JULY ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Here we are in the middle of the summer fighting the heat as we attempt to get ready for our summer events... I have 3 more races to go this summer and to tell you the truth I need some inspiration to get out there and represent the STOP THE CLOT polka-dots as I battle the elements...

This month's athelete of the month provides me (and I hope that for your too) the inspiration I need to keep training and racing to create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. Also, to keep me cool all I need is to think of her training grounds in Scotland where mild temperatures, rain, and wind make me think of cool thoughts as I am sweating buckets...

I am very fortunate to have the chance to introduce you to BECS WILLIAMS who from across the pond has been kind of to share her story of survival with us. How amazing is today's world of technology that allows us to be connected and learn/get inspired by other thousands of miles of away... Becs HUGE THANKS for sharing your story!

1) What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
I don’t really have a specific sport, I like to do quite a range of things, so I guess you could call it multi-sport. I enjoy it because it gives me variety and stops me from getting bored. Before I got ill I was regularly road biking, flat and hill running, mountain biking, kayaking, and open water swimming; last year I took part in around 5 or 6 triathlons or duathlons; when I’m back to full health I’m planning on pursuing adventure racing which also involves a bit of orienteering.

2) How did you get started in that sport?
I got started in multi-sport as a result of my boyfriend – when I lived in cities I was always an avid gym goer and also enjoyed running outside in parks etc, but after moving to Scotland in February 2010 I’ve not set foot in a gym since; I’ve got a new road bike, a new mountain bike, a wetsuit and access to various kayaks, a few great training buddies and some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK on my doorstep to train in.

3) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?
I’m doing a race at the weekend www.wickedwolftriathlon.co.uk, last year I was 2nd female and was planning on attempting to take the first spot this year after my boyfriend bought me a nice new mountain bike and I’d been training pretty hard (for me) up until May. Unfortunately I’m not able to do the bike or run sections this year so have formed a team with a friend, I’ll be doing the kayak and she’ll be doing the rest (using my new bike!). I’ve not been able to do any running or biking since May, but have done a bit of yoga, swimming and kayaking so hopefully my fitness will be ok. After this weekend, I’m not sure what my next race will be – I’m keen to rest as much as possible until my leg looks as normal as possible!
4) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
I got my second blood clot in the middle of May this year (2011) – almost 2 months ago – it actually feels like a lot longer. I had my first clot in September 2001 (I was lying in my hospital bed when the twin towers were struck); it was an extensive clot in my left thigh, and I was on Warfarin for 6 months. My left leg has always been weaker as a result of the damage my first clot did to my main vein, however it’s not really stopped me doing my training and I learnt to recognise when I was doing too much, it would swell up occasionally, but I just rested it when I needed to. My second clot was a bit of shock, particularly due to the fact I was probably at my fittest in terms of lifestyle and the volume of exercise I was doing. I had recently come back from a cycling trip in Majorca where I’d done over 350 miles of mountainous cycling in one week, my leg had been swelling up a bit during the trip, but no more than I’d expected it to. The week following Majorca my muscles in my left leg were hurting more than usual so I decided to go to the doctor for a check up. As a result of my history then sent me for a scan on my leg, however it came back negative, as did the follow up scan 10 days later. I then carried on with my training which involved regular hill runs and bike rides; however I did another race which involved a 37mile cycle and following that my leg never really recovered. It started to swell and hurt a lot, deep down I knew it was a clot but still hoped that it would go away. Following over a week of taking painkillers and travelling around the UK with work I decided it was time to go for an emergency scan. The scan showed that I had a clot in my left calf… I have been out of action ever since and will be on Warfarin for the rest of my life.

5) When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time?
I haven’t done any running or cycling yet, I still have mild feelings of panic when my heart rate goes up, particularly if I’m on my own – largely as I’m conscious that I probably still have some form of a clot in my leg so will still be at risk of an embolism. My leg still hurts to walk too far and if I push it by doing a slight jog (perhaps to the shop) the aching feeling comes back. I’m finding it a lot harder to get over my clot mentally this time than I did the last time in 2001, I’m not sure whether it’s because I’m older, or because I feel like I’ve got more to lose now. I think I’m unlikely to do much in terms of serious training this year; I’ve bought a new digital SLR camera to fill the void of exercise and have increased my focus on my voluntary work. My boyfriend is still doing a lot of races, so I’m going along to them and meeting up with friends and enjoying the social side of it instead.

6) What is your favourite piece of gear for your favourite activity?
My favourite bit of kit has to be my road bike – I love it – it’s a Kuota Korsa and I’ve had it for just over a year. It’s light and fast and I’ve covered a lot of miles on it. I miss riding it a lot.

7) What is your favourite food? Either generally or after a workout. For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...
My favourite food is smoked haddock risotto – I love it!

8) 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 to anyone else who’s going through the same thing… don’t rush it – your bike or running shoes will still be there a few months down the line – your body’s recovery is way more important, so listen to how it feels and don’t take it for granted. My main concern now is that I’ll always be on Warfarin – I’m not too bothered about the blood tests etc, and I’m happy that being on the drug reduces my risk of yet another clot, however it’s more the fact that I have to be more careful not to injure myself and the impact this is going to have on my performance – will it make me even more weary when descending hills on my mountain bike or road bike for example? I don’t know, I’ll just have to see how I get on. On a positive note, I survived, I’m here to tell another tale and I’m lucky that I know one day I should be able to return to what I enjoy. It’s important not to mope around, but to make the most of your time off and maybe focus on some other area of your life that may benefit from some attention.
Keep smiling, life is good!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Gallery of Photos from Canada - Part 3

Gallery of Photos from Canada - Part 2

Gallery of Photos from Canada - Part 1

It has been too long...

Hard to believe how fast time goes by...

It seems like it was yesterday that I raced the Half-Iron Distance Triathlon in Canada.

My still feels the pain from that effort.

I am still having a hard time getting some good workouts down.

I am still THRILLED with my effort in Canada and how I was able to finish the race.

A lot of people LOVED the CLOT BUSTER's polka-dots... mostly those who passed me... believe me up in Canada I did not get the chance to pass many folks.

All things considered it was a great experience.

I never thought that I would come that close to my PR based on how I felt starting the run.

Somehow I managed and I am very happy about that. I can't believe that I was able to complete that grueling 1.2 Mile swim. I never had to swim under a bridge/overpass which I thought was really cool.

The bike was flat and fast which I enjoyed but I was not ready to do either for 56 Miles... My legs were pretty fried before the start of the run. I did not think that I was going to pull off a good run at all. It was not a stelar but good enough to get me to the finish line.

Without a doubt I can do better.

Without a doubt I will have to shy away from Ironman... as I cannot even begin to imagine doubling the pain I felt after finishing... for that reason I am sticking with half-iron distance races if I feel like I need to challenge my self down the road.

For now I think that shorther races are in my future. However, I am turning 35 next year so I may have to "do" something special to celebrate my entrance into my new age group.

A MILLION THANKS TO THE MANY WHO CONTRIBUTED TO MY FUNDRAISING EFFORT, I am starting the process of puttnig together a new CLOT BUSTER polka-dot design that should make a lot of survivors out there look AMAZING while spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

For now let's hope for a speedy recovery.

I just wish that my body would feel normal again as I am racing again at the end of July.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

CANADA Here we come!

The Clot Buster Polka-dots are going over the border!

Half-Ironman Distance Triathlon is waiting for me over the border!

Wish me luck so that I don't crawl to the finish line over the border!

Junior is looking forward to see the bigger bigger bigger water falls over the border!

After the race we are going camping over the border!

Will they let me back in from over the border?

We are on our way to get over the border!

Junior is very excited for the road trip over the border!

I am going OVER board on this post...

See you when we come back! Stay tuned for update tweets from the race and our travels.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

3 Years & Counting!!! How Sweet it is!?!?!

Hard to believe but in June of 2008 I started with these series of "ATHLETE OF THE MONTH" and without a question it has been one of the most

AMAZING

INSPIRING

LEARNING

Did I say INSPIRING...

things I've done on this blog. Every time I get a hold of a story or meet someone and learn their story I find myself thrilled, excited and motivated even more to keep going. Perhaps I will get the chance to touch others who may also get that little extra inspiration to return to a normal life after their clotting incident.

THANK YOU for coming along for 3 years!

Let's make it another 3!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

June Athlete of the Month

Hard to believe that both yesterday and today were our first "nice days" in a long while... at least here in the Mid-West. The heat has been BRUTAL so early... Here is hoping for a milder summer...

Once more I have the privilege to come across a personal story of a clotting incident that can provide a great of inspiration based on the difficult and lengthy process she had to go through.

It is amazing how these clotting incidents can bring down anyone with very different presentations and with severe life-style impacts that not only affect the individual but all those around them.

Please read on...

"My name is Caroline Kelly. I was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my right leg four years ago when I was 19 years old. It started when I noticed pain in my right leg. At that time, I had not even heard of DVT or its symptoms. I play soccer, so I thought it was just a muscle spasm. I went to the emergency room (ER), because I could barely walk, and it felt like something was tightening in my leg. Nothing was found. However, the pain got worse, and my leg became warm and swollen, so I returned to the ER, which is when the DVT in my leg was diagnosed. I was taking birth control pills to regulate my menstrual cycle, which is the likely reason for my DVT, and it changed my life forever. I was tested for blood clotting disorders, but none were found, nor has anyone in my family had a blood clot.

I think this illness changed my life because I had to leave college. On top of that, I lost financial aid and college funding, and my mother had to quit her job to take care of me. My life was at a standstill. I went from being free to do what I wanted to total bed rest for 4 months. I could not stand or walk, because my leg pain was so excruciating. I had to keep my leg elevated to ease the swelling. I injected a blood thinner by needle into my stomach every twelve hours. It was a very painful and traumatizing experience for me, and I kept asking myself “Why me?” and “Will I be alright?” I found myself with tears in my eyes.

I learned that DVT affects thousands of people a year. I learned more about blood clots and the blood thinners that treat clots and the risks for blood clots, including birth control pills. If clots travel to the lung, a pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur. It’s very important to spread the word about the signs and symptoms of DVT and its associated risk.

I look at life differently now, and I am thankful every day when I wake up, and my faith sustains me. I now appreciate everything life offers, both good and bad. I’ve learned that life has lessons. I’m so blessed and fortunate that my blood clot was caught before it traveled to my lungs, so I was never short of breath. My advice to others is to stay healthy, move, and keep in shape to keep your blood flowing. It is also important to be aware that birth control pills carry risk for blood clots."

Thankfully Caroline's clotting incident was treated on time before it got worse.

As you read the impact on her life and on the life of others was very significant. But as the clotting incident brought the hardships described together, Caroline and her mother, can begin the journey to allow Caroline to have as a normal life as possible.

Here is hoping for her to return to college and to the soccer fields!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Need Your Help!

This year's "big" race will be in Canada.

It will be a Half-Iron Distance Triathlon for a total of 70.3 Miles.

The training is hurting.

But it is worth it if I can fundraise the amount I need to design and manufacture dedicated cycling and triathlon jerseys to continue spreading the word about... STOP THE CLOT.

We need more polka-dots out there to wake people up and let them know that blood clots and blood clotting disorders are a GREAT danger.

If you have in you and can spare as little or as much as you can please checkout the link below...

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/roland_theclotbuster-varga/2011wellandontariohalf-irondistancetriathlon

Your help is very much appreciated!

With that I will hubble down stairs and continue my ice bath... 65+ Miles of biking and intense running have me wrecked...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

May Athlete of the Month

As I was looking through the www.STOPTHECLOT.org website I came across the following profile article that sent chills down my spine...

I have not had the opportunity to meet KARA KING - CLOT BUSTER MAY Athlete of the Month, but if she and her friends are working to get a STOP THE CLOT 5K race organized in order to spread the word and create awareness she qualifies as SURVIVOR and an ATHLETE in my book.

Please read Kara's story below and if you are in Austin, TX checkout this event which I would love to do... Does Southwest fly to Austin...!?!? Can I get a deal if I bring my polka-dots !?!?!

"September of 2010 in Austin, was busy in the King household. The kids had just started a new school year, I was neck deep in volunteer work at school, and I was teaching cooking classes on fall cooking techniques. We were so busy that I never stopped to think about the weird pains that started affecting my body. The first occurred when I awoke with a sharp stabbing pain in my left chest. I did not feel any shortness of breath, but I felt pain when I took a deep breath. When my chest pain persisted for a few hours, I called my doctor, who said it was just a pinched nerve, and to take a muscle relaxant, which didn’t help. I was miserable for 2 more days, and then felt the same stabbing pain on the other side of my chest. I immediately called my doctor again. His assessment was that I was straining my right side to compensate for the pinched nerve on the left. The doctor again said to keep taking muscle relaxants, even though I told him that they were not having any effect.

I knew something wasn’t right. I even asked my doctor during our phone conversation whether I could be having a pulmonary embolism (PE). I knew my symptoms were classic for a PE, because I have an undergraduate degree in biomedical science. His answer was “You don’t have a PE, take the muscle relaxants, and you’ll feel better in a few days.” I listened to my doctor’s advice, and did not seek a second opinion. I should have trusted my own instincts and gone to the emergency room.

Like we all do, I didn’t spend too much time thinking about things, just got busy with my daily life as best I could and tried to ignore the pain. I decided to go for a walk to try to “work out” the pinched nerve after my second call to my doctor. During my walk, I felt winded and noticed that my left leg felt very tired, heavy, and it took a lot of effort to move it. It was a 95 degree day so I told myself I was dehydrated. Later that night, my leg felt like I pulled a muscle, and it woke me during the night. I took more muscle relaxants without relief.

The following morning began like any routine day. I put my 2 little boys on the bus for school. My 4 year old daughter was eating breakfast as she watched cartoons, and I was drinking a cup of coffee and paying bills.

I had gotten up to get ready to run some errands, and all of a sudden, my leg stopped moving. I literally couldn’t lift it or bend it. I looked down and was shocked at what I saw: my left leg was purple and twice the size of my right! I screamed so loud that my husband, who works from home, came running.

It was at that moment that all my symptoms “clicked.” I knew I had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and that I was right about having a PE. My husband, Ben, rushed me to the nearest emergency room (ER), with our daughter in tow. In retrospect, I realize that an ambulance would have been a wiser choice in case my symptoms worsened enroute, but we thought we’d get there faster by car, and we were in a panic. I was put through a series of tests, including an ultrasound and chest CT in the ER.

When the official diagnosis came in, both my husband and I were terrified. I had a blood clot that completely blocked the length of my left leg, and had PEs in both of my lungs. I was taken to ICU, because I was at extremely high risk for the clot to break off and travel within the next 24 hours. Because I already had 2 clots in my lungs we know the DVT was breaking apart, and the fear was that another break could occur. The doctors saw the first 24 hours as critical, and let me know, in no uncertain terms, that I could die at any moment. The fear gripped me and it was difficult to remain calm, especially because my sweet little girl was so frightened. Thoughts were racing through my mind. I was feeling upset that I had told my sons “see you this afternoon” instead of “goodbye” in the morning rush, and now I was in a situation that might prevent me from watching them grow up. I wondered if my wonderful husband would cope if I didn’t make it home. I was terrified knowing that my next breath might be my last.

I spent 5 days in the hospital, 3 in the ICU. My recovery has been long, slow, and painful. I decided I wanted to find another doctor, so I did research and found a hematologist, someone who knew how to treat DVTs. I waited 3 weeks for an appointment, but it was worth the wait. I was in intense pain to the point that I couldn’t walk, and I was taking pain pills around the clock. She put me on low molecular weight heparin injections instead of oral blood thinners, and the improvement in my symptoms was dramatic. The swelling in my leg decreased, and I stopped pain medicine within 10 days. Nevertheless, I still had a long recovery ahead, because I also developed a pleural effusion and lung infarction on my right side, both very painful. My hematologist referred me to a vascular surgeon, because I was still feeling pain and heaviness in my leg after 4 months.
The vascular surgeon diagnosed May-Thurner Syndrome, which is a compression of my iliac vein. The compression caused my blood to pool behind my iliac vein, and caused blood to clot in my abdomen and left leg. I had surgery in February 2011 to place a stent to open the collapsed vein. The vascular surgeon discovered an extensive clot in my abdomen, and he inserted three times as much stent as he anticipated.

Since then, the blood flow in my leg is much better. The heaviness is gone and I’ve resumed cooking for my catering business, without having to rest every 20 minutes. I almost feel normal again. I feel like it’s important to note that my chest pain came before I felt any discomfort in my leg. Had the 2 clots that went to my lungs been any bigger, I would have died without every having symptoms of a blood clot.

It’s been a long road, and I will never fully heal. My femoral vein is damaged permanently, and my emotional scars will be tough to overcome. I was depressed, scared, and convinced that at any moment I would stop breathing right after my diagnosis. I held my kids constantly and cried because I couldn’t cook their dinner, attend their sports games, or even take them upstairs to bed. As time went on, I was able to climb the stairs again, and trek out to the soccer field, but my fear of leaving my children persists. Even though I don’t have a clotting disorder, I will be on some form of blood thinner for the rest of my life because of my May-Thurner Syndrome. I have learned to make everyday count, to make sure my children and husband know I love them, and to fight this clot with everything I have.

My husband and I, along with our best friends David and Jill Mapes, are organizing Austin’s First Annual Stop The Clot® Race. I am determined to raise awareness about signs and symptoms of DVT and PE, so that no one else will wait a week with chest pain and leg pain because a doctor dismissed their symptoms.

Blood clots kill more people every year than car accidents, yet there are driving rules and seatbelts for safety. Very few people know the signs and symptoms of a DVT or PE, and I am bound and determined to change that. I want to help raise money for people to increase this awareness, for better research in this field, and for those who may be financially strapped by a blood clot. Even though fear lurks constantly in the back of my mind, I want to show my clot that it awakened my spirit to fight and to Stop The Clot®.

For more information on the Austin TX, Stop the Clot race, go to www.pathfinderracing.com"

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

By now you have seen my posts about a clot survivor determined to cover ALL of the 26.2 Miles of the Flying PIG MARATHON.

On the first weekend of May TOM WISEMAN donned the STOP THE CLOT - Clot Buster polka-dots and conquered all of those 26.2 Miles to show everyone out there that even after suffering from a clotting incident it is possible to complete the marathon!

I don't know about you but I am sure inspired to get out there and continue to prepare and spread the word to all who is willing to listen.

Tom - THANK YOU for the dedication and inspiration!

But don't fear! I just got word that Tom is not done yet... he has decided to take on his next challenge head on and even set a time goal for himself that looks to improve on his time from the Flying Pig.

Tom we will all see at the AIR FORCE MARATHON in Dayton, OH!!!

All Clot Busters out there will be rooting again for you!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Flying Pig Marathon >>> TOM WISEMAN - CLOT BUSTER in ACTION!!!

Hey Cincinnati!

Be in the lookout for some STOP THE CLOT Polka-dots out in the marathon course!

Mr. TOM WISEMAN will be walking the 26.2Miles sporting the CLOT BUSTER polka-dots!

If you see him give him some encouragement.

He is a survivor of blood clots and an example to all of us to keep going!

GOOD LUCK TOM!!!

Looking forward to hear how it goes!

You are an inspiration!

Thank You,

The Clot Buster

Photo Update from the Last Month

It is been a while since I posted some pictures...

I guess time just gets away from me and with the ability of cutting corners with 140 characters I am falling behind here...

Check out some pictures of what we have been doing lately...

10 Miller Race from early April...

My Birthday...

.

Easter...

Amazing times without a question.

I am very lucky that is for sure.

Looking forward to more pictures over the summer as we gear for a season of racing, STOP THE CLOT work spreading, fundraising, and more...!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

April Athlete of the Month

This month's feature of Athlete of the Month is taking us to the other spectrum of individuals who are not world class athletes but on their own right are making HUGE strides to beat and recover from their clotting incident.

April's Athlete of the Month has an inspiring story that I am very proud to share as it is very inspiring to me. As I find myself looking at what I can do this summer to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders I think of this person and what he has been through and where he is going. Knowing of his story of come-back makes the polka-dots on my jersey brighter and far more meaningful...

Please allow me to introduce to you Mr. TOM WISEMAN. As a blood clot survivor he is getting ready to tackle the FLYING PIG MARATHON in May and he is raising funds to help in the cause. Check out TOM's FUNDRAISING PAGE HERE.

Please read on below Tom's story and get inspired!

"My name is Tom Wiseman, and I am from Sidney, OH - born and raised. All of my life, with the exception of 4 years of college and a 6-year stint in Cincinnati, I have lived in my hometown. My college years were spent in Dayton at Wright State University, where I received my B.S. in Business, but more importantly received the love of my life, Lori Lynn Belmaggio from West Milton, OH. I have returned to college a couple of times, once for MBA classes at Wright State, and also at Edison State for technical training during the brief time I was working in sheet metal fabrication. I am currently pursuing my ChFC designation in an effort to enrich my career as a financial advisor. While none of this seems to have much to do with a DVT / PE story, it actually does. During my life, I have prided myself on being relatively educated, intelligent, and pretty health-conscious. Since high school, I have always continued my life's education and tried my best to keep myself in shape. In fact, right after high school I got into running, and completed many 5K's and a 10K. But as things got busier, I got away from running, but always tried to get back into it.

The years of 2001-2008 was filled with challenges, turmoil, failures, and perseverance. My family and I struggled with job changes, address changes, family and health issues, depression, and ultimately financial struggles. I bounced around from job to job in the financial industry - and ultimately worked in an industry for two years that I was not trained or educated in, moved back to Sidney from Cincinnati, my parents both became ill (however, they are TOUGHER THAN HELL - they are BOTH cancer survivors !!!), and we nearly lost everything because of the financial difficulties that were a compound affect of everything else. Although never clinically diagnosed, I am sure that I was suffering mental depression during a good period of that time, angry at myself for my lot in life. I was too smart for all of this to have happened to me !!! In hindsight, I was able to get through this time because of these primary reasons: My supportive wife (a weaker woman would have left my sorry butt), a supportive family, and my faith in my savior, Jesus Christ.

But regardless of all of that, my life changed forever in March of 2008. While working at the sheet metal factory (and during a time that I wasn't exactly taking care of myself at all), I noticed that my left leg was swelling and hurt alot behind my knee. I dismissed it as an injury, perhaps from jumping off of a forklift at work, or playing in a dodgeball tournament at the YMCA. When the swelling got worse, I tried to treat it with heat and cold. At the suggestion of my aunt, who is a nurse, I went to my doctor, who suggested I take a blood test at the hospital. It wasn't much more than 45 minutes later, and he ordered me to the ER. After a short stay, it was determined that I had a blood clot, but was SENT HOME with Lovenox and a small dosage of Coumadin.

I was told to stay off work for a couple of days and keep my leg elevated. During my time at home, the area near my lower lungs started to have sharp pains (which I had had before for a few months), and I just didn't feel right. I couldn't breathe. My wife, who is infinitely smarter than me, said "You don't feel well, do you?" After agreeing, she called my doctor, who ordered me to the ER again. It was then determined that I had massive DVT in my left leg and that the clotting had gone to my lungs, and had formed PE's all the way through my lungs. This was April 1st - April Fool's Day - how fitting. As I sit there in the ER, a team of doctors kept going past me with that "concerned look" on their faces. After giving several gallons of blood, having an ultrasound and a CAT scan, I was told that I may have to be put in the ICU. I had just turned 36.

36. ICU. Are you kidding? All the other troubles I had in the past 7 years paled in comparison to this. I had a wife and 4 children. What would they do? Interestingly enough, during this time I was being recruited by my current firm to return to the financial services industry. After contemplating the fact that I was so thankful I had enough life insurance that my family would be fine if I died, the choice to return to the career I knew was an easy one to make. I now had a story. I had my passion.

Fortunately, I was admitted to the telemetry unit, was drowned with heparin, and was released 3 days later. The PE's had all gone away, although I did have some slight tissue death in one of my lower lungs, but nothing to be concerned about. I will be a coumadin "lifer," because I have had DVT / PE and I tested positive for the Factor V Leiden protein. My left leg does swell slightly from time-to-time due to slight valve damage. But other than that, I am a healthy 39-year-old.

I have had my "wake up call." Now I want to help awaken the world to what I call the "silent killer." I was blessed. I got back to the ER in time - the head physician on duty that night had said that if I had waited another 24-36 hours, I probably would have died.

Everyone needs to know the dangers of DVT and clotting disorders, which is the indirect or direct cause of many deadly heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory-circulatory arrests.

I plan on living a long, full life - and I want to help raise awareness to prevent any unnecessary deaths or disorders associated with the Factor V Leiden condition, DVT, or PE. All of the things I have been through some would consider somewhat tragic or unfortunate. I feel exactly the opposite - I have been blessed to have experienced things that some people will never be able to experience. From having myriad difficulties, to raising a developmentally delayed child (our 8-year-old has an undiagnosed general delay), to having DVT / PE...I have been given the privilege of all of this - because God knows I AM STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE IT ALL. Bring it. My motto: MOST EXCEL AT EXISTING...THE BEST EXIST TO EXCEL."

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Closing March as DVT Awareness Month

I've done what I could this fine month to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

The Clot Buster polka-dots sure are warming up to be racing this season. That is the time of the year when I really do my work to let as many people as possible know about the STOP THE CLOT message.

My racing schedule is taking shape and I invite to keep an eye on my "Racing Schedule" side bar for updates as to where the polka-dots will end up. For sure you know now that I am going to Canada to be racing. Should be a fun trip... First international trip for Junior who will get his first passport stamp!

Outside of the race in Canada I am trying to figure the next races of the year. I am excited about the opportunities but be sure that for the race in Canada I plan to fund raise again as it is been a while since I've done. My plan is to raise enough funds to get NEW BIKE JERSEYS and TRIATHLON JERSEYS manufactured and available to all with a donation to www.STOPTHECLOT.org

So, if you have suggestions of races I should send them my way. You never know when the Clot Buster polka-dots may heading to your town...

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

March Athlete of the Month

By now you probably have already heard...

Multiple Tennis Grand Slam Champion SERENA WILLIAMS was treated earlier this week for a Pulmonary Embolism.

There is not much more I can say about this person since she is so well known thanks to her success both on and off the tennis court. It would be a privileage and an honor to meet her and pick her brain about her clotting incident. Unfortunately, I am sure that the last thing she wants to do at this point is talk to anyone let alone the Clot Buster.

I am still stunned about the news.

Just another example that anyone is vulnerable to blood clotting incidents.

I wish her nothing short of a FAST AND COMPLETE RECOVERY. I have no doubts that she will return to the court and prove once more that it is possible to survive a clotting incident. I am thankful that she received fast and accurate treatment which will help her in the long run.

It is ironic in many ways that story came to life in March which is DVT AWARENESS MONTH. I sorry that it is at her expense but the extra attention towards blood clots can only help to spread the word that much more.

Mrs. Serena Williams - GET BETTER SOON!!!

Just imagine if she was to compete in a tennis tournament with a red polka-dot outfit with STOP THE CLOT written some place.

The Clot Buster can surely dream...

Take some time to learn more about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. A great place to start can be www.STOPTHECLOT.org

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

MARCH is DVT AWARENESS MONTH

Pass on the word!

MARCH is DVT Awareness Month.

Learn about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. One place to start is www.STOPTHECLOT.org

Anyone can be affected by blood clots...

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT A STORY THAT I CAN'T BELIEVE...

Learn as much as you can because you simple don't know when it can come about.

SPREAD THE WORD!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Blood Clots in the News...

It is getting to be March Madness soon and this article I found on STOP THE CLOT's Facebook Group page is very fitting for the times ahead...

"CofC's Simmons still recovering recovering from clot;"

Although is not fun this is just another reminder that blood clots can affect anyone at any time.

Learn more about blood clots and blood clotting disorders at www.STOPTHECLOT.org

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

February Athelete of the Month

I came across February's Athlete of the Month by chance...

I read KAITLIN HAYWOOD's story as it was posted on the STOPTHECLOT Facebook page.

Please read on below the article I read and once more BE INSPIRED to enjoy life as it comes because we simply have no control as to what the next day will bring... (You can also read the article directly HERE).

"Twenty-year old Kaitlin Haywood, a junior at Southeast Missouri State University, was walking across campus last June when she started feeling ill. She made it inside Parker Hall, where she coaches a children's competitive gymnastics team, before passing out.
University staff called 911 and Kaitlin was rushed to the Emergency Department at Southeast Hospital. The ER physician, suspecting she may have a potentially fatal blood clot, ordered a CAT scan. Kaitlin was admitted to the Hospital and placed in ICU. Test results determined she had pulmonary emboli -- blood clots in the lungs. "I had multiple, massive blood clots," Kaitlin recalls.

Her condition deteriorated rapidly, according to Mark Dalton, DO, a Southeast adult hospitalist. "Kaitlin had a fast heart rate, and her blood pressure and oxygen levels began to drop. An echocardiogram report showed the right side of her heart was failing and she needed urgent treatment," Dr. Dalton says.

David A. Law, MD, of Cardiovascular Consultants and the Southeast Hospital Medical Staff, performed catheter-directed thrombolysis, a minimally invasive procedure which likely saved Kaitlin's life. "Before this treatment was available, we usually had to perform surgery," Dr. Law says. "This approach allows us to deliver clot-dissolving medication directly to the clot."

Kaitlin's condition improved, and within 48 hours her vital signs were normal. James C. Mosley III, MD, of Southeast Hematology/Oncology, ultimately found the pulmonary emboli were caused by Antiphopholipid Antibody Syndrome -- a rare autoimmune disorder that carries an increased risk of blood clots. "The treatment is long-term, including lifelong, use of anticoagulants (blood-thinners) to reduce the risk of recurrent potentially life-threatening clotting complications," Dr. Mosley says.

Kaitlin says the anxiety of initially not knowing what caused the blood clots and later the realization that she would be on medication the rest of her life were overwhelming. But she adds that the doctors and Hospital staff kept her informed and made her feel comfortable.

An exercise science major, Kaitlin was a competitive gymnast from ages 6 to 18. Kaitlin says that although she can no longer physically do gymnastics because of the risk of internal bleeding, she enjoys working with kids and plans to continue coaching. "I like passing my knowledge on," she says."

To me is very important to read that the doctors who took care of Kaitlin suspected that a blood clot was causing the issue and then tailored their treatment to save her life. Any hesitation from the doctors would have been tragic in this case. So, CONGRATULATIONS to all the doctors and staff who truly were able to identify the situation quickly and resolved it with a happy ending.

She may not be competing any more in gymnastics but she is involved in what she truly loves which is another example of individuals thriving even after they suffered from a clotting incident.

Get inspired!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Second Annual 5k Walk to Promote Blood Clot Awareness Month

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) and the Association of Black Women Attorneys (ABWA) sponsor a 5K walk to promote blood clot awareness on Sunday March 27, 2011 in Brooklyn, NY.

I so wish that I could be there taking part with all of the polka-dot wearing Clot Busters of NYC.

Someday I will find my way out there for sure.

In the mean time I think that it is time that Columbus, OH gets an event like this organized. If not in 2011 perhaps in 2012 it can come together. It is time to get busy with this.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster