYC Marathon attempt.
THANK YOU Kim for sharing your story with all of us!
Keep the inspiration going!
https://donate.stoptheclot.org/fundraiser/3838397
Having experienced two blood clotting events throughout the years, my goal is to promote the work being done in support of programs that build public awareness (know your risk factors!), educate patients (what should I be asking my doctor?) and healthcare professionals (what’s new in treatment?).
20 years ago, I was training for my first marathon, I had just completed a 20 mile long run and was ready to start the taper to race day. I felt strong and in great shape! My training came to an abrupt stop as I experienced a pulmonary embolism (PE) just 3 weeks ahead of my race date.
I would stay in the hospital for a couple of days while they worked to clear the clot. I learned to give myself a shot of heparin. I learned that birth control was probably a contributing factor. I learned that I had Factor V Leiden. All very important and life changing items! However, at that time the hardest element for me was learning that I would not be able to participate in the marathon that I had trained so hard for those past 5 months. With the support of my doctor, my family, and friends I returned to running and trained again for that marathon the following year. More determined than ever I made sure I crossed that finish line!
5 years ago, while training for a half marathon I experienced a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my left calf. Delayed that race once again, trained the following year and completed the half with friends by my side.
Being active is an important part of my life – running, biking and even now swimming helps me stay focused on living a healthy lifestyle.
BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
Believe in yourself and listen to what your body let's you do. You will accomplish everything!
NEVER STOP GOING FORWARD!
Thank you for reading,
The Clot Buster
Thursday, January 12, 2023
January Athlete of the Month
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Hello 2023!
Here is wishing everyone reading this a blessed new year full of gratitude, happiness, good fortune and good health.
There is no way to know what the new year will bring.
But one this is for sure, we will have more blood clot survivors join the cause and we will CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE that BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!! @TeamSTOPTHECLOT @STOPTHECLOT
Let the inspiration of overcoming the challenges brought on by blood clots keep us all going.
Speaking of overcoming challenges let's get the year started with an incredible athlete. I mean, this is one that you will want to read because it impressive.
Although I now live in Ohio, I did get the chance to live in Kansas City for a number of years as I had job opportunity there. Living in the city of fountains got me interested in the Kansas City Chiefs and I have followed them since the early 2000's. These days I tend to pull for the Cincinnati Bengals because my kids are fans and there is 3 of them and only one of me... But the Kansas City Chiefs have a very special athlete playing for them who is a Blood Clot Survivor... Believe it or not this Blood Clot Survivor plays Professional Football.
I am still in disbelief that this is possible but YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE!
Please allow me to introduce to you to the one and only TREY SMITH.
Check out the story that was featured on www.STOPTHECLOT.org
Thank you for reading and HAPPY NEW YEAR again!
TREY SMITH PARTNERS WITH THE NATIONAL BLOOD CLOT ALLIANCE
At six feet, six inches tall and 321 pounds, Trey Smith is an imposing force on the football field, recording more snaps than any guard in the NFL in 2021. So, when this offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs chose the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) as his charity of choice for the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” he set out to tackle blood clots with that same force and determination.
Being diagnosed with pulmonary emboli (blood clots in his lungs) completely changed Trey’s life and nearly derailed his promising football career. And like many others, Trey was initially misdiagnosed – told his breathlessness was due to an upper respiratory infection. Thankfully, Trey listened to his gut and continued to ask questions.
With this diagnosis, comes so many questions for patients. Over the next several months, Trey worked closely with a multi disciplinary medical team to come up with a plan that would allow him to continue the recommended anticoagulant therapy while also accommodating his high-risk lifestyle as an offensive lineman.
Since Trey’s initial blood clot diagnosis at the age of 18, he has made it his personal mission to increase public awareness about this illness that affects nearly one million Americans every year and encourages other athletes to share their blood clotting experiences.
Trey is partnering with the National Blood Clot Alliance to share his story with the public in order to help raise awareness and support NBCA initiatives. Watch Trey’s full interview with NBCA Ambassador and Olympic Medalist Swimmer, Katie Hoff.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
My 100th Triathlon Finish !!!
#100 TRIATHLONS
