DON'T STOP SPREADING THE WORD...

Just because March is ending does not mean that we need to stop spreading the work about blood clots and blood clotting disorders...

Every month, EVERY DAY should be BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS TIME...

With that in mind let me provide a little help...

Every time you decide to ride your bicycle or run or triathlon race you can continue spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders...

All you need to do is get yourself your very own CLOT BUSTER - STOP THE CLOT - polka dots...

CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS

RUNNING and TRIATHLON ENTHUSIASTS

Starting on May 10th you too can have your very own CLOT BUSTER polka dots.

All proceeds from this sale of jerseys to go 100% towards NBCA's mission to STOP THE CLOT.

Cycling Jersey - Available in all Sizes for $85.00

Triathlon Jersey - Available in all Sizes for &75.00
Please reserve yours by either replying to this blog post or dropping me a line at polka40@hotmail.com

DON'T STOP SPREADING THE WORD about STOP THE CLOT just because March ends... GET YOUR CLOT BUSTER POLKA DOTS!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

March Athlete of the Month

By now you should know that March is BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH.

For all of us associated with work of spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders March is VERY IMPORTANT.

As such, I get to feature someone on this series of posts that will blow you away.

Please let me introduce you to DANIELLE HINDE who is without a question one of the most inspiring individuals that I have ever met. Her drive and determination are incredible as she has decided that a blood clotting inciddent is not about to slow her down with her goals.

Speaking of goals DANIELLE is running the L.A. MARATHON on Sunday 03/18/2012 and as celebration of that event she set up a fundraising page in order to raise funds to help the misssion of The National Blood Clot Alliance to www.STOPTHECLOT.org. Let's give Danielle a hand in pushig the needle up on her fundraising effort.

Are you ready to be energized?

Please read on...


1) What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
I am an endurance junkie. I crave the seemingly impossible events like Ironman, Half Ironmans and Marathons. It's my therapy and my religion. After a tough day, all I need is a long run with my ipod and the stress of the day dissipates. I also love pushing my body and mind to limits that are almost inhuman and then pushing it further than that. There is nothing more rewarding than that, as painful as it may be sometimes.

2) How did you get started in that sport?
I didn't know how to swim properly and water actually horrified me so I figured what better way to get over that fear than to repeatedly swim 2.4 miles in open water. I loved to cycle and run so once I was passed that swim portion, I was good to go.

3) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?(Longbike ride, some race coming up or that you did)
I am racing the LA Marathon this upcoming weekend, my third time doing it. My "first" marathon was three years ago and it was a much different experience running a marathon without having to swim 2.4 miles and 112 miles before it.

4) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinnersnow? How long were you out of commission?
In late August of 2011, I was suffering from pretty severe chest pains on my left side and my breathing was pretty restricted. I thought I was just having allergies or pulled a muscle from the gym so I was about to leave my office and go home and rest. Fortunately my very concerned boyfriend made me drive straight to the hospital once he heard my strained breathing. Five hours later after a barrage of tests, the doctor tells me I am the case study of the night and I have pulmunary embolisms in both lungs. I wasn't on birth control, I don't smoke, I'm insanely active so how did this happen to me? I spent the next five days in the hospital trying to figure that out. I got an ultrasound on both legs and they found a blood clot in my right leg and an old blood clot in the left leg that was scarred over. All the missing pieces finally came together. Over the past two years I went to an orthopedic to figure out why my calves and ankles were often so swollen and painful. He did an ultrasounds three separate times over the years, all below the knee, and just said I strained my muscle and to not run for about four weeks. If he just looked above my knee, he would have seen the clots. It was frustrating to know I was misdiagnosed so many times and to think back on all the dangerous situations I put myself in like doing Ironman New Zealand with a blood clot in my leg. I also found out I had Factor V Leiden and all my international traveling contributed to my clots. I am thankful that I now have a handle on it and can prevent any further clots. I was put on Coumadin and Lovenox. I had a horrible aversion to coumadin and ended up staying on Lovenox for 4 months. I am now taking Xarelto which has been working great thus far. I was in and out of hospital for about two weeks and then laid up in my bed for another two weeks. I would take long walks but that's about it. Finally about three months later, I went on my first run which was the best feeling ever. I felt like a caged animal set free. I wasn't given "permission" to do this but I'm also the girl who did an Ironman with a broken shoulder so I have a habit of listening to my body and it usually tells me when I'm ready. And now 7 months later, I'm doing a marathon.


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

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...)
My Mizuno running shoes are my favorite, been running with them for about 7 years. I am also obsessed with my stella mccartney running top, it's survived every Ironman I've ever done.

7) How much are you getting out doing your sport? (Everyday you do some training, 2, 3, 4 times per week)
I train almost everyday, I take one day off a week. It's my entire culture and lifestyle.

8) What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout. For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...
I never drink soda but I always crave diet coke after a very long run or race.

9) If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
I would love to disappear to Maui for a few months and just run and lounge in the sun everyday or go to Montana and ride horses.

10) What would like to say to someone who is going through a clottingepisode, 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 WORST thing to do is to scare yourself with all the information online. You can work yourself up into a panic reading all the stories. I know I did, I thought I was dying everyday. I was hyper aware of everything my body was doing, even if it was just indigestion. Obviously, everybody is different and has their own experiences but listen to your body/doctor and don't be too fearful. I feel like I'm the wrong person to ask when you should go back to what you love because I always jump the gun, I always return to something when I feel like I'm not in danger anymore and that my body can handle it. It's all about coming back super slow, giving your body time to adjust. However, if you feel like something may be off, don't be scared to say something to your doctor. A few weeks ago my calf was feeling strained so I got an ultrasound. Everything was totally clear and it was just a running pain as I was gearing up for this marathon but it doesn't hurt anyone just to double check and be sure.


Thankfully I am doing this update to the blog way late in the night because otherwise I would have laced on my Mizuno's as well and would have gone for a run...

The human body and mind are amazing. Even more amazing is the fact that I can share these stories and experiences with you.

Danielle - THANK YOU for your willingness to share. I can't wait to check the results on Sunday 03/18/2012. If and when I do an Ironman I will be calling for you for some tips and motivation!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

February Athlete of the Month

Today's technology is amazing.

Who knew that my blog was/is being read all over the world.

Ever more amazing is the fact that my unique Hungarian background provides an additional twist to the power of today's technology.

It turns out that my blog has found it's way to Hungary and sometime back I got a note in Hungarian from a clot survivor very interested in getting the Clot Buster polka-dot colors to Hungary in order to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

In the process of ex-changing emails I got the chance to get to know this person that I am about to introduce to you as FEBRUARY's Athlete of the Month. Please welcome ADAM NOVAK to our group of clot survivor athletes who are willing to share their story with us.

I got the opportunity to ask Adam some questions and here are the answers he shared with me... read on and enjoy!

1) What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?
Before I had my DVT last year my sport was triathlon. I started swimming when I was 6. Then after swimming in the pool 15 years I looked for new adventures, so I started trathlon. Running was always difficult for me, I was always slow, at cycling I was at an avarage level. I was always best at swimming.
A few weeks after my DVT I sterted swimming again. Then came cycling and runnig was the last. Now, I am not running a lot partly because I do not have time to do that. I ride my bike a couple of times a week but mainly swim again (3-4 times a week.)

2) How did you get started in that sport?I was 6. I was at a high level in my young ages.

3) What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?(Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)
Now I am planning to swim a lot. I feel it is good for my leg recovery and it is also a sport that I am good at. Currently, I am doing short distances 50-400 m swim races and open water races. A few weeks ago I won 2 national awards at an International Masters Swimming Competetion in middle Europe at 50 and 100 m freestyle.

4) Tells about your clotting episode. Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
It was last winter. I was training, running. I felt that my left leg hurt but I had no idea why. I thought the pain would go away but it actually got worse. I went to the doctors and he said it was a muscle tear. He asked me to go home and rest. I did. After a few days the pain got worse, I could hardy walk and I also got temperature. I went back. He said to be patient and go back home. I did. After two weeks I went back for the 3rd time but this time even walking was a lot of pain. Then he made a scan of my leg and he found a clot. I spent about a week at hospital. Then went home and laid for a few days at home too.

5) When were you able to get back into your activity? How did it feel that first time?
It was about 3 weeks after my clotting episode. It felt bloody good :-D

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 would like to wear the polka dot shirt but have not donated so far. Naughty :-D I will...
I also like our own bike brand and biking style. www.carbonrecumbent.com These are bikes we manufacture. We actually have a few customers who buy our bikes because they are good for lower extremity circualation issues. It is an interesting intesection in my life...


7) How much are you getting out doing your sport?
3-4 times a week.

8) What is your favorite food? Either generally or after a workout. For me there is nothing better than a Chipotle Burrito...
I like everything. I like vegetables and fruits but meats are also a choice.

9) If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
New Zealand. I have been there already but that is the place I loved in my life so far even if I have been to nice other places too.

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.
This is a hard question to answer. I felt very healthy before. I feel healthy now but I know what happened. Now I am taking medications but when I leave them I do not really know what will prevent me from another clotting episode because even doctors do not know why it happened. What I learned is that DVT is unpredictable and basically everyone can get it. I was 27, healthy athlete. I always asked myself before: why? Now, I am not thinking much and do not really care about what people say on the internet about their DVTs and how depressed they are because of their episode and the long-term medication. I had mine. I am over it and I am out there, I am working, racing, having a family and enjoying my life. There is nothing else I expect.

I still can't believe that I was able to make contact with Adam and learn about his story. Reading the blog of his company I need to make my way to Hungary and ride out there. I believe I have a tour guide in place. Even on a recumbent bike he will still smoke me...

Adam, NAGYON KOSZONOM HOGY EL TUDTAT KULDENI A LEVELET! SOKNAK FOG SEGITENI! (In Hungarian - Thank You very much for sending your story. Many will benit from it).

I can't wait to see what other corner of the world this blog will get to. Check back and see from where the next Athlete of the Month will come from.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

WAIT FOR IT... WAIT FOR IT...

WAIT FOR IT...

It is coming very soon!

January Athlete of the Month

Once more that magic of the web put me in contact with an individual who is without a question a perfect candidate to be Janaury's Athlete of the Month.

Please allow me to introduce to DAVID PIETRANGELO who is clot survivor and a person with story that is worth reading because blood clotting episodes can happen to anyone at any time.

Read on David's story as he told it to me and get inspired because if there is a will there is a way to return to your normal life...


"I have always been extremely active and competitive. I was born into playing soccer, starting around the age of 4. That was my sports life until high school then came hockey. In college I discovered the gym and have been a gym rat ever since. A serious gym rat though not a weekend warrior or just going through a fad. Everyone knew me as the workout freak and the healthy eater etc. I have been that way since I was 18, health and physical fitness have always been a huge part of my life.

In August 2010 I went to Japan to meet some of my then girlfriend’s relatives and just to experience a great country and culture. While I was there I kept up my workouts with running etc. I noticed that my calves were really hurting me, I did not think much of it and just went about my time there site seeing and enjoying everything. I noticed that my calves would really hurt when I woke and first got out of bed but they would feel better once I started walking and even jogging. Being active all my life I just figured these were normal pains and muscle aches that would simply go away.

When I got back from Japan the calf pain persisted but I continued to go to the gym and play soccer. I noticed that my next few soccer games that I was out of breathe a lot quicker which was very unusual for me but just thought it was due to being on vacation for a couple of weeks. I then started to get short of breathe doing normal things like walking from the train to work. I also noticed a sharp pain in the middle of my back. I had similar pains in the past due to the gym and working out so still I did not seek think anything was wrong and did not seek any medical attention.

One day I just felt terrible, completely out of it so I went to the nurse at work. She got me a quick appointment at a Cardio Vascular center by my job. I went and they did several tests; breathing, heart and even a doplar scan of my legs. All the tests came back negative and the said that I had some type of adult asthma and gave a prescription for an inhaler. I thought this was pretty strange to get asthma at 30 years old but I took their advice and went home. I dropped my prescriptions off and when to my girlfriend’s house to wait for them. At this point I am having real trouble breathing and the pain in my back was very sharp and consistent. When I got back to the house I asked my girlfriend to pick up the prescription because I could barely move. While she was out the pain just got to be too much and I walked to the emergency room which was luckily right across the street. It took me about 10 minutes to go half a block to the hospital. I had to wait the usual 30 or 40 minutes to be admitted, then I told the doctor how the whole day had went. They did all the normal tests, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. The basically said there is nothing they could find and that I should go home. I flat out told the doctors I CANT BREATHE I cannot go home! The doctors said since I was having trouble breathing there was one more test they could do, a CT Scan. I needed a painkilling injection just to lay down for the test.
There it was... a bi-lateral Pulmonary Embolism. I was baffled I had heard of them but did not really know what they were. They said that it was very rare for someone my age (30) to get a PE but they have seen it before. I was admitted that night and stayed in the hospital about a week. The next day they did another doplar and found a DVT behind my left knee. I was scared, my family and loved ones were scared. In the hospital I heard every cause from cancer to the long flight to Japan.
When I got out of the hospital and started to see a specialist I got the low down on what had happened to me and what the treatment was. I ended up on Arixtra injectable blood thinner. I was supposed to be on this for 6 months initially and then everything would be back to normal. Long story short I saw about 4 different doctors who gave me 4 different opinions. I had everything from I would be on blood thinners for the rest of my life to I could stop immediately. I ended up staying with a doctor I saw about 10 months into treatment who said I should just finish out a year of treatment but with the last 2 months at a reduced dose. All the genetic test were negative, no family history no risk factors...so they say the reason was the 15 hour flight to Japan.

I have been off blood thinners for about 3 months now. While I was taking the injections all the contact sports I loved (soccer, hockey, flag football etc) were out of the question. This got me more into running and swimming. This eventually led to swimming, running, and biking... so TRIATHLON! I did my first few races while on blood thinners and my last couple while off them. I also became very interested in obstacle races like Spartan race. After being sick I really re-dedicated myself to fitness and my health. I really just want to take advantage of everything I can. When I was sick I thought I might never do the things I loved again. While I was in treatment I was always thinking that something bad was going to happen like internal bleeding. In the end I just had to decide that my risk factors were very low and that physical activity was huge part of my life.

I want people to know that if you experience DVT or PE that you can get back to the things you love. Get several opinions from doctors and don’t take only one persons opinion. You need to do your research and you need to make educated decisions about your future. Do not get down on yourself and do not give up."


What do you think?

How lucky am I and all of us to have David sharing his story with us?

Without a question we need to be proactive and defend our position with doctors just like David did. If he did not persist they would still be wondering about his "adult asthma". Be aware and be proactive those are the lessons I am taking away from David story.

I hope to get the chance to race with him in a triathlon some day. I better start training because otherwise he will be waiting for me at the finish line for far too long.

David - Thank you for sharing your experience!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

If you had the chance...

While swimming this afternoon (much longer set than ever thanks to the "Hour of Power" I just completed) I got thinking about the following:

If I was good enough to be able to approach sponsors through my agent, what sponsors would I have? Since this is as possible as me growing a pony tail let's dream on...

*** NUTELLA >>> Would be title sponsor. I can't get enough of that goodness.

*** CHIPOTLE >>> Speaking of goodness... it simply does not get much better than that.

*** KESTREL OR DOLAN for bikes.

*** MIZUNO OR KARHU for shoes. Over the last 6 years the only pair of shoes that I have used. Mizuno's Wave Rider just provides that security cushion and stability that I cherish while running.

*** SPIUK >>> Fine clothing that I wish I could have more to use and put to the test.

For a second there I thought I could come up with a lot more choices but truly I could not think of any more that I would LOVE to represent.

Maybe if I ever get around to grow that pony tail I mentioned before perhaps a sponsorship opportunity can come my way...

In the mean time I better concentrate in getting faster at all three of my sports and prepare for the 2012 season that should be a fun with a new CLOT BUSTER jersey in the works...

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

My new ride...

Check out my new set of shoes for 2012...

What do you think?

How do they look? (Mrs. Clot Buster does not like them AT ALL...)

Can you guess the brand?

So far, I've only ran a handful of times on these and they feel very comfortable. We will see how fast I get to with them during my training and racing this year.

Speaking of racing, I will be out there again this year doing some local triathlons so be in the lookout for the polka-dots...

In addition to a handfull of triathlons I am toying with the idea of celebrating my entrance into a new age group category with an epic event. Nothing bigger than doing a MARATHON... However, I am only doing it if I can manage to bring my weight down to under 172 by Junior's birthday June 3rd. If I am able to do that I am either racing the Dayton, OH Air Force Marathon (September 15th) or perhaps the Columbus Marathon (October 12th). We will see how it goes... Stay tuned!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

BIKE SALE!!!

Please check out the following link for a sale on bike frame that it is too good to be true...

http://dolanbikes.com/

I personally have a DOLAN HERCULES and I am in love with that machine.

Go ahead and take advantage of this great opportunity!

I highly recommend both the bikes and the folks from DPMSports to take care of you!

Thanks for reading,

THE CLOT BUSTER

What a start of 2012...

Words cannot explain how lucky were.

Although he came early and he is not home with us yet.

Getting the chance to see this little one every day makes me the happiest man on the planet.

It is an amazing feeling to hold him in my arms and know about his progress every day.

Check out this angel, his big brother and proud parents!










Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

December Athlete of the Month

What better way to close the year and celebrate the Holidays than reading the following inspiring story of survival from a clotting incident.

Let me introduce you to Mr. CEDRIC BILL and his story as told by him...
"As U.S. Army Master Fitness Trainer, I was used to physically challenging my body. So it was not unusual, when in August of 2002 I shrugged off a sharp pain in the calf of my leg – a pain that had jolted me from a restful morning sleep. “What is it,” I thought, and quickly determined that I had a muscle sprain. Shortly thereafter, I went about my business without any concern.

But as the days passed, the pain worsened despite my efforts – such as massaging. A noticeable shortness of breath soon started a few days after the onset of the leg pain. Yet, I continued my work routine. But on the fifth day since my initial calf pain, a most alarming thing occurred – my leg started to swell!

Finally, I went to an emergency room where doctors found that I was suffering from a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and a bilateral PE (pulmonary embolism). I was successfully treated for the clotting issues and I began to restart what I thought would be a normal life.

Unfortunately, a normal life was not something that was going to follow because since that day in August of 2002 I have had repeated episodes of DVT’s and PE’s. My most frightening occurrence happened in February of 2005 while I was stationed in Hawaii. That incident produced a very life-threatening clotting situation and I was laid up in a hospital bed for three weeks.

What surprised me then, after leaving the hospital, was how long it took me to learn how to walk properly again. If you don’t know, blood clots are very painful and this one had affected my entire leg, even extending into my vena cava valve that leads towards the heart. It seemed like my body was out of control.

Doctors had inserted a filter in my vein to catch clots and prevent them from traveling to my lungs. Despite their efforts, I still managed to get clots in both lungs. Medication eased what was a critical life-threatening situation. Meanwhile, my military career was in shambles. In March, I was medically retired from the Army, receiving a 70 percent disability rating. I never saw my career ending this way – especially since I had trained entire units of soldiers (and individuals) with physical fitness programs to get and keep them in shape. I had never been seriously ill and I was way too young to have medical problems. Besides, I WAS a Master Fitness Trainer!

Physically, my body was suffering as each episode created more damage to veins in the legs – causing a condition known at post phlebitic syndrome. In addition to the filter in my chest, I now wear a compression stocking on my affected leg every day and a permanent handicap sticker now adorns my car.

The thing I learned as a personal trainer was to always train around injuries – most importantly was to keep moving as much as possible to so that good health is maintained. I do that today – walking everyday for 30 minutes and weight training at least three times a week.

What I didn’t realize before all this happened was that clotting disorders are not age discriminating and they don’t just affect those in poor physical condition. Having had three DVT’s and multiple PE’s, my life has changed completely. At age 41, I’m not done living an active life while taking my daily Coumadin and watching my diet.

I wonder how things would have been if I had only known the warning signs of this silent killer. I was very lucky. Many others are not. Remember, the best cure for this condition is prevention and knowledge of the warning signs. Seek medical attention immediately. For me, I’d much rather be running again, playing softball, and playing with my children. But I am lucky and alive."

Although Mr. Cedric's life changed due to his clotting episodes he definitely has not slowed down. After retiring from the military after 22 years of service as an Army Officer he found a new calling in which he inspires others through his motivational speeches. He is know as "Cedric "The Edutainer"" and from what I can read he does an outstanding job.

For me knowing Mr. Cedric's story only gives me more drive to do what I can to keep spreading the word and make as many people as possible aware of the warning signs of blood clots as early treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Wishing All a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Training... sort of... I am good at pretending.

As I mentioned before in the "November Athlete of the Month" post on December 31st I hope to participate "virtually" on the

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SWIMMING AND DIVING "HOUR OF POWER" in Honor of Anna Frutiger.

Please CLICK HERE for more detailed information about the event.

I am not sure how I will measure up to what the "young" guns will do during this hour but I will give it my best shot. My training has been very limited to about 1200 yards sets couple of times per week. I don't have any idea how I will be able to swim for an hour but we will find out on December 31st. I guess that you will never know if you don't try.

John Frutiger - If you ever get the chance to read this >>>

THANK YOU for organizing this event.

THANK YOU for spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

THANK YOU for honoring the memory of your sister.

Your leadership provides great inspiration to keep spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting diorders.

See you at the pool!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

November Athlete of the Month

This month's athlete of the month will be somewhat different.

I want to use this post to honor the memory of ANNA FRUTIGER who this world unfortunately lost last year due to a blood clotting incident. It is very sad to learn about a story like this but sadly it is the reality of the danger of blood clots.

One of the reasons why I selected Anna's story is because of the effort her brother as a swimmer at Northwestern University is putting forward to raise funds to STOP THE CLOT and to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.

The swimming and diving team isndoing a very special event they call the "Hour of Power". What is the “Hour of Power?” Simply put, it’s an hour-long continuous relay in which our teams will swim as many lengths in one hour as possible. During the relay the memory of Anna will be remembered. If you would like to donate to this event please CLICK HERE.

Just know that on this blog post I am making a commitment to participate in the "Hour of Power" remotely from Columbus, OH. I may not be able to swim all of the hour in one effort but I will give it my best try. Follow along to see how far I can make it on December 31st!

I hope that you find it within you to donate for this very worth while cause. If you are not convinced please take some time to read Anna's story below...

"Anna Frutiger embodied brains, beauty, compassion, athleticism, and as such, seemed the picture of health while she was living her dream of becoming a dentist. No one expected that a blood clot would end her dream, and it seemed beyond belief that Anna died on May 20th, 2010 from a pulmonary embolism (PE) due to an undiagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a month after her 23rd birthday.

Anna felt pain behind her knee and in her calf four months before she died, and she attributed her pain to the stress and strain of training for a half marathon or a muscle pull. Her friends at dental school noted that she limped, and Anna was aware of becoming short of breath whenever she ran.

When her leg pain persisted, Anna saw an orthopedic surgeon who found no injury to suggest a muscle pull. After a thorough physical and review of her medical history, her doctor suspected a blood clot in her lower leg. Anna’s only known risk factor was that she was taking a third generation birth control pill. Results of an Ultrasound/Doppler of her leg were negative for DVT. At a follow-up to that exam 3 weeks later, her leg was normal shape and size, and she no longer felt any leg pain. As a result, her doctor discharged her.

After her first year finals at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Anna traveled quite a bit, and flew for six hours over two consecutive weekends, then went to see friends in New York City the next two weekends which involved an eight hour bus trip with one ten minute stop. Anna complained of not being able to breathe easily when she carried groceries up to her apartment right after the bus trip. She told her parents that her symptoms were probably stress–related, since vacation was over, and the demands of school were resuming.

The next morning, Anna called her best friend to drive her to school because she felt extremely weak and didn’t think she could walk on her own. She wanted to push herself to class, because she had two quizzes that day. Anna collapsed on the lawn outside her apartment after walking downstairs, and blacked out for several seconds. Her friend called 911 and an ambulance arrived within minutes. Anna was conscious at that point, and asked her friends to call her parents in Michigan.

Anna made it to the Emergency Room, but had a cardiopulmonary arrest a few minutes after she arrived. She was immediately taken to surgery to try to dislodge the huge blood clot that caused her massive PE. Over the next two days, a team of doctors and nurses worked round the clock to keep Anna alive in hopes that a miracle would happen, something her family and friends wished for with all their hearts. Her family was euphoric two days later, because she moved her arms during the night, and their hope was that she would awake from her coma. Their hopes were dashed almost immediately when the neurological tests showed that she no longer had brain activity. Anna’s family had to make the agonizing decision to remove life support.

Despite their grief, they chose to donate Anna’s organs. Anna gave life to another, so continues to be life-giving even after her death.

Her doctors immediately tested her family and found no genetic blood clotting disorders. Her autopsy determined that Anna was not predisposed to blood clots. It seems that the birth control pill and her concentrated travel in one month were her major clotting risks.

Although Anna tuned in to her health status, 23 year olds do not suspect that anything fatal is brewing, and she probably did not link her birth control to her leg pain, or the possibility of a DVT. Although her doctor suspected a blood clot, he saw her as a low risk. Moreover, the Ultrasound/Doppler testing is effective for DVT diagnosis only 3 out of 10 times. Her family believes strongly that had Anna and they had the awareness and knowledge of the risks factors and signs of DVT in the months before Anna died that she might be alive today.

Anna loved her friends and family with every ounce of her being and always gave 110% to others, no matter what was at stake. Two of her closest friends, Sally Vitez and Michael Ratajczyk, fundraised for the NBCA/ Stop The Clot® by running a marathon and half marathon respectively in Anna’s memory."

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Athlete of the Month UPDATE

Today was the running of the ING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

and it our JANUARY 2010 CLOT BUSTER ATHLETE OF THE MONTH - KELLY HOGAN was participating.

and guess what...?!?!?

SHE DID IT ! 26.2 Miles she completed!

OUTSTANDING WORK KELLY!

You continue to provide others with inspiration to keep going despite your blood clotting incident.

CONGRATULATIONS! You should be OVER THE MOON!

Enjoy the pain and satisfaction of having crossed the line!



Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!

Next year I am going to attempt a polka-dot themed carving...

Let's see how it turns out!

Here is wishing all of you out there who are linked to the CLOT BUSTER Network in one way or another a Happy Halloween!

WHAT IS THE BEST CANDY OUT THERE TO GIVE AND/OR RECEIVE?

Considering the Clot Buster's MASSIVE sweet tooth anything will do. However, a Kit Kat bar can provide lots of enjoyment! But really for me anything with Dark Chocolate will stop me on my tracks...

Thanks for reading!

The Clot Buster

October Athlete of the Month

If I am not careful this month of October is going to fly by without giving me the chance to show case a CLOT BUSTER Athlete...

But since I've been maintaining this streak of posts for the better part of 3 + years now I am not about to just skip a month simply because I've been busy... So with that being said I think that I just found a little time to get this going.

Based on the last post about the NBCA newsletter that was featuring some of the AMAZNIG NBCA VOLUNTEERS I thought that I could go a step further and highlight the last volunteer shown as yet another example of the tenacity and inspiration that any clot incident survivor exhibits as they make their remarkable come back into sport.

For the October's Issue of Athelete of the Month I wanted to feature JANA WASSERMAN who coming up January of 2012 will be partcipating in the ING Miami Half-Marathon in Miami, Florida.

Although I've never met Jana the little that I know about her makes a powerful statement of that tenacity and dedication I wrote about earlier. Please read on to learn a little bit more about JANA ...
"Jana, who noticed a blind spot in her right eye, went on a mission to find out what happened. A blood clot was diagnosed; she met her hematologist and after extensive blood work, had an answer: not one, but two genetic clotting disorders. Now, she confidently manages her conditions and is sure she will "dodge another clot". Jana tells us, "I'm excited to train in honor of this wonderful cause. I've always enjoyed running and know that staying active and healthy is one way to decrease the chance of forming another clot. I'll run the ING Miami Half Marathon and be proud to wear the NBCA's red dotted shirt to remind others to Stop The Clot!""

We are PROUD OF YOU JANA for your willingness to spread the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders. You will represent the CLOT BUSTER polka-dots during your event with great style.

I hope that someday I can meet you in person and get the chance to run along side you!

Good Luck in your final months of training.

Thank you for the inspiration and we look forward to hear how this race went and what will be your next challenge!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

Letter from the NATIONAL BLOOD CLOT ALLIANCE (NBCA) that I wanted to share with all of you!

Please read on to learn about some AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!

"We hope you had a great summer and are ready for fall. Join us in congratulating this season's Most Valuable Volunteers...making a difference in their home field by raising funds and awareness to Stop The Clot. NBCA is proud to honor these outstanding volunteers for bringing help and hope to their clotting community and beyond!


Who: Jim Fenton
What: Triad Half Marathon & Cannon Ball Run
When: August and October 2011
Where: Greensboro, NC
Jim is pulling out all the stops to Stop The Clot - he competed in the Triad Half Marathon in August and raced this past weekend in the Cannon Ball Run (which he also finished last year!) In both events he reached a personal best and completed the courses in less than 2 hours while raising about $1000 for NBCA! Jim tells us: "People commented and asked me about my polka dotted race shirt through out the day so I was able to spread the word about the fight against blood clots as well".



Who: Dan, Steve and Andy Flanagan
What: Jim Flanagan Memorial Golf Tournament
When: August 13, 2011
Where: Indianapolis, IN
Dan, Steve and Andy hosted the Jim Flanagan Memorial Golf Tournament to honor the memory of their father. Jim died this past January of a fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). Touched by so many people who paid tribute to their dad upon his death, his sons organized this event as a means of spreading awareness about blood clots and clotting disorders while raising funds for NBCA. Thanks to the Flanagan Family thirty foursomes enjoyed a day of golf at the Eagle Creek Golf Course and raised over $5200 to Stop The Clot!


Who: Cheryl Fishman
What: 2nd Annual Kicks for Clots
When: September 10, 2011
Where: Ocean City, NJ
Cheryl, a multiple blood clot survivor at 26, successfully organized a second kickball tourney for NBCA last month and we can't wait for next year! Cheryl and her brother, Nate, make sure everyone has fun in the sun while bringing awareness and education about the risks, signs and symptoms of clotting disorders to her community for a cause close to her heart. Cara Lynch won the top fundraising prize of tickets to a Yankee's game and team Brother Shamus took home the priceless trophy! Over 40 players from all over the country raised over $6400 while kicking that big red ball!

Who: Sally Vitez
What: Funky Blues Bar Fundraiser
When: November 12, 2011
Where: Washington, DC
Sally's involvement with the NBCA began in memory of Anna Frutiger, her dear friend, who died at only 23 from a PE due to an undiagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sally's efforts at raising funds and awareness to Stop The Clot started when she became a NAthlete for the Marine Corps Marathon and raised nearly $6000. Next month, Sally hosts a super Saturday night event at Madams Organ Blues Bar , 2461 18th Street NW, Washington DC from 7:00 - 9:00. Entry to this bluesy fundraiser is only $10 and all proceeds benefit the NBCA. Join Sally and her friends for great musical performances by Steve Kolowich, Noah Bein and Bernardo Guzman.


Who: Jana Wasserman
When: January 29, 2012
Where: Miami, FL
What: ING Half Marathon
Jana, who noticed a blind spot in her right eye, went on a mission to find out what happened. A blood clot was diagnosed; she met her hematologist and after extensive blood work, had an answer: not one, but two genetic clotting disorders. Now, she confidently manages her conditions and is sure she will "dodge another clot". Jana tells us, "I'm excited to train in honor of this wonderful cause. I've always enjoyed running and know that staying active and healthy is one way to decrease the chance
of forming another clot. I'll run the ING Miami Half Marathon and be proud to wear the NBCA's red dotted shirt to remind others to Stop The Clot!"

With a little coaching, you could be our next MVV!

Are you already a runner or just thinking about walking in that local 5K? NBCA's NAThlete program is designed to turn your activity into an opportunity to raise funds and awareness to Stop The Clot! We'll help you tackle the challenge - contact Kristen at kholgerson@stoptheclot.org

More good news, Dan Flanagan joins past MVV's, Traci Wilkes Smith, Kara King and Sara Wassenaar and new board member Shawna Baffone on NBCA's Special Events Committee. This committee is positioned to mentor volunteers interested in organizing an event to raise funds and awareness in their community. Contact Judi at jelkin@stoptheclot.org if you'd like to start you own Stop The Clot event!

Approximately 350,000-600,000 Americans have blood clots each year. About 100,000 die, meaning up to 1 out of 3 people are killed by venous blood clots. "

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

Septmber Athlete of the Month

Thanks to the magic of the web and twitter I am incredibly lucky to get to connect with folks from all walks of life...

This month's Athlete of the Month is yet another virtual connnection but one that is worth sharing so anyone out there reading this can get that additional inspiration to get the back doing what they love...

Get inspired with DAVID DUBE's story as he shared it with me...

"I've had an interesting experience. Started in May of '09 when I noticed I could only run 20min on the treadmill before I became winde (I had been doing hour long training runs during lunch). The following day I could only do 10 minutes. I had similar experiences when riding... if I was in a pack on flats, I was fine, but hills would kill me. After about a week I went to the doctors, and due to an initial negative d-dimer, the doctor spent the next month trying allergy meds, checking for exercise induced asthma, and even scheduled an echo... everything was negative. At that point my doctor kind of "gave up" (I should have pushed him). After another month of no answers to my breathing issues, I decided to go to an Urgent Care center - I was convinced it was some bronchial infection. When I got there, I realized I forgot my wallet. As I started going back home, I decided to call my Doctor's office one last time. A fellow co-worker's mother manages the office, and she picked up the phone. I explained the situation, and she said to come in immediately - she would talk to the doctor.

When I got there, my doctor was still perplexed, but agreed to set up an appointment with the head of Duke's Pulmonary medicine the next morning. That evening, while walking the dogs with my wife, I started having issues breathing... sweat pouring down... concerned, my wife remarked I was dragging my leg, and that's when she said I collapsed (I still say I made a conscious decision to sit down). It took about 20 minutes of rest to feel like I could continue... 200 yards and a hill later I had to sit down again. It's about that time when a neighbor came and asked if he could help. I had never seen him walking the trails before - turns out he is a cardiologist (how lucky was that?). He looked me over, helped me home, and made sure I had recovered. I told him of my trip to Duke the next morning, but said to immediately go to the ER if anything went wrong.

Next morning I woke up and I knew something wasn't right. My breathing was labored just laying in bed. My wife took me to Duke and we started out with a spirometry test - passed with flying colors. The next test was the 6 minute walking test which I thought was going to be a joke. Typically, my issues were occurring outside - I thought it was the thick NC humidity that was causing the problems. They insisted we had to perform the test in the office. Well... that's when I knew things were serious. The nurse shut the test down before we had even completed one lap in the office (less than a minute), yelled for the doctor to come immediately, and put me on oxygen. My SpO2 level had dropped to 70%! Long and short... I was fast tracked into ICU.

CT Scan showed significant number of PEs in both lungs, and a subsequent sonar found the DVT in my leg. Unfortunately, all of the genetic tests have come back negative... no long trips in my recent history, no recent injuries, no family history... nothing to point to why I had the DVT and PEs.

Interesting side story... I finally made it back to the office after about 2 weeks. After I had explained what had happened to my co-workers, one of my friends (also an athlete) pulled me aside and asked me to repeat my symptoms. He said he was feeling exactly the same thing over the past couple of weeks. I urged him to go to a doctor... suggested a d-dimmer just in case. What could it hurt? After seeing the doctor that day, he went home and saw he had a message waiting for him. His doctor had called and told him to go to the ER immediately. It turns out he too had a multiple PEs and a DVT in his leg.

In my situation, since there was no known contributing factors, my doctors suggested I try getting off warfarin after 6 months. Three weeks after getting off the drug I started having breathing issues again. A subsequent VQ scan found new blockages in my lungs, and a sonar found a new DVT (before getting off the drug, I had a clean VQ scan, and sonar had shown the DVT had dissolved).

Long story short... it looks like I'll be on anti-coagulants for long term now. Other than no longer playing Ice Hockey, I've continued an active life style. My wife and I completed our first english century last fall, and are planning three this year along with several more metric centuries. Interestingly enough, it was the active lifestyle that saved my life. Originally, I only noticed signs when I was training hard (early warning sensor if you will). The fact that I was in decent shape allowed my heart and lungs to over compensate. Although this has been a long story, there are several other small nuances that make me take pause (not having my wallet at the Urgent Care Center, my co-worker's mom picking up the phone, cardiologist neighbor on the trails, having my story impact the life of another friend)...

Life is good... I'm alive... and I'm making sure to live it well!"

What a pleasure to make such a connections!

David thank you for sharing your story. I am sure that it will get others going and probably I will get to feature them here!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

60 Down!!! All Started and All Finished

60 Triathlons Completed!

Every single race that I started I FINISHED!

Looking back this is hard to believe.

Some races were awesome and some not so good...

I have suffered in many races but in all of them getting the chance to finish has been an unique experience.

Racing triathlons as the Clot Buster spreading the word about blood clots and blood clotting disorders continues to add an incredible flavor to my passion of triathlon that I wish to continue for MANY MORE TRIATHLONS to come!

This 60th triathlon had by far the best finish so far as I had the chance to run with Junior and cross the finish line together!

Look at that smile! What an incredible treat for me...!

Thanks for reading!

The Clot Buster

On September 18th I will be reaching a nice round number...

Guess what will happen on September 18th?

Do you have any idea?

Here is a hint = It has to do with this blog. Well, to clarify what this blog talks about...

Here is another hint = It is a nice round number...

Here is hint # 3 = It has taken me the better part of 9 years to get to this point...

Here is hint # 4 = I hope that some day I can make it to the Century mark...

Do you have a better idea now?

Well, on September 18th I will be racing my 60th Triathlon!

Can you believe it !?!?!

Looking back through my records I can proudly say that I HAVE FINISHED EVERY SINGLE RACE that I EVER STARTED.

Some races have been harder than others... I have struggled big time, I have walked miles to the finish, I have crashed and got up, I have suffered flats, I have raced in down pours, I have jumped off ferry's, I once drove 14 hours to a race destination, I have raced in a different country, I have cried in frustration but also laughed at my luck...

But above all I HAVE TRULY ENJOYED EVERY RACE THAT I'VE DONE regardless of the outcome. The memories from all the events all come rushing through as I read the name of the event and its date. I can pretty much remember something from each race which surprised me as I went through the list the other day.

I am very lucky to be able to enjoy this hobby with the support of my wife and family. I am VERY THANKFUL for the willingness to come along and cheer for me when possible. I can't put in words how nice it is to hear the familiar voice and to see the familiar faces even if it is for a split moment. I am VERY LUCKY to have this support and I can only hope that I can continue counting on it as I make my way to celebrate 100 triathlons a few years down the road...

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster