May Athlete of the Month

Where is the time going?

I can tell you where is going.

Is going towards THE BEST part of the season and that is RACING season all summer long. 

As you have seen on my previous blog my summer is pretty much all planned as it relates to racing.

I am very excited about the racing that I will be doing but even more exciting to me is the racing that other VERY SPECIAL FOLKS will be doing this summer.

These Special Folks OF COURSE are Blood Clot Survivors from across the world.

One of those blood clot survivors racing this summer will be CARLA McADAM STEWART who has an inspiring story that will get you off your feet and going. 

Carla has been kind enough to share her story with us.  Here it is for you to read and to draw on that motivation you need to find your next taregt and achieve it.

1) What is your sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?/How did you get started in that sport?
I started in running back in 2004 with my husband as a way of doing something active together. We started with a target of finishing a 5k race that year. After completing our 1^st 5k, we continued targeting a number of other short distance 5/10k races & eventually made the jump to 1/2 marathons and marathons. The active lifestyle quickly became a passion for both of us, and we started looking for more. This is how I got turned on to Triathlon! I eat/sleep/drink triathlon these days…why? Since 2004, I’ve always been drawn to the longer distance events, Triathlon offers this like no other through 70.3 & 140.6 events. I love the variety of activity it offers, the immense feeling of accomplishment when I cross the finish line, & the amazing people I’ve met along the way. The first time I heard “You are an Ironman” will stay with me the rest of my life, & it keeps me coming back for more. I have since become a 3X Ironman Finisher in recent years.

2) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve? (Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did
This past weekend was my first race back in over 14 months since my PE in early 2012. I completed the Mississauga ½ Marathon only 8 minutes short of my Personal Best! On a larger scale, I have two triathlons scheduled for this summer as well that will put the final stamp on my return to my pre PE baseline. I’m currently training for the Welland ½ Iron Distance race in late June, and Ironman Mont Tremblant in August of this year.   I did sign up for Ironman Mont Tremblant just when I started running again, I knew there was a chance I wouldn't be able to handle to training but I knew I had to at least try.  I needed a big goal to focus on istead of all the anxiety and needed something to make me feel normal again. So far training is going well.

3) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
I suffered a massive saddle pulmonary embolism early last year. To this day, we’re not exactly sure the route cause. I was hospitalized for 6 days after fainting in my chiropractors office and taken to hosptial via ambulace. Prior to the fainting I did notice my heart rate was feeling faster than normal and my husband and noticed I was breathing a little heavier than normal.I brushed it off, I knew nothing of blood clots and didn't think much of it.   I certainly learned my lesson and will no longer ignore.  I also never had any pain which seems to be a common symptom.   I had numerous doctors and med students parade through my room to see the patient with the  large PE.   Nothing like making me feel comfortable about the situation! The first night in the ER my resting heart rate was hovering around 140 BPM, due to the constrictions and how hard my heart had to work. I was told a number of times that I was extremely lucky to be alive and lucky I had a strong heart. My initial options for treatment were a “clot buster” treatment with a 10% chance of a brain bleed or going on a combination of daily injections and warfarin in pill form. With the help of my husband giving me the injections, I chose the combination of medications over the more aggressive clot busting option.

For the last 14 months I’ve been taking Warfarin on a daily basis and recently had a follow up with my specialist. We had discussed briefly beforehand that I’d likely be coming off Warfarin at that time and beginning on Aspirin going forward….well that changed slightly. During the time between my previous visit and this one, a new drug was approved in Canada, Apixaban. The largest difference between that and Warfarin is that I no longer have to monitor my diet for things that would counter the drug(like in the case of Warfarin).  My doctor felt that with the seriousness of my case, it was a better “step down” going to the new drug for another year, then we could revisit moving to aspirin after that. I was also cleared to ride outdoors, with the caution of avoiding major impacts to my head…., so here I am turning another page in my long recovery back to racing.

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

It’s been a slow process and gradual build from short walks around the neighbourhood in the early days after my PE to run/walks, light swims in the pool, indoor trainer rides to where I am today with no restrictions on my training. That being said that journey has been filled with lots of anxiety along the way especially when I endeavoured to try something new for the first time, even to this day…not to the same extent as early on but it still happens…I always had in the back of my mind “what if this causes another blood clot or I have a heart attack”, even though the likelihood of something happening while on blood thinners was quite low, it played on my mind. I’m sure as I continue to push the boundaries in the coming months preparing for my next Ironman I’ll deal with more anxiety, but that’s exactly what I’ll do…deal with it and not let it control me to the point that I’m afraid to be the person I used to be.

5) What is your favourite piece of gear for your favourite activity? (Bike brand, running shoes, perhaps a running singlet or the Clot Buster's Running Polka-Dot Technical Shirt...)

It has to be my KSwiss running shoes, first shoes to never give me blisters.

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

Over the last few months I have been returning to my former training levels. I am currently training 6 days a week, some days with two a day workouts & averaging 10-13 hours per week. That will be increasing as I approach my Ironman in August to likely 15-18 hours per week.

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

Sushi is my absolute favourite.

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

Hawaii, I love hot weather and the beach.   Can't wait to go one of these days.

9) 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 would say in the early going be patient, don’t rush things. You’ve been through an extremely serious episode…RESPECT it, and when the time comes OWN it. Be vigilant with your health and taking your medication, research as much as you can to help you understand what you’re going through, align yourself with a support group in the early months to help you answer some of those questions you couldn’t think of when you were in the moment or in front of your specialist, & last but certainly not least follow this blog! I can’t say enough how much this blog has helped my confidence in persuing my goals during my recovery, seeing other people who have gone through similar events as I did returning to racing and their former active lives.

Hang in there, it will get better!  Don’t let your anxious thoughts control you and you will have your day again where you strap on your race number and cross that finish line one more time!

All the way from Hamilton, CANADA I feel the inspiration.

Just to show you how small this world really is in 2011 I raced in the Welland Half Iron Triathlon which is the same race Carla will be doing in just a few weeks.  Simply AMAZING how without knowing both and Carla and I were there in 2011 and it is perfectly reasonable to think that during that race she saw the polka-dots I was wearing for that race and she knew nothing about their meaning.  A year later she has her clotting incident, beats it, and this year she will be racing that very same course.  The CLOT BUSTER polka-dots will be represented showing once again that blood clots CANNOT BRING US DOWN!

Carla, THANK YOU for sharing your story with us.

Take the CLOT BUSTER polka-dots to the finish line both Welland and Mont Tremblant and make us proud...! You technically made us all proud already as you are signed up and training for those events.  Keep it up!

Please make sure you pay attention to Mont Tremblant as I am going to need to find a race in which I can do my first Ironman... Someday I will be lucky enough and will have to be epic...

BEST OF LUCK!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster 

Busy Summer Ahead... and I love it!

It has taken some time to put together but finally the CLOT BUSTER's summer racing schedule is finally in place and brought to you by the product that will keep me going all summer and beyond PRO COMPRESSION - #keepittight

Morgan's Little Miami Triathlon - Lebanon, OH - June 2nd, 2013

Wendy's Triathlon - Alum Creek State Park Lewis Center, OH - June 9th, 2013

LOVELAND's AMAZING RACE - Milford, OH - June 15th, 2013

OSU TriFit Challenge - Columbus, OH - June 30th, 2013

Cincinnati Triathlon - Cincinnati, OH - July 21st, 2013

Giant Eagle Olympic Triathlon - Columbus, OH - July 28th, 2013

STRONLGY CONSIDERING - 12HR Sprint Triathlon Challange - August 17th, 2013

STRONGLY CONSIDERING - Air Force Half-Marathon - September 21st, 2013

STRONGLY CONSIDERING - Akron Marathon - September 28th, 2013

NEW YORK CITY MARATHON - New York City, NY - November 3rd, 2013

Starting in early August I will be shifting my focus from triathlon racing to full dedication to running and getting ready for the "big race of 2013" the NEW YORK CITY Marathon. Just today I got the map of the course and I am in awe of the distance we will be covering and all of the landscapes I will be able to see. I very excited and hoping that all of my activities this summer give me the base that I need to perform in November.

Let's see how it plays out.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for the CLOT BUSTER polka-dots training or racing alongside you out there.

If you want to get your very own Clot Buster polka-dots please direct your attention to the top right hand banner of this blog for instructions on how to order. GET YOUR polka-dots now!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Getting there...!

As of this AM my fundraising effort is about a THIRD OF THE WAY THERE!

 

THANK YOU a Million times over to all those who have donated so far.

 

I very much appreciate your contribution to help the National Blood Clot Alliance continue to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

 

Once again the link to my fundraising page is below..

 

http://www.crowdrise.com/clotbusterinnyc/fundraiser/rolandtheclotbusterv

The Clot Buster STOP THE CLOT polka-dots are getting closer to run the NYC Marathon in November...!!!

All I need now is 100 more contributors to date $25.00 each and I will be reaching my goal.  Do you know people willing to donate?  Please along the link above and encourage them to help me, help NBCA, spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

========================================================

 

Also I am very excited as the STOP THE CLOT CLOT BUSTER jerseys are flying off the shelf these days!

 

 

 

Look out you may see a set of polka-dots racing or training along side you out there.

 

 

If you are interested on your very own polka-dots go ahead and order through my blog and the good looking polka-dots will be on their way to you.

 

*** IF YOU HAVE PICTURES OF YOU WEARING YOUR CLOT BUSTER polka-dots PLEASE BE SURE TO SEND THEM MY TO EXPAND MY COLLECTION.  We have CLOT BUSTERS in Canada, Spain, England, Scotland, and USA... Where will I ship them out next...?!?!?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

April Athlete of the Month

Being part of the blood clotting community has been a pleasure all of these years.

I can't hardly believe that I started this blog as the Clot Buster back in 2006 and that this coming June I will be posting my FIFTH year of consecutive Athlete of the Month postings in which I featured a blood clot survivor. 

Without a question everyone of these stories has been inspiring to me to keep going take the Clot Buster polka-dots to STOP THE CLOT farther and wider every day.

I so wish that I could meet every single blood clot survivor I posted about over the years and spend some time with them as they are back doing whatever sport they love to do.  For sure those would be some powerful moments to share.

This month's Athlete of the Month I stumbled upon as I was checking a NBCA (www.STOPTHECLOT.org) posting on Facebook and I learned that this individual was preparing to participate in this year's 70.3 IRONMAN OCEANSIDE Triathlon. 

He was going to Swim 1.2 Miles, Bike 56 Miles, and Run 13.1 Miles... and do it all as Blood Clot Survivor...

How did he do you may be wondering?

Well, let me first introduce you to Mr. CHRIS MENJOU from Torrance, California who is not letting a blood clot incident slow him down as he is continuing to do the activities he enjoys the most.

... And of course his race in OCEANSIDE was SENSATIONAL! According to his Facebook page he DESTROYED HIS PREVIOUS PERSONAL BEST in the Half-Ironman distance by a grand total of 20 minutes... simply amazing!

Back in July of 2009 Mr. Menjou posted the following information about his clotting incident on Slowtwitch.com

"As triathletes we often consider ourselves healthier and fitter than the average person in the next cubicle over. And that's true. And good. But it's not necessarily always a good thing, it turns out. I had heard of DVT (deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots in deep veins, usually in the legs), and frankly outside of scuba had never heard of PE, or pulmonary embolism (PEs usually occur when a DVT breaks free, travels through the heart, and lodges in the lungs, although there are other less common causes). I always assumed DVTs were suffered by overweight and out of shape scotch drinking business flyers. Or, more publicly, David Bloom, a war correspondent who spent hours a day in a cramped Humvee in Iraq (turns out it was the PE that killed him). I certainly didn't think these were things that we triathletes needed to worry about. Hell, I've done an IM and a bunch of HIMs, lead an active life, young, relatively healthy, no way this happens to me.

That is, until I was diagnosed last week with multiple bilateral PEs.

My symptoms started several weeks ago with a shortness of breath, starting on exercise but soon while at rest as well. Just in general I felt sorely out of shape. I had gone from completing IMAZ last November to utterly out of shape, suffering through WF long course in May. Weeks of CBCs, x rays, EKGs, CT scans, pulse ox tests, spirometer tests, showed that my heart was strong and my lungs were functioning properly, leading to misdiagnoses of bronchitis, walking pneumonia, pleurisy, exercise induced asthma and post viral bronchospasms. It wasn't until last Wednesday (ironically, the day I got my CBC panel showing me to be in "perfect health" and a pulmonologist giving me an inhaler and telling me that the pain in my side on breathing was probably a pulled muscle from coughing) when I drove myself to the ER in excruciating pain on breathing, that a lung CT was finally done, showing the emboli. Upon which I was promptly admitted to the hospital, where I spent the next four days, suffering further indignities such as peeing in a bottle and wearing one of those gowns.

But I could have buck naked for all I cared at that point. One of the articles linked states that you will find "your threshold of pain" with a PE. I can attest. Vicodin could not touch it. It was not until I got IV drugs, which made the TV run down the wall, that I could finally breathe without pain. Thankfully, it wasn't until a few days later that I learned how dangerous PEs are, and that most are not diagnosed until the autopsy. Sobering.

Where did mine come from? We don't know yet. Perhaps a DVT following Wildflower long course and then the 5 hour drive home? Perhaps genetics (all genetic test so far negative)? Perhaps some other cause? Yet to be learned. I have been put on blood thinners, which means, if I am smart (and my wife locks up the bikes), I am off the bike for the next 6 months or so. Since my blood will clot very slowly on the thinners, falling and hitting my head would be a "not good thing." I have gone from IMAZ and Wildflower to brisk walks on the Esplanade as my main source of exercise. "

As you read the piece of the article from Mr.Menjou I continue to be amazed on how these clotting incidents can happen to anyone at anytime regardless of your physical condition.  No question that Mr. Menjou is very lucky to not only survive multiple PE's but also have the ability to return to sport and elevate his performance to a level in which he is improving his times and is having a blast while doing it...

I feel like getting my running shoes and running some miles right now...

I need to be ready in case my wish to get together with all of my featured athletes on this blog comes true.  For sure Mr. Menjou will put me in the hurt box and laugh about while doing it...

GET INSPIRED! (even if your recovery is challenging)

 

BLOOD CLOTS CANNOT STOP YOU not even slow you down!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

I NEED YOUR HELP...

The Clot Buster STOP THE CLOT polka-dots are going to NYC in November to run the NEW YORK CITY MARATHON...!!!

I can only make it if I am able to reach my fundraising goal.

If you have it in you and know of others that may be interested in donation please pass along the link below...

http://www.crowdrise.com/clotbusterinnyc/fundraiser/rolandtheclotbusterv

It is still hard to believe for me but I guess that 26.2Miles will be conquered in November...

Thanks in advance for your help!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Blood Clotting Disorders spreading far and wide...

Being involved with creating awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders has provided me with incredible opportunities.

Most important of all the opportunities is the one of meeting people and their personal stories.

I am extremely lucky to have met "virtually" March's Athlete of the Month Rebekah Bradford Plath and through her I've been exposed and virtually introduced to other people who are also doing very impressive things as they related to create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

If you can please take a look at the following organization which as described on their site does the following...

"The Garnet Foundation was founded in February 2011 by Natalie Smoliak. As a Minnesota based non-profit organization, The Garnet Foundation raises awareness and provides informational and educational resources to those affected by non-cancerous genetic blood conditions and those who would like to learn more about these conditions. The foundation provides scholarships to students with a connection to genetic blood disorders."

http://www.garnetfoundation.com/

 

 

The purpose of this organization sure touches an area of blood clots and blood clotting disorders that not many of think about on a regular bases.  How is the people around us affected when a blood clotting incident knocks on your door?  I can't even begin to imagine what would a blood clot mean for my ability to play with my children and be the father they need me to be.

 

I am very pleased to learn of this organization and their mission and I hope that you reading this are pleased as well.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster



March Athlete of the Month

Did you know that March was DVT/BLOOD CLOT Awareness Month?

Without a question a very important month in the fight against blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

Because it is such an important month it is appropriate that March's Athlete of the Month be someone who has a remarkable story and participates in the highest HIGHEST level of her sport.  I want to make sure that I clarify that to me every story of a comeback from a clotting incident is remarkable and inspiring from the weekend warrior to the high paid professional.  However, in this month's edition of this blog post we are going with someone who is very familiar with five little rings normally on a white background and that only come along every 4 years...

Please allow me to introduce to you...

REBEKAH BRADFORD PLATH - Long Track Speed Skater, 2010 Olympian in the Vancouver Winter Games

 

Although I wish that it was under different circumstances that I get to meet an athlete of this status I am blown away that the common cause of creating awareness against blood clots and blood clotting disorders brought us to cross paths and meet virtually. 

As you will read below you will find Rebekah's story truly remarkable and inspiring.  If I could only have 2% of the intensity that this lady has my Clot Buster polka-dots would move faster during the races...

There is not much more than I can add to Rebekah's story.  On this is for sure CLOT BUSTER NATION will be rooting loud for her as she continues her journey to qualify and compete in the 2014 Winter Games. 

Read on and get inspired...

"Hello!  My name is Rebekah Bradford Plath and I want to share a little bit about my experience of blood clots.  I suppose I should start further back than starting with my ER visit in September 2012.  I competed in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games in the Long Track 1000m event respectfully placing 29^th for the USA.  I earned this spot through a reskate from an unexpected fall.  Here is a link recapping that moment: http://www.beyondtheultimate.org/athletes/Rebekah-Bradford.aspx.  I’ve learned to always stand up after you fall and to let God be God.  See if I didn’t respond to God that day how I did, I would have never met my husband.  I love telling people that he bought me on an auction for charity.  Here is the story of how we met:  http://plathandbradford.ourwedding.com/view/6573432571233947/6141689

It was the year after the Vancouver Games and training began.  I was strong and full of confidence after the Olympic year.  I was making strides in my skating that I had a hard time believing.  Frustratingly enough, I felt I progressively got slower throughout the competitive season and didn’t know why. 

Two years after the Games, we hit it hard again at training.  Determined to get that feeling I had the year before, I felt I couldn’t push my body in the same way.  One day I remember I had an awesome morning training session.  In the afternoon, we had skating and upsettingly I couldn’t even crossover!  After a few months of doctor’s opinions, it was decided that I needs a bilateral knee surgery for full-blown arthritis!  See I was to the point in my training where I couldn’t even bring laundry up the stairs without intense pain.  My doc said if I didn’t get the surgery I would be looking at a total knee replacement in only a few years.  I would be out the whole season. 

In April 2012, I found myself with a new team, new training program, finishing up my college degree, planning a wedding and preparing to move.  I had a lot of pain in my legs, but my knees were sore too.  I cannot tell you how many ice baths I took after to practice to cope with the swelling in my legs.  Not to mention that I was training high volume and felt like I was gaining a bunch of weight!  Definitely not how a bride wants to feel when they are one month away from their wedding day!  It really didn’t make sense.

Summer training was awful for me.  I didn’t want to admit to anyone that I wasn’t recovering properly and was in pain all the time.  That’s what athletes do.  We are a tough breed.  And I felt like I had something to prove after my knee surgery.  Again, every week I felt myself getting weaker.  I found it strange that I was having breathing issues and would be out of breath just after driving my car anywhere. I chalked it up as asthma and back problems.

In August 2012, I was playing Ultimate Frisbee with some friends, and collided with one pretty hard.  I had immediate pain and quietly told my husband to take me home.  It felt like I had a rib out and couldn’t take a full breath.  I had a few adjustments, but that only made it worst.  One doctor diagnosed me with an inflamed nerve, which would explain my radicular pain.  It didn’t.  That month was spent in pain that I could not explain. 

The Friday (September 2012) before my ER visit, I went to get a second opinion and had a MRI.  I have never felt so weak in my life.  That doctor frantically called me Monday morning and told me he already phoned in a pulmonary specialist for me.  He found something in my lung.  I spent that day trying to make phone calls and arrange appointments, but had no success.  Towards the end of the day, I had a fever, my feet were cold and I could barely feel them.  Whenever I wanted to go somewhere, I found myself having to either use the wall or crawl to get there.  I resolved to lie on the floor and curl up with a wedding photo.  And that’s where my husband found me and told me to get into the car.  We were going to the hospital.

I was diagnosed with a bilateral pulmonary embolism and part of my lung infracted.  The intense pain I felt after playing Frisbee was a blood clot that burst and bleed around my ribcage.  The ER doctor said I was lucky my husband brought me in when he did.  If I made it through the night, it would have been rough one.  I remember being curled up in the fetal position at the bottom of the hospital bed with my heart rate at 130 and surprised that the morphine barely took the edge off of the pain.

I had to face the reality that I would be out for the 2012-2013 season as well.  But more importantly, how does one regain lung health?

As my husband and I were anticipating the answer of why the blood clots occurred, we were really hoping it was from the knee surgery.  It was odd that I would have a delayed reaction, but it was still within that one-year period.  I was devastated to learn that I have the Factor V Leiden gene.  And what saddened me more was that the gene triggered when I started birth control a few months before my wedding day.

Talk about a game changer. Although, it was a relief to finally have answers. 

I was on a three month prescribed therapy of blood thinners and I was determined to not let this setback define me.  The first month was rather traumatizing.  We agreed with my doctor to have the Lovenox shots twice daily for a month.  My wonderful newlywed husband (and a friend who is a nurse) faithfully administered these painful injections. The last two months was a “breeze” with the Warfarin. 

At first, my training involved walking from the car to the rink, sit down.  Then from the bleachers to the bike and slowly spin for 20 minutes.  Go home and nap 4-5 hours.  I gradually was able to train to the point where I felt confident enough to skate.  See there is the fear of being cut and bleeding, but impact was the main concern.  I wore a helmet to protect my head and had to be careful to not fall on the ice. 

Three and a half months following my pulmonary embolism, I competed in the US Championships.  I placed 6^th overall in the Sprint competition and 11^th place in the 1500m.  In all my races, I was 1-2 seconds away from my personal best. 

It is now four months after my ER visit.  I know I still have clots in my lungs and the blood around my rib is slowly breaking away.  My coaches and I have been wise as when to rest and when to train hard.  I am very hopeful in my recovery not only in skating but also more importantly in life.  My goals are simple:  Get healthy.  And to enjoy the gift of sport.  And hopefully qualify for a second Olympic team in Sochi, Russia.

Knowing that the cause of the blood clots is genetic, my husband and I are very aware of all the precautionary steps.  Like I said before, I will not let my PE define me.  We plan on exploring the world together and having children.  The path of achieving that will just look a little differently than that of other couples. 

Feel free to follow on the fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebekah-Bradford/264501848169?fref=ts "

Incredible story... and she makes the polka-dots look fabulous!

THANKFULLY they were able to make it to the ER on time and start treatments when they did.

CLOT BUSTER NATION now has an Olympian to look after and cheer on.  No question that the future is bright for Rebekah and her family.   

Here is wishing Rebekah ALL THE GOOD LUCK she can handle during this season and the qualifying competitions for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Balance...

Hard to come by these days.

In an ideal world my days would have 36 hours.

Enough to be able to meet all of my work expectations, spend time with my boys and lovely wife.

Perhaps update this blog or practice guitar playing (which I am terrible at...) or read more books.

Workout like I want to get in racing shape.

And maybe get more than 5 hours of sleep at night.

Unfortunately that is not the case so I have to continue to adjust and spend the available time wisely.

As far as I can see this will be an ongoing battle because I like to be involved and take pride in everything that I do. 

As one my favorite sayings go "IF THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY" I will indeed find a way... perhaps not to do everything on my list but at least find that balance that will even everything out.

That being said time run... I mean run to fold some laundry and get ready to get the boys from school early this Friday so that we can hang out...

Great things are coming this spring, summer, and fall.  Can't hardly wait!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

February Athlete of the Month

Once more the power of the web has brought me to a cross roads in which I get to meet some truly amazing people.

Can't really under estimate how far this blog can reach and the number of folks I am able to meet.

I am THRILLED that we get the chance to read more and more inspiring stories about people surviving blood clotting incidents.

This month's Athlete of the Month is certainly one of those survivors and an individual with a story that is worth reading to get you off the couch and moving.

Please let me introduce you to SARA WYEN and read on about what she had to say about the questions I asked her...

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

I am a runner. I enjoy running because it has lead to so many positive changes in my life. Anyone can run, anywhere and at anytime - you don't have to be an athlete, look or feel a certain way to run. You can run alone, with friends or with a training group. Running is one of the most primal activities we experience as human beings. You just run. Running has not only helped me to get physically healthy and take care of myself, but helped me to regain self-confidence that I had previously lost. Through running, I have learned to respect myself and my body for what it is.

2) How did you get started in that sport?

In the spring of 2009, I decided to run a half marathon. I take that back. In the spring of 2009, I walked into work one day and declared (after just discovering I could run for 1.5 miles without stopping after weeks of training with a personal trainer) that I was going to run a marathon – all 26.2 miles of it. At least, I thought that’s what the mileage of a Marathon was. My then co- and now awesome friend Chrissy, who I barely knew, turned around in her chair and said, “Okay, I’ll do it with you.” Only, neither of us really knew what to do to get started! Long story short, we joined Marathoners In Training in Columbus, Ohio and ran our first half marathon after completing the program in August of 2009.

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

In January of 2012, I ran the Goofy Challenge in Walt Disney World in memory of my mother who passed away unexpectedly while on a training run in April of 2011. I completed the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and 22 miles of the Marathon before I was pulled from the course due to injury (or what I now suspect may have been the beginning of my blood clot in my leg).

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

My life literally changed overnight (yet again?) in the summer of 2012. Life was going as planned – better than planned, as a matter of fact – in late May I quit my job of five years in the non-profit field and prepared to start my career as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher. That was on a Thursday and on Monday morning, instead of finding myself in the communications center of the local police department, I found myself in the intensive care unit of the local hospital wondering, “What happened to my life?”After suffering what I now know to have been a pulmonary embolism (or blood clot in my lung) from a deep vein thrombosis (or blood clot in my leg), I went from running more days than not to not being able to even walk, stand, use the bathroom or breath on my own. I could barely eat on my own. Most of my foods made it somewhere near my mouth, if I didn’t fall asleep while eating from the copious amount of morphine being pumped into my system to ease the pain.
All the doctors blamed my blood clots on oral contraceptives, which I had been taking for over seven years at that point. It wasn’t discovered until one doctor decided to dig a little deeper, thankfully, that I had antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which your body mistakenly produces antibodies against certain normal proteins in your blood potentially leading to the formation of a blood clot(s) deep within the veins of the leg (DVT). Damage to other organs depends on the extent and location of the clot. If a clot travels to your lung it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE). There’s no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome, but medications can be effective in reducing your risk of blood clots.
I remember vividly the day I was sitting (very uncomfortably) in my doctor’s office when he looked up from his charts and said, “You know, in all my years of practice, you were the sickest I have ever seen someone. You’re lucky to be alive, in fact, but we’re going to figure this thing out.”
After eight months, I am still on daily injection blood thinners and on the road to recovery.

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

I have only been able to walk-run a handful of times since I got sick and I know it will be awhile before I am able to run long again. Most memorably, I walked the Flying Feather Four Miler on Thanksgiving, a tradition I started running with my mom and sister in the last few years. I was able to run down the finish chute, which was a wonderful and emotional experience for me. I miss running everyday.

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'm obsessed with my Garmin Forerunner 405. I can't run without it - that is my running staple. My newest piece of running gear is my Clot Buster Polka-Dot Jersey and it is quickly becoming a favorite! I want to wear it every race I run from now on to bring awareness to blood clots.

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

Right now I am getting out to walk-run intervals once or twice a week. I want to run a half marathon again.

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

I love anything spicy! The spicier the better. I am reading and learning about the Paleo Diet now and what benefits it could have for people who are struggling with systematic inflammation and clotting disorders.

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

Ever since I got sick, I want to see everything. I feel truly lucky to be alive and don't want to waste the life I have left. I would love to see the Rocky Mountains.

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 ever give up. Not ever. Don't give up fighting - no matter how hard it gets or how bad it hurts. Be an advocate for yourself because no one else will, question everything. Question your doctors, diagnosis, health insurance - don't even accept 'you can't' or 'you won't' as an answer. It does get better even though it might take a very long time. You survived something not everyone does and you are here for a reason. Don't stop looking for it.

==============================================================

Sara - THANK YOU a million times over for sharing your story with us.

Without a doubt you will be back racing in the Clot Buster polka-dots that you make look so good.  Thank you for willingness to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

I very much appreciate what you wrote about me on your blog... THANKS!

 http://wordstorunby.com/2013/01/racing-with-the-clot-buster.html

Here is wishing that you in fact get to see the Rocky Mountains some day.  That is a trip that you MUST do.

Get inspired and get out there.  Blood clots cannot stop you!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

What to race in 2013...? I need your help...!

This is always an exciting time of the year for me...

 

Trying to figure out what races I will be doing on this new year.

 

One race that I will be doing for sure will be doing a little race called the

NYC Marathon in November...!

In order for me to be able to participate I am going to need your help by raising funds in order to raise awareness for blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

 

If you have it in you please check out the following link and help me reach my goal...

 

http://www.crowdrise.com/clotbusterinnyc/fundraiser/rolandtheclotbusterv

 

But even after this I still need your help.

 

What races should I do this year?

 

What triathlons?

 

I am looking for several triathlons probably 4 to 5 before I have to begin my marathon training sometime in mind August.

 

It should be a fun summer and can't wait to get out of the winter funk.

 

In the mean time, I have legos, cars, superheros to play along with diapers to change and crawling to chase after.

 

Best of luck getting through the winter and staying in shape (I could write for days about the struggles I've been having losing the extra danish butter cookies pounds I put on over the winter...sigh)

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

May 2012 - Athlete of the Month - UPDATE

You can't stop her just hope to contain her...

TAMMY ROETHER is an inspiration to all of us.

Her determination simply cannot be matched.

Do you think that a blood clot can stop her?

Do you know what she did last November?

Do you venture to guess?

Are you ready to know?

She PARTICIPATED and FINISHED the 2012 IRONMAN ARIZONA...!

How about that !?!?!?

 

 

Simply amazing!  I am really short of words to describe the magnitude of what she accomplished.  But wait, this is not her first Ironman this is her THIRD!!!

 

Although due to her past blood clotting incidents her doctors are strongly recommending her to stop long endurance racing you can be sure that this lady is not stopping and will continue to get out there.  It is so amazing where your drive and determination can take you. 

 

CLOT BUSTER - STOP THE CLOT polka-dots at the 2012 IRONMAN ARIZONA... OUTSTANDING!!!

 

TAMMY - Thank you for the inspiration.  You are an amazing example... THANK YOU for letting blood clots stop you.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

January Athlete of the Month

It is hard to believe...

But once more we get another example that ANYONE at ANYTIME can come down with a clotting incident.

This time we find blood clots in the news affecting a potential ALL STAR NBA player from the Cleveland Cavaliers...

Please allow me to introduce to you  ANDERSON VAREJAO

I wish that it was under better circumstances that I get to learn about this fine player's story.  However, he is now a "member" of our movement even if he is not directly involved with spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

If you are interested in reading about Anderson's clotting incident and team reaction you can read the article I found below...

Article from the Associated Press posted on ESPN.com on 01/23/2013...

"CLEVELAND -- Anderson Varejao's season rapidly spiraled from a probable All-Star appearance to over.
The Cavaliers' hustling center, who led the NBA in rebounding before he went down last month with what appeared to be nothing more than a bruised knee, remained hospitalized Monday with a blood clot in his lower right lung, a health scare that will force him to miss the rest of this season.
Varejao, who underwent surgery on a torn leg muscle on Jan. 10, has been at The Cleveland Clinic since last Thursday. The Cavs said he will likely remain in the hospital for several more days as he receives treatment. Varejao is expected to make a full recovery, but he will remain on blood thinning medications for at least three months, the team said Monday.
The loss of the 6-foot-11 Varejao is a crushing blow to the young Cavs, who are just 10-32.
"Losing him already was bad enough for us," star point guard Kyrie Irving said. "The news got worse today. We wish him the best. We're all going to be there for him morale-wise, just try to be there for him as best as we can as teammates. That's all we can do right now."
Despite Varejao being admitted to the hospital four days ago, the Cavs did not reveal he was still there until shortly before Monday's workout at their training facility.
Varejao was having an All-Star-caliber season before he injured his leg on Dec. 18 against Toronto. Team doctors initially diagnosed the injury as a bruise and expected Varejao to make a quick recovery. However, tests revealed an uncommon split in his quadriceps muscle which required an operation. Varejao was expected to be out eight weeks before he developed the blood clot following the surgery.
General manager Chris Grant said the team is "fairly confident" the clot was not a reaction from surgery.
This is the third straight season Varejao has missed extended time with injuries. The Brazilian sat out 41 games last season with a broken wrist, and he was sidelined for 51 games in 2011 after tearing a tendon in his ankle while running after practice.
"We're just feeling bad for Andy," Cavs coach Byron Scott said following practice. "I think the world of Andy, especially with the way he plays. My heart just goes out to him. He's had some bad luck in the last three years. I'm sure it's devastating to him. I feel real bad for him."
Varejao was averaging 14.4 rebounds and 14.1 points in 25 games before he got hurt. There wasn't a center in the Eastern Conference playing better than the fun-loving 30-year-old, who has developed into much more than a competent reserve -- when he's healthy.
If he had been able to keep playing, there's little doubt Varejao, acquired by Cleveland in 2004 in a trade with Orlando, would have been named an All-Star reserve this week.
Grant pointed out that Varejao's injuries have been unrelated.
"They've all really been freak things," he said. "He's frustrated. We're frustrated for him and with him. We would love to have him out there, particularly the type of year he was having. He's really come into his own as a leader on the court, so it's difficult. But at the same time we believe in him as a guy, we know what he can do. He's played in a lot of big games for us, into the Finals. We'll continue to support him."
Cleveland, which has one of the league's youngest rosters, just completed a 1-4 road trip. The Cavs will host Boston on Tuesday and play 10 of their next 12 games at home.
Varejao's injury has allowed Scott to give extra playing time to second-year forward Tristan Thompson and rookie Tyler Zeller. The Cavs, though, have been plagued by wild inconsistency, especially down the stretch in games they've let slip away.
"We've made strides in the right direction, but we just have to be more consistent game-to-game," said Irving, who is averaging 23.1 points, 5.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. "I say it all the time, we've proven we can play with the best in the league, we just have to put two halves together. We're still figuring that out."
They'll have to do it without Varejao, their never-stopping big man who has managed to stay positive despite his latest medical setback.
"His spirits are up," said Grant. "He's frustrated. He wants to play; he wants to be with his teammates on the court. But he's such a good guy. Every time you see him he's still got that big smile." "

Simply amazing to realize that even professional athletes can be exposed to the dangers of blood clots.

Once more early diagnosis and treatment saved Anderson's life and career.  I really hope that some day all people who are in danger of suffering from a clotting incident can in fact receive early diagnosis and treatment so that the impact of the blood clot is a little as possible.

From down here in Columbus, OH the Cleveland Cavaliers have a fan who will be following the progress of the team.  I look forward to see #17 (which by the way is my favorite number...!) back in the court next year providing inspiration to others who may be going through the same trouble.

Here is wishing Anderson a speedy and safe recovery.  Without a question he will be back to shows once more that blood clots cannot and will not stop you...!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Back and better than ever... Part 2

 

Continuing my theme of getting inspired for 2013 I wanted to look back and share some of the best pictures we were able to collect throughout the past year of the CLOT BUSTER - STOP THE CLOT polka dots...

 

How do I look? I have to admit that those polka-dots make me look good.

 

If I am lucky enough these very polka-dots will be running in NYC this coming November... stay tuned for more.

 

If you want your very own polka-dots get them at my blog and help me spread the word about STOP THE CLOT.

 

See you out there!

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster

Back and Better than ever...

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2013 has started and the first thing we did was to go on vacation away from the cold and snow...

 

 

I have to admit that running by the ocean, the sandy beaches, and the palm trees was very pleasant.  Not to mention the chance to spend extended quality time with my side of the family.  I very much enjoyed all of it.

But now we are back and 2013's routine is really getting under way.

Many challenges await this year and I am very excited to take on all of them the only way I know how... head on.

 

But before I get warmed up to take on 2013 I like to take a look what I was able to do in 2012.

 

I am very lucky to have had the chance to do as much as I did and to race as much as I did.

 

For me the highlight of the year was to compete in the Rev3 Half-Iron Distance Triathlon in Cedar Point and come within minutes of my PR at that distance.  I was very pleased with the fact that I was able to string together a half-marathon consistently after the previous 56 Miles.  I've always had trouble with second half of the run in this long type of races.

 

But all together I am VERY GRATEFUL to be out there when I can and keep taking the CLOT BUSTER - STOP THE CLOT polka-dots for all to see and in the very least get people thinking and learning about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

 

Here are my totals for SWIMMING, BIKING, and RUNNING in 2012.  At the end of each year I look at this numbers and I am blown away... to me it is simply impressive.

 

SWIM = 36.6 Miles

 

BIKE = 2,292 Miles

 

RUN = 765 Miles

 

What were your numbers for 2012? Keep track of them because looking at the them at the end makes you feel accomplished.

 

How will the 2013 numbers turn out? I don't have any idea but you can be sure that I will be tracking it all to look back on it and get inspired once more to take on the next year.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

The Clot Buster