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

February Athlete of the Month

2016 continues to roll on in great form.


Personally we have a significant change with the addition of our 3rd child... Certainly we are VERY FORTUNATE and doing are best to figure out our new family dynamics now that the parents are our numbered.


It is not too difficult when you have a face like this to look at...

Soon enough I hope to be able to get this little on in CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots... probably next up we will have "performance polka-dot oncies..."


So we have reached February 2016 already... don't ask me how we got here so fast.  It seems like yesterday when I was just finishing up the January post of these series.


Since the last January post a lot of things are coming together for our world of spreading the word about blood clots and to celebrate blood clot survivors.  Coming up very soon we have a couple of events in which blood clot survivors are getting the word out... Please take some time to check this out...


50kaday.run >>> Blood Clot Survivor attempting a Guinness World Record... Simply Amazing CHECK IT OUT!


http://www.tobaccoroadmarathon.com/ >>> Blood Clot Survivor working the NBCA - STOPTHECLOT.org booth to spread awareness and then also participating in the event to show all that Blood Clot Survivors CAN DO ANYTHING!


Speaking of Blood Clot Survivors the world of social media continues to bring us all together and allows me to meet more individuals that are overcoming the challenges from blood clots and simply going on to be an inspiration not only to me but to many people out there who are looking to battle the challenges of their own clotting episodes...


This month I would like to share with you the story that was shared with me from a clot survivor whose name is TEAGAN ANDREWS.  I am Thankful that Teagan was willing to share her story with us so that we can learn more about her challenges and how she was able to overcome them.


Please read on and be inspired...

" 1)  What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it? 
Running is definitely my sport of choice! When I was recovering from my PE and couldn't run, I took up swimming and cycling, but given the choice I will always choose running. It’s fun, it's social, I get to see beautiful places, I guess the only down side is the laundry : )


2)  How did you get started in that sport? 
I started running when I was 19, just to relieve stress in college. I joined the track team my senior year and truly fell in love with running

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

I ran my first 50k this summer, which was so great. I ran the Forest Park 50k in Portland (where I live). It was fun running on trails I train on all the time, and I met my goal of running sub 5:00 (and I actually came in first for women, which was shocking and super exciting). 


4)  Tell about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission? 
In 2011, shortly after my 26th birthday, I noticed that it hurt to take a full breath. I thought that I pulled a muscle in my ribs or something but it got progressively worse over the next couple of absolutely miserable days. I had no appetite, was in a ton of pain, couldn’t sleep, and generally just felt off. After three days of this I went in to my PCP who ordered  a chest x-ray, where he noticed that I had fluid in my lungs. He sent me to get a CT scan immediately. That CT scan was maybe the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life. Trying to breathe while lying down was pretty much torture. After the CT scan, I was waiting there for the results (happy to be upright), when the person who reviewed the results came in with oxygen for me and said that they ordered an ambulance as I had “an impressive number” of  blood clots in both of my lungs and also infarctions. So. . .I got an ambulance trip (first one ever! Very exciting.)

From there, I was in the hospital for a few days, was put on Lovenox and Warfarin, got pneumonia, and was in a lot of pain. It was not a fun time, and I had no idea if I would ever be able to run fast again, though I was determined to do so. The doctors told me that the blood clots would go away eventually, but they didn’t know what would happen with the part of my lung that died.

After I got home, I tried to stay active. I couldn't run at all, but I could walk (very slowly) so that's what I did. I made a chart to keep track of my progress so I wasn't as discouraged and also tried taking up new sports (swimming and cycling) so that I wouldn’t measure my performance against what I could do before.  It was a full month before I could even try jogging again. . .at 11-12 min/mile pace. And I’m on warfarin for life as I had no risk factors for clotting and no one has any idea why it happened.       

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

As I said, it was a full month before I could even try jogging and it was SO SLOW. My doctor said I had to keep my heart rate at 150bpm or below for a few months, which would normally be fine, but because of the blood clots and reduced lung capacity, it meant I was running painfully slow compared to my normal pace. Many tears were shed on these runs. Usually running is the time that I can let free and be myself and decompress, but some of these runs were full of doubt and pain and discouragement. However, I still had hope things would improve. I religiously kept track of my progress, and over time started to see improvement. Three months later I was down to 8-9 min/mile pace. Still not fast enough to run with my friends, but running was feeling better and  started to be fun again. I was back running with my friends (but not doing workouts) 6 months after my PE’s.

Three years after my PE’s I ran a 19:19 5k on the track, which was a PR for me. Since then I have PR’d in the 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon and 50k distances.  

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

I run 5-6 days/week. I’m currently training for a series of 50k’s next summer. I am also a weather-dependent bike commuter.

8)   What is your favorite food? 

I like most foods : ) I especially like ice cream and jalapeno potato chips. Not together.

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

I would love to go to Great Britain someday to explore.

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?

I would tell them that things will get better and to be patient with themselves and to listen to their bodies. I would tell them that (if they’re a somewhat serious runner) this is not the end of their running. People can live through this and end up a stronger runner (and person) on the other side. It’s possible to PR again and it doesn’t have to be a “post-PE PR”, it can be a real, legitimate PR. I would also really encourage them, especially in the first year, to keep really close record of exactly what they do in each workout, so that even if the progress is really miniscule and practically invisible day to day, when they look week over week, month over month, they will see how much they are improving.


I would also encourage them to take up a new sport. It helped me SO MUCH to learn something new so that I could see tangible progress forward toward goals. I did triathlons for the first couple of years after my PE’s instead of running. This new sport enabled me to set PR’s for which I really had no context, and kept me pretty distracted from how long it was taking to get back into running.


And finally, I would say, be open with the important people in your life about what you’re going through. They want to be there for you, just like you want to be there for them when they go through difficult times."


TEAGAN's story is a clear example that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE for Blood Clot Survivors.  So much so that she is even breaking down her own barriers by getting much faster and achieving many personal bests.


There is a great deal of hope for anyone who is a survivor of blood clots and by reading stories like Teagan's they can certainly start their road to recovery.


Never stop doing what you love.  There is hope for everyone!


Thank you for reading,


The Clot Buster

January Athlete of the Month

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2016 here we come!

Here is hoping that this year the CLOT BUSTER #STOPTHECLOT polka-dots get to go to many more races, tours, training sessions, race expo, etc so that we can continue to CELEBRATE BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS and to SPREAD AWARENESS about blood clots that could save someone's life...

So in order to get the new year started with style please let me introduce you to a Clot Survivor that will inspire us all with his determination and grit to overcome the challenges of his own clotting incident.

Please allow me to introduce to you PAUL WEINBURGH and read his personal as he wrote it to me on an email correspondence we had last year...

Get ready...

"On June 8th , 2010 my life changed forever, fresh off winning the National Championship in the Firefighter Combat Challenge on October 31st, 2009, I was fortunate to be national sponsored by Alfa Aesar and Zoll Medical. I was fit, happy and my kids were happy. I was a full time Captain on the Fire Department and a single parent of a 19 and a 16 year old, life was good and crazy at the same time.

On June 8th, 2010 that all changed forever, while responding to an early morning call I fell about 15 Feet fracturing my Left leg and completely totaling my Left Knee.

I had my First surgery in July to stabilize the leg and all went fine. Then a month later my world began to fall apart, my youngest brother Sean suddenly died of a heart attack at the age of 40, he died on August 4, 2010, I was injured and now me and my family were crushed with grief of this sudden loss.

Three weeks later I underwent my 2nd surgery and within a week started experiencing left sided calf pain. I followed up with my physician who sent me for a leg ultra sound which soon enough I would learn they are not a 100% accurate, it was negative.

On September 13, 2010 while doing physical rehab I suddenly became short of breath and diaphoretic, at the time I didn't think much of it but I had an appointment set up with my Orthopedic Surgeon that day so I'd ask him.

When I arrived apparently I didn't look so good so he immediately sent me in for a lung scan where they found many Pulmonary Embolism's in my right Lung with some of them causing permanent damage. I suddenly found myself the center of attraction in the Emergency Department on Oxygen, couple IV's Heparin drips Warfarin? Being a Paramedic for over 20 years I finally got what was happening and then the side effect of this trauma set in, the overwhelming feeling of doom, anxiety and oh shit I know what's happening. Although I respect doctors being honest and up front I wasn't prepared to hear that the PE I had is 80% fatal in most people and he felt because of my lifestyle of being fit and a non smoker was in my favor......I was in a state of shock.

After several weeks of being stabilized on Enoxaparin and Warfarin, I was ready to restart the battle to repair my leg.

Because of the extent of damage to my knee my current surgeon recommended a knee replacement, this to me seemed so final and basically an end of my physical activity to my extreme.

I've heard of an experimental surgery Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation "ACI" which is removing cartilage sending it to a lab and re growing it then three months later having the big surgery where they go in resurface all the bones with Bovine then inject the cartilage cells and pray for growth. The down fall of this surgery was my age "right at the limit" 45, 18 months of physical therapy 3 days a week and the inability to walk which ended up being a total of 18 months 24 months before my limp was resolved. So I said piece of cake lol, still better than a fake knee.      

So the adventure started in March 2011 I had a Permanent IVC filter place in order to prevent clots because I needed to come off the Warfarin during the surgeries. In April I had the cartilage harvested threw a scope into my left leg. I then started back to rehab for 3 months awaiting the time for the implant surgery.... On July 11, 2011 I went in. After the surgery I was a mess non weight bearing for 4 months and unable to walk without assistance for a year. 

In January 2012 I started back at gym slowly, they determined I had no clotting factor issues like factor 5 so three physicians said the following, first said stay on blood thinners, second said come off blood thinners and the third had mixed review. So I took door number 2 and came off the blood thinners and continued to work hard doing Crossfit and any activity I count find.

Life changing event number 2. In June 2012 was working in my back yard and had a sudden onset of severe back pain and weakness in my lower extremities, I thought being in the yard working I injured my back. I drove myself to the local hospital and apparently I didn't look so well and they took me right in. Within 30 minutes I was in a Paramedic ambulance on my way to Beth Israel Hospital in Boston on Heparin and many pain killers. Apparently my IVC filter was completely clogged. When I arrived at Beth Israel they informed me I had an 11 inch clot extending from my filter down into my renal and thoracic vein, which was causing the pain. They told me they have never seen such a large clot in a living person and I needed immediate surgery that included many risk.

The amazing thing was when I laid supine in the bed the filter slightly un blocked allowing blood flow. I don't know why but against medical advice I did not do the surgery and remained in the hospital for some time on blood thinners and pain killers, too this day I don't know why I didn't do the surgery "everyone was telling me to do it" When I left the hospital I could barley walk and I started on this long recovery again. It took a long time determination and yes psychological help which to me was the most difficult hurdle "the mental injury".

A year later I climbed Pikes Peak in CO and spread my brothers ashes again against doctors recommendation, but it's not who I am. I'm not disabled I'm a survivor. I don't pity myself I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue this great life and to spread the word to others like me......

And now I run races both road and Spartan I do FF ironman events. I just love life more than I could ever imagine."

THANK YOU Paul for sharing your story.

You got back "Into action" in January of 2012 so I hope that in a small way we can celebrate with this post the start of the road of your recovery...

Without a question you did overcome a number of challenges more than I could ever imagine.  I am not sure how you were able to push on through.  Definitely an INSPIRING STORY from which all of us can take something.  I take away your determination and "Never Quit" attitude.  That truly is the flag that ALL Survivors have to get past their clotting incidents and return to a normal life.

I am looking forward to hear what other physical challenges you will overcome next! KEEP IT UP because you are an example many of us can follow.  We just need to get you in some CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots so that you can reach even more people!

What a story...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster