September Athlete of the Month

Inspiration is all around us.

Sometimes you will find it where you least expect it.

I am very lucky to have a fountain of inspiration as I come across stories of survivors through social media... I am very lucky that those I approach are willing to share their story so that all of us can learn something... 

From my part I always appreciate the tenacity to overcome the challenges that blood clots can throw our way... It just does not get old and honestly it is energizing.

For the month of September I have a special personal account that you need to read... EMMA JANE has a story that will resonate with you not only because she is a clot survivor but also because she was able to overcome the challenges and come back to accomplish milestones she did not think she could do...!

Read on...

"As a kid I was always active . My swim teacher encouraged me to strengthen my core with running and sit ups and press ups  to help my swimming . Later I started running a bit further to keep fit and deal with stress. Only in 2013 did I start taking part in organised races. And within 9 months I ran my first marathon. I'm about to run my 35th marathon now. I thoroughly enjoy it all.

I also love a variety of sport activities. Mainly running, also cycling and swimming including working out at the gym.

My longest race was 37 miles . I have completed 2 half iron man triathlons and my fastest marathon is 4h 4 mins which I completed 3 & 1/2 weeks after my PE was diagnosed. I was astonished!  How did I do that??!  

I'm brick training more lately (2 or more disciplines back to back) as I want to take part in a full ironman (2.4 miles swim. 112 miles cycle. 26.2 miles run) totally bonkers but I'm so motivated to do it. 

I noticed a funny cramp in my left lower leg . Down the front of it last year (2015) in mid September. It went on for 3wks then disappeared when I had some osteopathy. Then in mid October I was bitten several times on the left calf by a cat ( I'm a vet nurse part time) it didn't go nasty. I bathed it in salt water and it healed quite well. A week later I felt what seemed like a knotty muscle in the back of my left calf just below the knee . It was quite painful. Massaging it seemed to help and I carried on running. It had almost disappeared when I noticed my left calf was swelling up . It was the 2nd of November. I couldn't get in to see a Doctor at my local office so a nurse at A and E examined me. By then it was so painful I felt very sick with it. The nurse thought it was an infection from the cat bite and referred me to my Doctor for an emergency appt that day. I didn't think it was a cat bite infection. It didn't look or feel like a typical infection . But I kept an open mind. The doctor also didn't think it was infected bite or a DVT as I didn't fit the profile. I am slim, fit, non smoker. So he told me to take pain killers and rest it thinking I had pulled a muscle. But it didn't improve . 3 days later my leg was so painful and swollen ( 6 cm bigger than the other leg!) I was crying in agony and being physically sick. I phoned my doctors office again . I was given an emergency appt but again it wasn't thought to be DVT. After I persisted the doctor agreed to test my d-dimer levels and put me on a short course of xarelto just as a precaution. By now I couldn't walk on my leg at all. Later that day my test results came back . D-dimers are supposed to be no more than 500. Mine were 4800!!! I was given an emergency hospital appt . I had two clots in my left leg extending above the knee. One blocking the vein . The other nearly blocking the vein. Each more than 6inches long!!! I was numb with shock. Why had this happened? More blood tests were booked and a mammogram as cancer can cause clots and both sides of my family have experienced cancer . Lucky for me no cancer was found. And the DVT s were attributed to the cat bite. I continued my running etc. Ran another Marathon 20days after my leg first swelled. I know . I'm mad  . But I had already booked it. Paid for it. It was a lapped course so I could stop at any time if I needed to. I struggled with it but finished in 4h 34. Felt very dizzy at the end but happy. Then 5  weeks later I ran a flat road 50k race . Felt super fit. No leg problems or breathing problems and achieved 5h 32. I was so happy  . Felt on top of the world. I could still run and run well at that. My hobby would continue to develop and I could enjoy it to the hilt.

Near the end of February I finished my tablets and had an appt with a specialist for more blood tests and a consultation . Again the DVT s were attributed to the cat bite. I felt happy with that and continued on with my life, work and hobbies . A fortnight after I had finished my blood thinners. I experienced flu like symptoms and quickly became exhausted but as the symptoms improved within a few days I dismissed it as an infection and carried on with my running. I did another marathon called The Larma Tree marathon. Held in a beautiful rural estate. Lots of my running buddies were there. I took it easy but enjoyed the event nonetheless for being recently sick. Then during my 28th marathon on 3rd April 2016. I experienced funny breathing and tight chest. 'Weird' I thought but I finished and  felt fine after I finished  so again I thought nothing of it (oh dear) but the next day I felt awful. Breathing was hard work. My chest felt tight and heavy. I thought it was another infection and just had to tough it out . The next night at about 3am a searing pain across my left shoulder woke me up. I was in agony.  My breathing was extremely difficult and my chest was tight and I also felt uncomfortable lying down.  Any pressure on my back hurt in my chest. I had had similar symptoms 8 years before and it had been dismissed as muscular (!!!)  I felt unsettled enough though to phone the NHS helpline who immediately called an ambulance out to me. I thought what a lot of fuss! No abnormalities showed up on their equipment. Oxygen fine. Temperature fine. ECG fine. Blood pressure all fine. I was advised to take some pain killer and see my doctor the next day on the 6th April 2016 . I managed to get a last minute appt to see a nurse practitioner. Who instantly panicked and sent me to Bath Ruh A &E. I didn't believe  I had PE . I didn't want any fuss. I refused the emergency clopidogarol injection saying 'don't waste it on me' (hahahaha) I spent 10hours in MIU being tested poked and prodded and scanned. My DDimers were high again. 1100 ! I broke down at that point. I was there all on my own and something awfull was happening to me . I had to go off and have a good walk. It helped and thank goodness for FaceBook!! The support I was getting from my friends was amazing. I will never forget and always be grateful. After a few minutes I pulled myself together thinking . I need to get on with this. I can do this/deal with this. I have been through tough times before and survived. I can do it again. 

      I was then booked in for a VQ lung scan. My body would lie in this huge doughnut shaped machine while I was sandwiched between two massive plates that take the images of the air ways and blood vessels in the lungs. I was pumped full of radioactive gas and iv fluid for contrast then lay there listening to Enyas soothing music in the background. I soon started snoring !! The machine attendant was very good, very caring and never once indicated what my scan results were . Once I was back in the MIU though the expressions on the nurses faces registering outright shock at my results completely gave the game away. I found myself laughing under my breath . When the doctor on duty in the MIU next spoke to me she tried to cover up just how bad my results were with her jolly voice and jargony words . I was not impressed and it was still a big mystery as to why these clots were occurring. Next thing I know I have an appt to be checked out for cancer!! Again!! Nooooo . Lucky for me its less than a week away. My results were clear but I still felt very uneasy and less than reassured. The very next day the specialist was due to call me and she had some great news! I have Factor V Leiden's . Yahooooo ! I hollered down the phone. I didn't have cancer!!! I felt such relief . I knew about Leiden's . Had researched it along with other causes of clotting and I knew I could deal with having it . Yes I'm on xarelto for life and all the gremlins that brings with it but I was in all other ways Healthy. I was very fit so my body dealt well with the symptoms of multiple PE very well . Yep multiple PE, five areas in my lungs were riddled with blood clots. Too many to count. I was stunned!!  And filled with anxiety which I then handled by going for a 3mile run just hours after my diagnosis . I was a bit breathless and slow but it felt great to offload the anxiety. I then tested myself physically over the next two weeks. I was happy with my body's performance and doing breathing exercises helped enormously so on the 1st May 2016 I ran a hilly road marathon . Very Carefully. I set a new personal best record !!!! My previous one set over a year ago was 4h 12. My new one this day was 4h 4m !! I could not believe it. I asked if the clock was accurate lol!! Then when it had sunk in I was ecstatic. My life would always have the shadow of PE and Leiden's and hence xarelto over it but it was good and going to get better  . I have since completed another 5 marathons including 3 ultras (30 + miles)  and a half iron man triathlon . Not without difficulties but I persisted and overcame and threw myself all into it and I'm succeeding. 

I only took time off work for hospital appointments. I kept going otherwise. It was hard but it helped an awful lot with the anxiety. I'm a self employed beautician and love my work. My favou
rite piece of gear has to be my garmin sports watch. Its a 910 forerunner and does my swimming and cycling too. And where would we sporties be without Strava ?! Lol Someday I would love to visit Club la Santa on lanzarote a sports persons paradise . All sorts of sports activities and socialising to do. As well as a cruise as I have many cocktail dresses and not much opportunity to wear them..."

 

Emma here is hoping that you get to wear those cocktail dresses while still running and eventually doing that elusive IRONMAN,  For sure you will have to do that race in the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots..!!!

Thank You for reading,

The Clot Buster

Still Enjoying the Sweet Pain of My Accomplishment...

The CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots Flying High...!!!

I still can't believe that I was able to pull off a new Personal Best.

Celebrating CLOT SURVIVORS and SPREADING AWARENESS carried me on.

This race sure was a blast.  You should consider it if you want a fast 70.3 Triathlon!

July Athlete of the Month

How fun is it to play outside during the summer? 

From sun-up to sun-down it is non-stop at my house.  

Sometimes we even sleep outside...

Pretty much we do it all... you name we do it.  We now even do "American Ninja Warrior" courses on the play set.  Who knew the slide would work as the coveted "Warped Wall"...?

Although it feels like it we are not engaged in playing for 24 hours continuously... 

However I can tell you about a Blood Clot Survivor who can indeed "play running" for more than 24 hours while Ultra-Marathoning...

BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING... 

Please allow me to introduce to you Mr. Steven Stewart who has been very kind to share his story with us so that we can get some inspiration from the insight he can provide to overcome the challenges of blood clots and run crazy distances...

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

Running. Can do it any time of the day or any season of the year.

2)  How did you get started in that sport?

The company I worked for sponsored a 10k race and I thought that would be a good challenge... The rest is history.

3)  What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?(Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)

I ran 2 self-supported 250Km stage races in the desert.  In June I will also be running my 4th 100Mile Trail Run.

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

 My first dvt was in the spring of 2013. On warfarin for 6 months. Ran Boston marathon one month after diagnosis. Was hard due to leg getting tired so easily. 2nd dvt (and PE) was spring 2015. After that one they put me on xarelto indefinitely. The dvt was in the other leg. I notice now that I cannot run as fast as before and sprinting is very tough. However running slow I can run for a long time though. First incident was worse. Off my feet for a week then walked a bit more each day.

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

My first incident was worse because of the swelling by far but the second one involved a suspected PE too. I was off running for a few weeks. I notice now that my legs get tired sooner and have a decreased lung capacity.

6)  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...) 

I wear my polka dots at all races now and always get lots of comments. This weekend will be my 25th race of marathon or greater distance --- SIMPLY AMAZING!

7)  How much are you getting out doing your sport?  (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week) 

I run 3-4 X per week plus I walk about 60k plus I bike when I can.

8)   What is your favorite food?  Either generally or after a workout.  For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...

In the summer I feast on toasted tomato and cheese sandwiches. I make rhubarb squares too but they don't last long around our house. Coffee is a good post-run treat and so is a beer with my friends.

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

There are so many places I would like to go. If I had to pick a few it would be Scotland and Western Europe.

10)  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.

Don't give up. Realize that even healthy people are not immune to blood clots and be aware of your body.
I was able to diagnose clot #2 faster because I knew what it felt like even though the swelling was not the same as the first one.

I am still not sure how this guy can do what he does... 

I can't wrap my head around running for 100Miles regardless of how fast you are going.  I am so impressed that a blood clot survivor can do this that I want to push my own body to see what it can do.  I 100% agree that you should NEVER EVER GIVE UP and keep on trying despite the challenges.  I always smile when I learn of one more his successful races and just hope I can do  small fraction of what he is able to do.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

CELEBRATING...!

This weekend celebrate the RED - WHITE - & - BLUE in style...

But also use the RED POLKA-DOTS to CELEBRATE ALL BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS!

No matter your talent level...

Just the simply fact that you are able to train and eventually competing is a POWERFUL message about the fact that blood clots CANNOT and WILL NOT stop you...!

Send me your best photos of CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots in action.

With or Without polka-dots get out there and enjoy each and every day to the max!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

June Athlete of the Month

There is no shortage of inspiring stories of blood clot survivors out there.  I love coming across people and learning about their stories.

At this time of the year when the weather heats up is when my CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots get going so that I can do my part to spread awareness about blood clots and celebrate survivors while racing whenever I can.

Speaking of celebrating survivors... Once again we make a turn to another month in 2016 and as such I would like to share with you another remarkable personal account of survival and dedication to return to action.

Please allow me to introduce to you LIZ SHEETS HOSKINSON who is an individual from which you can draw great inspiration as you learn from her challenges with blood clots and how she was able to overcome them.

Thank You Liz for your willingness to share your story!

1)  What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
I enjoy running and biking. Running has helped me relieve stress and anxiety.

2)  How did you get started in that sport?
Got started running 18 yrs ago was suffering from post Partom depression.. I tried everything.. Running helped a lot.

3)  What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?(Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)

I've run a lot of half marathons. I ran my first in memory of my brother who died in a car accident 7 yrs ago yesterday. It really helped me with my grief. I am currently signed up to run my First Marathon. Chicago.

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

I had a DVT in my calf 3.5 yrs ago after foot surgery. Got tested Dr. Said I only needed to be on blood thinners if I went on a long plane ride or became unable to walk around.

This year on January 23rd I ran the F 3 half marathon on the lake in Chicago and felt great. The next day my chest and back felt tight. The day after that I went to work and had the nurse I work with listen to my lungs but she didn't hear any air moving in my left lung.

Went to walk in care and the Doctor who saw me wanted me to take an ambulance to the hospital after making his evaluation.  I refused since I didn't feel that bad. But considering the urgency indicated by the Doctor I ended up driving myself to the ER.. Later after many different tests I found out that I had multiple pulmonary embolisms in both lungs. I seriously thought maybe I had pneumonia or something. It was a Total shocker!  I was told that I am very lucky as I could have just dropped dead at that race a few days before.  Now I'm on blood thinners for life. My mom has a strong history of clots and so do other of my family members. I seriously didn't feel that bad. Just felt tight and just didn't feel right.

Liz finishing that faithful race this past January in which various blood clots almost brought her down...

5)  When were you able to get back into your activity?  How did it feel that first time?   
Well... after being released I ran like two weeks after the clotting incident and Haven't stopped... 

The picture above is of Liz at the finish of her first race after her multiple PE's... she reports that it was hard and some of the hills were rough but despite the effort her smile always remains...

6)  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...) 
I love my Saucony hurricane shoes. I'd love a clot buster singlet I'd say I've earned one... 

>>> Liz from the editors desk you are right... We need to have you running your FIRST Marathon in Chicago in the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots... Drop me a line and we can make arrangements!

7)  How much are you getting out doing your sport?  (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week) 
I've ran 5 days in a row...my longest streak...!

But I run as much as possible when life allows... Love racing and try to do it whenever I can so that I can push my limits by running with pacers who can make me faster.

8)   What is your favorite food?  Either generally or after a workout.  For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...
Favorite food steak tacos.

9)  If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go? 
I been dying to go to Hawaii.

10)  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.

I fell and hit my head at the gym of course about a month after my PE's had to get a CT and had a slight concussion. I've learned to be more careful but I've also learned to live everyday like its your last... 

Did my first speed work out ever this past Tuesday...Getting ready for Chicago...!  ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE for those who believe!

Here is wishing you the best of luck as you are preparing for your first marathon in Chicago... which of course your will be running in the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

May Athlete of the Month

How is it May already...?!?!?

Not too long ago we were only a family of 4... and now we are 5 strong with this kind of smile to keep me going every day...

We are very lucky for sure not only to have him but for EVERYTHING!

I suppose that part of the luck has to do also with my interactions with clot survivors over social media.  Everyday brings me the opportunity to meet new people and keep up with those that I already know.  Every story of survival is inspiring regardless of who it is. 

Not too long ago I saw a post about a clot survivor completing a Spartan Race which caught my eye.  I've heard of the Spartan Race Series before and the newer format of obstacle course racing but I don't recall seeing blood clot survivors going after a demanding event like that.  So naturally I had to look into this and find out who was brave enough to take on that sort of physical challenge after surviving blood clots...

Please allow me to introduce to you Mr. SCOTT FISHER and his blood clot survival experience and come back! 

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

I love participating in boot camps and spin and for the last two years my primary focus has been high-intensity interval training with Orangetheory Fitness.  They are 1 hour group training sessions divided into different blocks consisting of a combination of cardio (on the treadmill and water rowers) and weight room training, which combines TRX straps, BOSU balls, medicine balls, dumbbells, and other non-weight exercises like burpees, push-ups and step-ups.  You set your pace of base, push and all-out running on the treadmill and rower.  You have the choice to wear a heart-rate monitor that displays your heart-rate and calorie count on an overhead board during the work-out and your results also get emailed to you. I enjoy it since it is total body conditioning in only an hour and I burn the most calories than any other exercise routine I do.

2)  How did you get started in that sport? The local Orangetheory Fitness franchise opened in my neighborhood about two years ago.  Prior to that I had been doing different boot camp training sessions at my local gym and I thought that the Orangetheory  Fitness concept would take me to the next level, which it has.

3)  What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?(Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)In mid April 2016, I participated in my first Spartan Sprint Race at Citi Field.  My work outs at Orangetheory Fitness helped prepared me for the endurance, strength and power I needed to complete the Spartan race.  It was intense and I pushed myself to the limit to finish the race and tried my best to complete all of the course obstacles.

4)  Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
In early May 2015, I developed flu-like symptoms.  I was feverish, lethargic, and developed a wet cough.  I also felt like I could not focus.  After a week, I went to my primary care physician, who felt that I probably had a virus and prescribed antibiotics.  I took the antibiotics for almost a week and felt no relief.  During that week, I also developed severe pain in my right calf.  After a few days, I was unable to work out and by Mother's Day I could barely walk.  The next day I went to the orthopedist, The working diagnosis was a muscle sprain and I was recommended for physical therapy.  Right before I was leaving the office, the orthopedist said that the chances were extremely low but he gave me a prescription for a sonogram of my leg to rule out a blood clot.  I immediately went to the radiologist and a DVT was discovered in my right calf.  It was after business hours by then and the orthopedist told me to go to my local emergency room with the radiological results and tell them to start me on blood thinner.  The ER doctor had the foresight to consider all of my symptoms and scheduled me for a CT scan of my chest.  The CT scan revealed multiple bilateral PEs and I was admitted to the hospital, where I stayed for 5 days.  I started a course of treatment on Xarelto and I am still on it almost a year later

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

I was told not to work out for about a month.  The pain in my right calf substantially subsided after about 2 weeks.  I decided to go back to working out by the end of June 2015.  I started slowly and took my time getting my stamina and strength back.  When I started back, I felt like it was the first time I had ever worked out.  It was a slow process to get all of the strength back.  I am back to my regular work out routine but my stamina and energy levels are not where they were pre-blood clots. I now also try to take at least 1 day off per week from working out and try to listen to my body if I am sore and tired.

6)  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...)

I don't really have a favorite piece of gear but I would say that my running shoes of choice are New Balance 990s.

7)  How much are you getting out doing your sport?  (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)
If I am feeling strong, I will work out 7 days/week.  5-6 of those days will be at Orangetheory Fitness and 1-2 days will be at a local gym doing spin or other cardio machines like the Stair Master.  If I am tired, I will work out most likely 6 days/week and follow the same schedule.  When the weather is nice I may also go for long walks and cycle outside. 


8)   What is your favorite food?  Either generally or after a workout.  For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...
I don't have a favorite food.  I like to generally maintain a healthy lifestyle so I tend to avoid eating red meat and pasta.  Lately, I have been eating Bird's Eye frozen Protein Blend - Italian which combines whole grains and vegetables in a tasty, light sauce.  For a treat, I enjoy Yasso Greek Frozen Yogurt bars (all the flavors) which are high in protein and low in calories.  Of course, I'll eat at Chipotle but I tend to go with a salad bowl with grilled chicken.

9)  If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
One of my bucket list items was to visit the Grand Canyon.  I had the opportunity to go a couple of months ago and it was a surreal experience.  It was so majestic and peaceful to see the beauty and grandeur of nature at its best.

 

10)  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.
The key is to never give up.  To be strong in the face of adversity.  There was no way I was going to let blood clots prevent me from continuing to work out.  Being active and staying fit are essential to my life and I was not going to give that up.  Fortunately, my strength came back and even though my stamina is not where it was, it is close enough that I am satisfied with my journey back.  You have to be smart and listen to your body.  It is also easy to worry that every ache can be a clot.  If there is doubt, then seek medical advice. I have learned to try to find the right balance between pushing myself and knowing how far is too far.  When you have a passion for something, you can't give in.  You have to mentally and physically challenge yourself to keep that passion alive and to strive for continued success.  And the support and encouragement from family and friends also helped tremendously.

THANK YOU Scott for your willingness to share your story and your personal experiences with blood clots.

There is not question that you will have plenty more obstacle course races to conquer in the future as you celebrate that you were able to overcome your blood clots.

For sure someday we will find the CLOT BUSTER #STOPTHECLOT polka-dots participating on that sort of event... I just hope that it is one of those in which the polka-dots can stay relatively clean...

Blood Clots CANNOT stop us!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

April Athlete of the Month

Listen Up!

This post is NOT an April Fools Joke about a blood clot survivor that can inspire all of us with her dedication, discipline, determination, never quit attitude, and pure love of her life.

I am not sure I can keep up with her as she is always on the move... with family, working, training and racing... I sure admire her energy and would love to know her secret to keep her going...

I am very fortunate to have had the chance to meet her in person one time as she slowed down enough to catch a bite to eat last year.  I very much enjoyed learning about her story and how she is determined not to let her clotting incident slow her down because she has many (and I mean many) very cool items on her bucket list that she is checking off one at the time...

Personally I don't know how she does it but I hope that as you read her story some of NANCY KUSHINSKY's drive rubs off on you as it has with me... Don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today...

Read on...

"1)  What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
- I'm a runner.  That's pretty much it anymore.  It's a sport I can easily take on the road with me since I travel so much for work.  I love running because it is my escape from stress and it gives me a chance to clear my mind and/or work through problems. I have also been lucky to find two great running groups that are very different from each other but are full of great people and are really supportive.

2)  How did you get started in that sport?

- I was a runner in high school but then didn't run again until my 30s.  I was tagged in a Facebook photo and when I first saw it I couldn't figure out why I was tagged in it.  But then I hovered on my name I realized the person I was linked to was me.  I didn't even recognize myself.  So I untagged myself (of course!), had a good cry, and signed up for my first half marathon that night.  I went to being sedentary to training for a half marathon in the click of a button.

3)  What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?(Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)

- I am working towards I half marathon in all 50 states.  Injuries derailed me a bit last year, but I am back in racing shape.  I'll be knocking Arizona, Oklahoma, and Missouri off the list this spring.  So far I am at 30 half marathons total, covering 19 states, DC, and Ireland, Iceland, Italy, and Spain.

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

- I went for run and not even a third of a mile in I had a horrible pain in my neck and along my right shoulder.  I thought it was a pinched nerve so I continued with my run as well as going to work.  Over the next week or so I had trouble breathing on my right side.  I thought I had pulled a muscle or separated a rib.  Trying to lie flat at night to sleep was torture.  Then one night I woke up around 2am gasping and desperate for air but every breath hurt worse than the last one.  Went to the emergency room where I walked in under my own power because I refuse to use wheelchairs (and bedpans!).  They did chest x rays and diagnosed me with pneumonia.  I was given an IV drip of antibiotics and would be discharged when it was done.  Lucky for me, there was a shift change before the drip was done.  The new doctor ordered a CT scan.  Shortly after everyone started freaking out and that's when I was told it was multiple bilateral PEs with infarction and not pneumonia.  I was in the hospital for five days, did lovenox shots at home for a bit, and then was on warfarin for over 18 months.

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

- I went to see my primary care doctor after being discharged from the hospital and asked her about running.  She told me I could start walking again when I felt ready and slowly work back into running.  She told me to expect it to take a while and that my speed might not get back to where it was before.  So I asked her if a half marathon in two weeks was out of the question.  She laughed...and then realized I was serious.  LOL  She said I could try to do it but I might not finish.  So I got on a plane to Idaho two weeks later and did my 8th half marathon.  It was hard and it wasn't fast, but I did it!  I felt like I couldn't ever get a deep breath most of the race and had to walk at times.  The air was really cold, which for me has become an issue since get the PEs.

6)  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...)

- I love Asics for road running, Saucony for my trail shoes, and my Simple Hydration water bottle is perfect for me since I hate holding anything in my hands.  And I do looove my Clot Buster's polka dot shirt.  Whenever I wear it in a race someone tells me they like it. 

7)  How much are you getting out doing your sport?  (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)

- I'm streaking right now.  So as of writing this, I have run 113 days in a row.  That included doing laps in the JFK airport terminal when my flight canceled due to a snow storm!

8)   What is your favorite food?  Either generally or after a workout.  For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...

- I love Buffalo Wild Wings!  I'm pretty much a regular there, especially during March Madness.  Pre race I like pizza and beer (preferably an IPA) the night before a race.  Post race I want a Diet Dr. Pepper.

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

- Iceland was a bucket list destination and I knocked it off last fall.  It was amazing!  I travel a lot, but of the places I haven't been yet I would say South Africa, Morocco, and Cuba are high on my list.  I've never been to South America, but the plan is to get to Chile, Argentina, and maybe Uruguay this fall.

10)  What would you 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.

- Don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't seem right.  You know your body better than anyone else.  If you feel like you aren't getting answers or are getting dismissed, get a second opinion.  You also have to be your own biggest support system.  Most people have no idea how rough the road back from PEs and DVTs are so even friends and family may seem unconcerned simply because they don't understand."

 WOW...

Nancy - THANK YOU for your willingness to share your story.

You certainly have a plan and I HOPE THAT YOU GET TO ACHIEVE ALL OF IT if not more.

From here in Columbus, OH I will continue to follow your progress anywhere in the world... Although I am jealous most of the time you give me the inspiration to plan "racecations" to unique destinations.  I would love it if you could take me with you some time... just know that I am fluent in Spanish so I offer free translation for a half-marathon race in South-America or Spain (Second go around in Barcelona..?) with the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots...

By the way, I never thought that the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots could end up in Iceland... Where are we going next...?!?! Where ever it is take pictures and share them with us!

Anything is possible for Blood Clot Survivors!

Get inspired and do what you can one step at the time!

Thank your for reading,

The Clot Buster

March Athlete of the Month

March Athlete of the Month...

March "Athlete" of the Month...

"Athlete"...

What is the definition of "Athlete"?

Honestly I don't know... But for the purpose of this humble blog to me an "Athlete" is anyone willing to put one foot in front of the other and willing to overcome the challenges of a blood clotting episode.  In my eyes you don't have to be a World Class Talent to be considered an Athlete.  Although I have featured plenty of world class athletes on this blog who have suffered or are suffering from blood clots...

Regardless of the talent level being able to read an account that resonates with you can be very powerful because in the end all Blood Clot Survivors essentially go through the very same steps... Pain, discomfort, fear, miss-diagnosis, diagnosis, shock, surprise, disbelief, relief, and hope.  Being able to relate and get inspired is certainly very powerful so that any individual can get on the road to overcome and continue "get busy living...".

I am very THANKFUL and FORTUNATE to have the opportunity to look around and find the various individuals and their stories that I've been able to share throughout this blog.  To me every story is inspiring regardless of the level of talent on when you started in your sport.

All that being said I am writing once more to share another personal account that surely will inspire you to find that spark you need to get going with your own path towards overcoming your blood clotting episode.

Please allow me to introduce to you Mr. JIM BROCK from Lompoc, CA with his personal account of his blood clotting incident and his road to overcome this challenge...PLEASE READ ON

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

Distance running. To me it is meditative -I especially enjoy trail running and seeing plants and animals. I have been fortunate to see all kinds of plants and animals on trial runs.

2) How did you get started in that sport?

I got started in running late in life. When I turned 50, my Doctor was concerned about my cholesterol levels and told me that I needed to lose weight – diet and exercise! At the time I was not getting much exercise. I had heard about weekend running training at a nearby State park and joined in. The weekly training started out at a couple of miles, gradually increasing until the annual half-marathon. The volunteer Coach (now our town mayor) was excellent and has helped many people learn to run or walk a half marathon. He was very patient, encouraging and understanding.

3) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve? (Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did).

My last half marathon was in September. I hope to complete the ‘next’ half marathon. I have an injury that has prevented training lately.

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

On Thanksgiving 2013, I completed a six mile run at my favorite trail running location – La Purisima State Historic Park. I noticed an ache in my lower left back area. I thought that I must have pulled a muscle or something. I continued with my day but the pain increased with a little shortness of breath. That night I tossed and turned and could not get to sleep due to the pain. I ended up driving myself to the local ER. They were busy. After a while I spoke with the ER doctor and he suggested that it was perhaps a kidney stone – that I should go home and rest and follow up with my family doctor. I went home and the pain and shortness of breath continued. That second night, the pain increased to the point that I could not stand it – so I drove myself back to the ER. A different doctor ordered a CT scan and saw that there was cloudiness in my lungs – he diagnosed it as pneumonia, prescribed anti-biotics and rest. I was sent home. The pain and discomfort continued throughout the weekend. On Monday, I went to urgent care. A doctor there did a number of blood tests and took a chest x-ray. She found a thoracic compression fracture and prescribed pain meds.

The following day (sixth day) I was getting worse and drove myself to my primary care physician. He looked at the tests done so far and immediately ordered a Chest CT scan with contrast for possible PE. The CT scan showed multiple pulmonary emboli throughout both lungs. I was admitted to the hospital. No DVT was found. After several days in the hospital, I returned home – and told that I should discontinue running (at that point I was unable to run!). I was in great health running every weekend and half-marathons sometimes monthly.

After lots of tests, I was diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome. I am on blood thinners now and will be for life. I am very grateful to have survived and recovered!

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

I was not able to run for about three months. At first I was afraid when I felt a pain, but gradually, I was able to get back to running every weekend and entering races. My speed was much slower, but I was happy to get back out there!

6) 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...)

I do have my Clot Buster Running Polka-Dot shirt!  

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport? (Every day you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)

Right now it I am recovering from and injury, but I hope to get back to weekend running. I also prefer a training run mid-week.

8) What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout.

I love to eat – when I am running regularly, I can pretty much eat what I want. After a weekend run, I often have French toast or a pancake afterwards.

9) If you could go someplace to visit and explore, where would like to go?

There are so many places! I have been fortunate to visit a few foreign countries and enjoy travel and learning about other cultures. I would like to see the Pyramids in Egypt.

I have been surrounded by great friends and family that have encouraged and supported me throughout my recovery. I have been fortunate to be able to participate in over twenty half-marathons – including the Medio Maraton in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

10) 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.

A few things – it gets better and take one step at a time. Listen to your body!
A favorite phrase is: Life is a marathon. Find a good pace, then challenge yourself to do a little more…

Share your story to help educate folks about clots and the warning signs. Be a clot buster!

Mr. Jim - THANK YOU a million times over for sharing these answers with all of us.

Scary to read about the miss-diagnosis time and time again... With such a fine line on the potential outcome of having PE's every day that those go undiagnosed most be terrifying knowing after the fact.

Here is hoping that you heal from your injury very soon so that you can get back on those half-marathons and finding all that wildlife that is rounding up and allowing for your meditation time!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster