August Athlete of the Month

Let's take a trip out West.

Let's go to Colorado.

I miss the mountains.  I am a big fan of mountains and during my time in Colorado I enjoyed every second of the beauty of that place.  It is truly one of a kind and I am very lucky to have had the chance to be out there playing the mountains.  Someday I will be back for a long stretch to get back on the trails and head up.

We are also very lucky this month because get the opportunity to meet a blood clot survivor who lives and plays all around the mountains. 

Dan has been kind enough to share his story of survival with us and for that we are very thankful. Every single story is unique and provides a perspective that can make a difference for someone who is starting their very own survival story.

For sure read this story because it is well worth it!

Read on...

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

Bike riding is my preference.  I used to road ride and mountain bike, but doing less mountain biking and more gravel riding.  My doctor said maybe mountain biking is not a good choice at this time while being on blood thinners, anyway.  My wife and I like to hike and fish as well.

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

I am just a weekend warrior, but every year I enjoyed riding charity events for different causes like 65 miles for Cystic Fibrosis and the only century I would do each year for Craig Hospital, which treats spinal and brain injuries.  My wife and I like to take vacations up in the mountains of Colorado and neighboring states 2 to 3 times a year, and each vacation I usually plan a bike ride that will take me up some mountain pass or across some gorgeous scenery, and that usually motivates me to ride a bit more before.

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

I had arthroscopic microfracture knee surgery in late December 2017, which meant no weight bearing for 8 weeks.  About 3 weeks after the surgery I had what felt like a cramp in my right calf.  I thought it was just the way I had been holding my leg while on crutches, and tried to massage out the cramp.  The next night the same thing, so my wife suggested contacting my brother, who is a PA for an orthopedic surgeon, and he said I need to get in asap for an ultrasound and said to “STOP rubbing it!”  I did an ultrasound at a lab in the hospital, and afterward, the tech that did it said to go take a seat I was not going anywhere.  I spoke with the doctor who did my knee surgery and he said it was rare to get a blood clot with the type of surgery I had.   Rare or not, I ended up walking the 100 feet to the ER and checked in.  The ER Dr asked what was up, and when I said a blood clot, she replied “I had not just a blood clot, but a good clot from below my calf to mid-thigh.”  They gave me a prescription for Eliquis and set me home.  I think it is a bit odd that you go to the ER, they worry about the clot and the implications, but in the end hand you a piece of paper and say go get the prescription filled.  Six weeks later I had another ultrasound and the clot was gone and I was off the Eliquis.  I couldn’t do much running on my knee, but biking was no problem. 

Things were fine until around Memorial Day this year, which was just over 2 years since my first blood clot.  March and April I was getting out with my wife and trying to do a lot of walking , and then in April and May I was riding a lot, 3 to 4 times per week.  In the between those bouts of exercise I do sit at a desk for my work, and am not sure if that is the problem, but around Memorial Day I noticed my right leg seemed a bit bigger than the left. I wasn’t too concerned, at the time, thinking maybe the heat and biking had just caused some swelling.  In hind sight I might have had some minor calf aches and pain behind the knee, but chalked them up to running or something else. I just didn’t imagine another blood clot.  If I was going to get a clot it should have been back in January and February when I wasn’t doing anything.  After a couple weeks I spoke with my brother again, and the same scenario took place.  Went for an ultrasound in the lab at the hospital, this time the tech said she couldn’t collapse the vein, and then I did the 100 foot walk down to the same ER as before where they gave me another prescription for Eliquis.  When I saw my PCP the following week he referred me to a hematologist and said maybe I would be on blood thinners the rest of my life.  I thought he was crazy and that the hematologist would surely not recommend something like that.  My dad was on blood thinners starting around age 89 until he passed away 4 years later, but he was 89 and basically in a wheel chair when he started them.  I was 58 and somewhat active.  The hematologist did every test imaginable, and in the end said there was no genetic link, or any other reason I should have blood clots, AND he said I would be on blood thinners the rest of my life.  In baseball you get 3 strikes, but he said with blood clots you only get two, especially when one is unprovoked as my second one was.  I was shocked, and while there can be side effects from blood thinners, they don’t seem to be on the same par as some of those on tv commercials that have a huge list of side effects.  My doctor basically said to be careful, especially with anything that might cause head trauma.  If I were to mountain bike it would be on non technical trails, but other than that, nothing has really changed as far as my activities go.  My potential MMA cage fighting career probably wasn’t going to happen anyway!

How much are you getting out doing your sport?  

I try and ride my bike 3-4 times per week.  I do try and take some walk breaks during the day as well, and maybe can get back to doing some running, which has been on hiatus due to some chronic calf strains, not blood clots.

What is your favorite food?  

After a hot ride there is nothing I like more than eating some cold watermelon or cantaloupe.  The melons grown in southeast Colorado are especially flavorful due to the hot days and cool nights and when they come to market in August they are hard to beat.

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 read others stories and mine is pretty mundane in comparison.  My clots were limited basically to leg swelling and cramps, nothing that prevented me from getting out and exercising.  Sometimes it’s difficult for me to understand why I got the clots as I didn’t do anything that millions of people every day don’t do.  I sat at my desk, maybe sometimes for too long, but it wasn’t like I was on an 8 hour plane ride.  Maybe if I had set the timer to go off every 2 hours and got up and walked things would be different, but for whatever reason I just think I was prone to get them.  Fortunately, as I said earlier, the drugs seem so much safer with fewer side effects than a lot of others on the market.  My doctor’s main concern is the head and taking a hit on it. He said we can replace other parts, but not the head.  I have not ridden a bike in 30 years without a helmet, and I wouldn’t ride across the street without one even before this.  My helmets have MIPS, but if they didn’t I would buy new ones that did just for my own piece of mind.  I figure every bit helps.  When I do the Cystic Fibrosis ride and the ride to help patients at Craig Hospital with their brain or spinal injury, I realize what I have gone through is not nearly as debilitating as what others endure every day. 

Unfortunately I have to agree with Dan that his MMA career will have to take a back seat... but his career in adventures is far from over.  I very much enjoy the resolution that I feel on this write up where this incident will not be stopping him.

If you are out West in Colorado be on the lookout for the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots since it could be Dan who is out there representing for all of us.

Thank you reading and be safe out there!

The Clot Buster

July Athlete of the Month

This continues to be an unique time in our lives.  It seems like we are going a bit backwards on our attempts to overcome the challenges of the virus.  

We are currently and simultaneously experiencing a broad range of emotions and feelings that it is not dissipating.  

Everything is hitting us all at once including the summer heat. 

FEAR
ANGER
FRUSTRATION
ANXIETY
INSPIRATION
REFLECTION
CAUTION
AWARENESS
SADNESS
EMPATHY
LOVE
OPPORTUNITY

If you had to choose one from the list above, which one would it be? Why?  From last month to this month I will continue to stick with my previous selection as explained below.  However, I also have to add HOPE to the list above.  I am not sure how I missed it from last time but it is certainly part of the foundation of any resolution of our feelings during this time. 

From my perspective I would select INSPIRATION.  Without a question I am influenced by the purpose of this blog "Inspire to Overcome"...  However, it also applies to the broad range of circumstances that are currently affecting us.  I want to believe that from all of the social unrest and after a great deal of listening to learn along with reflection we can all be inspired to change in the way that makes sense to you that afford healing to those who need it.

I want to believe that Inspiration can help you overcome the fear and anxiety you could potentially feel because of the current situation. 

This blog, for more than 10 years now, has attempted to convey the message of Inspiration.  Learning from others, from their experiences can yield a powerful message that can help you or anyone really overcome physical and mental challenges.

Given the current conditions  all around us I feel that continuing to do this post has some value because blood clots are not going to wait for the social unrest or the pandemic to end.  It feels strange to try to do this on a time like this as it seems out of place.  But then again it could me a massive difference for someone who could be reading the personal account being shared on this month's edition of the blog.

July's edition of Athlete of the Month post brings us someone who is not letting his blood clotting incident define him.  He continues to pursue a lifestyle that allows him to stay healthy, teach others to be healthy, do what he loves, and even push the envelope to sign up for an incredible challenge in NYC.  Please read on to learn more about CHARLES and his life beyond blood clots.

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

Still at 41 years old I play baseball. For 14 years I have been managing a men’s league team called the South Florida Beach Bums. It’s aimed to promote a healthy and fit lifestyle for adults. I have players 18-40+ years old, all races that are bonded by the sport! I also do CrossFit and run! 

*** How did you get started in that sport? 

I’ve played baseball since I was a kid into college. After college I decided to create the Bums so that I can mentor young adults via the game. I also ran cross country in college and found it as an excellent opportunity to focus and clear my mind 

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

* NYC marathon, Nov 2020

* I ran a half marathon in 2015. 

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

In 2012 I was misdiagnosed multiple times, doctors telling me I had a calf strain. I was I. 2-a-day workouts preparing for my 1st Vegas trip and pool parties. flew to Europe and felt awkward. 6 weeks later I was in the hospital w DVT and PE. After a year on Coumadin, I was healthy! NOPE. Another DVT put me on Xarelto for life 

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

I went to the hospital in Aug of 2012. I was cleared to run again Jan 1 of 2013. That was the HARDEST AND WORST 1-mile run ever!!!

*** What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? 

I rock my polka-for tech shirt for any major accomplishment! 

*** How much are you getting out doing your sport?  

Before Covid I was playing baseball every Sunday. I do CrossFit in my garage 5x week and run 3x week!

***What is your favorite food?  

Mac and cheese

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

I love Italy. But for me, any baseball related trip! 

*** 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? 

Don’t think too much. Educate oneself at wwww.stoptheclot.org and also be vulnerable to our group. Overcoming these DVT/PE isn’t easy but we have all been there!

Thank you Charles for your willingness to share your story!

Here is hoping that you get the opportunity to take on the challenges of the NYC Marathon while wearing the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots!  

May this summer brings you the joy of some baseball for both playing and watching.  Someday we will return to normal but for now we need to do our best to deal with our "new" normal.

Stay Safe and Be Well during this time and always!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

June Athlete of the Month

This is a unique time in our lives.

We are currently and simultaneously experiencing a broad range of emotions and feelings.

Everything is hitting us all at once.

FEAR
ANGER
FRUSTRATION
ANXIETY
INSPIRATION
REFLECTION
CAUTION
AWARENESS
SADNESS
EMPATHY
LOVE
OPPORTUNITY

There probably are many others that I failed to capture.

If you had to choose one from the list above, which one would it be? Why?

From my perspective I would select INSPIRATION.  Without a question I am influenced by the purpose of this blog "Inspire to Overcome"...  However, it also applies to the broad range of circumstances that are currently affecting us.  I want to believe that from all of the social unrest and after a great deal of listening to learn along with reflection we can all be inspired to change in the way that makes sense to you that afford healing to those who need it.

I want to believe that Inspiration can help you overcome the fear and anxiety you could potentially feel because of the looming pandemic.

This blog, for more than 10 years now, has attempted to convey the message of Inspiration.  Learning from others, from their experiences can yield a powerful message that can help you or anyone really overcome physical and mental challenges.

Given the current conditions  all around us I feel that continuing to do this post has some value because blood clots are not going to wait for the social unrest or the pandemic to end.  It feels strange to try to do this on a time like this as it seems out of place.  But then again it could me a massive difference for someone who could be reading the personal account being shared on this month's edition of the blog.

The story for this month's post comes from STOPTHECLOT.org and it is one that you will certainly appreciate.

Please read on and get INSPIRED TO OVERCOME just like all of the Survivors do everyday!

Here is hoping that we make it through to the other side.

Keep overcoming every day!

Thank you fore reading,

The Clot Buster

May Athlete of the Month

There is hope during this time.

There are survival stories from this crisis.

This blog has looked after the stories of Blood Clot Survivors but for this edition we are making a bit of an exception.  Sorry this time around we are taking a break from the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots. Please read on and you will understand.

For this month's edition of this blog post it is very prudent to share the story of Dr. Scott who is a member of the MASAB (Medical & Scientific Advisory Board) for STOPTHECLOT.org 

This is certainly a story of survival but it is not from blood clots.

Although Dr. Scott is involved with the care of patients with blood clots as well as advising STOPTHECLOT.org his recent experience of survival is very much relevant to the current crisis we are all involved with across the globe.  

It is difficult to imagine what Dr. Scott went through and even more difficult to comprehend is the magnitude of people going through and episode like his.  He is definitely one of the lucky ones to be able to come out and tell their story.

This article I am referencing here is from the Detroit Free Press.  

Please take a moment to read it because it is definitely worth it.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/04/29/henry-ford-doctor-ventilator-beats-covid-19-came-close-death/3041655001/

There is hope indeed during this time.

Although this has been a long and strange time we will make it through this.  There is no question about that.

One day at the time as everyone is playing a role and your role makes a difference.

Keep hanging in there and NEVER GIVE UP!

Thanks for reading,

The Clot Buster

April Athlete of the Month

Here is hoping that this post finds you well.

For sure this is a challenging time for all of us.

It is hard to comprehend the magnitude of what we are going through and attempt to find some normalcy on our new collective normal.

It is scary.

But the sun will come out tomorrow with a new day and new possibilities.  

One way or another we will find a way out.

BE STRONG, BE PATIENT, and LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER.

In an attempt to find some of that normalcy I just mentioned this month's CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot Athlete of the Month is a good one.

We are very lucky to have PAUL be willing to share his story with us.  We never had anything like this on this blog over the 10 years of sharing stories.  Without a question Paul is involved with an unique sport, which I very much admire. 

There is no question in mind that BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING!!!

Read on and be inspired...

What is you sport/activity of choice? Why do you enjoy it?  *   My favorite sport to compete in and to watch is winter biathlon, which combines cross country skiing and rifle marksmanship.  I’ve been fortunate to be able to compete in North America, Europe and Scandinavia over the past 10 years.  If you’ve watched the sport during the Winter Olympics, I can tell you that it is definitely harder than it looks!  To stay fit in the summer, I enjoy iron distance triathlon and am currently preparing for Ironman Wisconsin 70.3.  What I enjoy about these two (or 5) activities is challenges that come with preparing for the variations in disciplines

How did you get started in that sport?  *   I’ve tried virtually every sport until I found something that I really enjoyed and felt competent enough to be competitive.  Living in Minnesota, I cross country skied in high school and college with moderate success.  The shooting aspect came later in life after I made a ridiculous proclamation while watching the Winter Olympics that “I think I could do that, it doesn’t look that hard”.  Those I said it to challenged me to follow give it a try, and that is how it began.


What is the latest milestone you achieved or plan to achieve?(Long bike ride, some race coming up or that you did)
  *   I competed in the World Masters Games in Innsbruck, Austria this past January.  Unfortunately my results were less than stellar as I ran into some unbelievable logistics challenges in getting a rifle from the US to Austria.  Too much energy was spent over the period of too many days!  Right now we are in the midst of battling the coronavirus so in the short term training is on pause.  According to the documentation that I am seeing, blood thinners put me in the “high risk” category so getting too run down seems like a bad option for me.


Tells about your clotting episode.  Are you on blood thinners now? How long were you out of commission?
 *   In January of 2017, my dad was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota getting cancer treatment.  While he was resting, I would head out and ski on the local trails.  I noticed a sharp pain near my left shoulder and wrote it off as a pulled muscle.  I went to urgent care that afternoon and was prescribed some anti-inflammatory meds.  That same evening, the pain became intense and I went to the ER.  A heavy dose of morphine was administered to take away the pain.  I was able to sleep through the night, and the next day felt better.  After a day of normal activity, including 2 hours of skiing alone in the woods, I laid down for the night and the pain came back.  I wrote it off as sleeping wrong the night before.  That night, I woke to not being able to breath.  My initial thought was “so this is how it ends”.  An ambulance was called and I was taken to Mayo by ambulance.  The D-dimer test in the ER revealed clotting.  I was admitted to St Mary’s hospital where I spent the next 6 days being given Lovenox injections and under the haze of narcotics that kept the pain down.  Up until this time, I had no idea what Pulmonary Embolism was.  The real wake up call came when I returned home, and had my first follow up with my local doctor.  He and I have typically have very light conversations, but not this time.  He walked in with a thick folder of papers and a very serious look on his face.  His opening words were “You are lucky to be alive”.  He went over my results, including my CT scan where we stopped counting the clots when we reached 13 clots.  I spent the next 6 weeks at home and a couple times each week felt a peculiar pain in my chest and immediately headed to the ER.  Sometimes we would go in and sometimes wait in the parking lot and see what happened.

When were you able to get back into your activity?  How did it feel that first time?
 *   At 4 weeks post PE I started to walk on the treadmill.  My first walk I had a nurse by my side.  PE’s can really get into your head and there were feelings of fear, panic and guilt that seemed to be constant.  Once I started to work out again, the fatigue was at levels I had not experienced before.  I would go for a 3 mile run and then sleep for the next 14 hours.  My longest continuous sleep was 16 hours.  Most of my training was done in my home gym as I didn’t want to get out on the trails or road and have an incident.  Throughout the process, I became a student of clotting.  I would read everything that I could find to understand what my body and mind where going through.  I made a decision to stay on coumadin potentially forever, even though testing revealed that I have no preexisting conditions that make it likely I will ever have another clot.  6 month post PE, I completed a sprint triathlon, which was like winning an Olympic medal.

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? 
  *   For my first triathlon post PE, I think my family bought Roland’s entire stock of polka dot shirts!

How much are you getting out doing your sport?  
  *   I am back to where I was, doing approximately 15 hours per week at 6 days per week.  The long day is in the 4 hour range.

What is your favorite food?  Either generally or after a workout.  
  *   I have never met a cookie that I did not like.  Frozen cookies are my favorite followed by cookies right out of the oven.

If you could go some place to visit and explore, where would like to go?
 *   I have been extremely fortunate that my job has allowed me to travel the last 20 years.  Nice, France is probably my most favorite place as the southern coast of France offers great cycling opportunities along the shoreline or into the Alpes.  Finland is my favorite place to cross country ski as it is such a big part of their culture.

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
 *   Be patient!  Read all you can about clots.  The medical profession does a wonderful job of helping, make sure you share with them everything that you possibly can.  Listen to your body, it knows what it needs.

How cool is this? 

The Biathlon from the Winter Olympics is by far one of my favorite sports to watch.  Who can say that they have DVR'd whatever broadcasts available on NBCSN about biathlon for this year's World Cup?  It is truly a fascinating sport to me.  I would love to try it someday and I think Paul for sure would be a great teacher... I just hope that he is patient with me because I have to learn everything... 

Blood Clot Survivors for sure can do anything.  Even Winter Biathlon...!

Thank you fore reading,

The Clot Buster

March Athlete of the Month

Hello March!

MARCH is BLOOD CLOT AWARENESS MONTH

This is the month where we step it up a notch and promote our cause of awareness against blood clots and blood clotting disorders.  

This is the month when we also celebrate all blood clot survivors and remember those we lost along the way.

Hard to believe how many lives are affected by blood clots every year.

Wonderful to know that many lives are saved from blood clots every year.

Inspiring to read about what blood clot survivors are capable of doing as they overcome the challenges of their condition.

There is no better time of the year to couple the blood clot survivor inspiration with basketball as the fun of March Madness looms in the horizon.

For this month I wanted to bring forward a couple of stories of blood clot survivors that are truly remarkable and worth the read.

The first story comes to us from The Post (THEPOSTATHENS.com) in Athens, OH and it features the story of Katie who will not allow blood clots to slow her down from her love of basketball.  You have to read this story because it one that you will remember...

http://projects.thepostathens.com/SpecialProjects/the-2020-basketball-edition-ohio-university/katie-barker-ohio-university-womens-basketball-college-ncaa.html

The second story for this month's post also features a basketball player - Alli, who is more than ready to battle her condition and return to the court in order to make a difference for her team.  Credit for the article to the DAILYLOCAL.com.

https://www.dailylocal.com/sports/after-scare-with-blood-clots-alli-dienes-is-back-with/article_88ccae9f-ae26-57f8-adb3-773186011f87.html

Once again it is good to remember that blood clots can happen to anyone at any time.

It is very important to be aware of the signs and symptoms because they can be the difference between life and death.

STOPTHECLOT.org is a great resource to learn more about what you need to keep in mind so that you can be alert.

Here is hoping that March is great month for all of you.

Certainly the Madness of Basketball is coming but also spring is getting closer so that we can get the CLOT BUSTER #StopTheClot polka-dots truly out there training and racing.

Blood Clot Survivors CAN DO ANYTHING and there is proof here on both of our basketball superstars who, with their stories and play on the court, are inspiring us all.

Thank you fore reading

The Clot Buster
#StopTheClot

February Athlete of the Month

When the going gets tough you have to dig deep and find some inspiration.

We experience that every day.  Some people more than others for a variety of circumstances.

When doing sport the need to overcome the pain in whatever form it comes is part of the deal of participating and making it to the finish.  

This situation was for sure present when I was attempting my #100 triathlon in Muncie, IN... While grinding out the 56 Miles of the bike I got the chance to hear a shout from a fellow racer calling me out because of the #STOPTHECLOT polka-dots I was wearing.  Getting to hear that recognition got me in gear to keep hammering on the bike when I was feeling at my limit.  But then during the run, once again, that voice came over me to give me the jolt I need to put another foot in front of the other when I was really hurting during the half-marathon.  This voice shouting at me was the voice of a Blood Clot Survivor who was throwing down on that race just like I was.  If a blood clot survivor can do it after all of the challenges their face then I can also get it together to deliver on a finish.

Thanks to the polka-dots this survivor looked me up in the internet and thanks to the magic of the web I have been following this outstanding individual.  We are very lucky that MICHAEL has been willing to share his story of survival with us so that you too out there could be inspired just like I was during that race in Muncie.

Read on and get inspired!

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

I am a runner. I enjoy the freedom of being outdoors. Many of my closest friends are runners. We met through running. I enjoy talking to random runners out on the trail or even during races. It helps the time fly. I also have no problem running solo. This is a great way to clear your mind. Most of all, I love the health benefits. Running does the body good. I want to live as long as I can. Exercise and proper diet is the plan to achieve that.

How did you get started in that sport?

I was on my elementary school football team. The coaches always had us running laps around the field to warm up or for discipline. Everyone hated doing laps. A few of us decided to run off season so we can improve our running. We continued this practice all through high school. I even raced our high school cross country team as a football player. I placed 3^rd in the mile.  As I grew older, I incorporated running as the cardio portion of my routine in the health club. Some of the regulars on the treadmill invited a group of us to run outside for some miles. Then the group started meeting on a running trail. One year, one of the runners told me I should run the marathon. I said yes I should do it. Mind you I never ran race, even a 5K. I then began training for marathons.

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

By the end of 2019, I have completed 31 marathons of 26.2 miles or greater.  The last marathon was a challenge race. Half marathon, then 8K. The following day was the full marathon. This was about 44 miles for the weekend. I have completed 2 Ironman 70.3 triathlon events. The last one is where I had seen the Clot Buster in action!! Yep passed me on the bike!! I plan to complete an Ironman 140.3 in the very near future.

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

October 1, 2018 I was admitted into the hospital for bilateral pulmonary embolisms. Just 1 week prior, after completing a half marathon race I had a pain behind the knee. I thought this was a strained muscle. I took the week off from running as the Chicago Marathon was quickly approaching. Sunday early morning, I was awakened by a stabbing pain in my chest. I have never felt anything this painful in this area. Not sure what to do, I took some ibuprofen to take the pain away. Sunday I rested on the couch all day. I noticed being out of breathe with basic activities. Climbing the stairs took all my energy and had to rest at the top. Through this ordeal I was explaining how I was feeling to my wife. My pain level was not as severe but still painful when I inhaled. Monday morning, I decided to stay home from work with the thought of going to see the doctor. My wife had already told my brother, an Emergency Room Registered Nurse. He gave me a call that morning. He convinced me to not see my primary care but to go to an urgent care center or ER as they may run more tests. I went to the urgent care. The doctor took X-rays and D-Dimer blood test. X-Rays came back with possible fluid in the lung. He sent me for some medication while waiting on the blood test results. A few hours later I had received a phone call from the doctor. He ordered me to the emergency room right away as the test came back positive for blood clots. He gave me all the information that I need to tell them. The doctor made sure I understood I had to go immediately. The ER ran all the same test plus the CT scan with iodine dye. When they brought me back to the ER room after the CT scan, the doctor said he was going to look at the results now. If he does come back right away, it might not be that serious. He came running back. The ER doctor had a shocked look on his face. He said with the huge bilateral PE’s, how was I just sitting there so calm and relaxed with the restricted oxygen levels. Most people would have an oxygen mask on at this point. He concluded it was my endurance training that allowed me efficiently utilize the oxygen I was receiving. He said my running has saved my life. I was immediately put on a Heparin blood thinner drip. A few days later I was prescribed Eliquis 5mg taken twice a day.

All this occurred the week leading to the marathon, the cardiologist had determined my heart was not being stressed from the ultrasound. He said strong runner’s heart. He actually wanted me to start running again in 2 weeks but definitely I would have to sit of this weekend’s marathon. This marathon would have been my 13^th consecutive Chicago Marathon. Missing this would have broken the streak. I was bummed but glad to be alive. My wife actually grounded me from running for 5 weeks till my first follow up doctor appointment.

After 9 months, my hematologist said I can come off the Eliquis. My anxiety level was very high just  thinking about coming off the drug keeping my blood from clotting, keeping me alive. The doctor then put me on a maintenance dose of Eliquis 2.5mg.

Another 9 months passed, doctor convinced me to run a test to see how my body is handling clotting. After being off the blood thinner for 1 week, another D-Dimer blood test was completed. The test came back favorable. My body was doing what it is supposed to do. I started this year off of the blood thinner Eliquis.

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

I returned to running 5 weeks later. I kept the runs very easy and very local to the house. I gradually increased my distance over the next few weeks. Even though I was dealing with the discomfort of the after effects of the PE, I cautiously began marathon training again.

What is your favorite piece of gear for your favorite activity? 

For the last few years, my race day attire has been my flags. Shirt and headband was the US flag. I had the Polish and Filipino flags. This represented who I was. US born with my father family from Poland and mother from the Philippines. Maybe I will be sporting the Polka-Dots in the near future.

How much are you getting out doing your sport?

When I am in marathon training mode, my week consists of running outside at least 4 times, lap swimming 2x, and weight training 2x.

When I am in triathlon training mode, my week consists of running 4x, biking 3x, open water swim 1x , laps swim 2x, and weights 1-2x. This work load was completed with morning and evening sessions.

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

 I love to eat. I love trying dishes from all cultures. The fall of 2019, I  made a decision to change my diet to plant based. I did not feel good on the inside and I considered myself to be a healthy eater. I wanted to give this a try. Will the plant based diet help in my healing process. I am going into my 5 month on this way of eating. I feel great. I have a new type of energy. My last marathon and training was fueled by plants. I do not miss meat. I will eat meat again but very seldom planned meal.

I also enjoy a good craft beer. All my doctors gave me the ok to drink a seldom beer.  Sometimes after a long run and definitley after a race I will enjoy 2 good local craft brew.

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

My long term goal is to complete a marathon distance in all 50 states. I am not rushing this as all the traveling is expensive. I would be happy to add 2 states a year. I have a group of friends that also enjoy this so I am not alone traveling. Friend runcation!

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.

In the beginning of this new journey, many people reached out to comfort me. Many of these people were on social media that I did not know. Some of them are blood clot or pulmonary embolism survivors. Some of them were runners who survived this.  They really helped me to find comfort and stay strong. I had many bad days and would often crawl into my personal cave to deal with it. With their help, I was able to keep my anxiety down.

I have had angels help me along my journey training for marathons. I had friends run with me on my longer runs. One of my BF runners, flew into town for a medical conference and ran my first distance over 10 miles. She was a Physician’s Assistant in Cardiology. We went on my feel and completed 14 miles. As the distances grew longer, I found it difficult to find people to run with me. On a few of my runs, somehow I paired up with other runners for a good portion of my miles. Guess what, some of these runner where in the medical field. I really had someone looking out for me. For my first marathon that January in Miami, I had a large group which consisted of 2 doctors, 1 physician assistant, and 1 nurse. I was in good hands. The best angel that surprised me was during that Miami Marathon. It was warm and humid. This was not good running conditions and creating extra stress on my body. The half marathon turned off the course at mile 13. I need to make a decision to turn in  and settle for a 13.1 mile finish or continue on and complete the 26.2s miles.  I said a prayer and asked God to look after me for the second half of the race. Just before the 14^th mile, I hear music coming from behind me and growing louder. I hear the song, “One call Away”. I love this song and begin to sing it. The music was coming from a wheelchair runner team, Michael and Jenn from Team Hoyt. We ran side by side for the remainder of the race. They really helped me accomplish my first marathon as PE survivor! Angels come in many forms, knowing when spot them is the challenge. Make that call, and Angel may come your way.

I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away

Call me, baby, if you need a friend
I just wanna give you love
Come on, come on, come on
Reaching out to you, so take a chance

No matter where you go
You know you're not alone

I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away

Come along with me and don't be scared
I just wanna set you free
Come on, come on, come one
You and me can make it anywhere
For now, we can stay here for a while, ay
'Cause you know, I just wanna see you smile

No matter where you go
You know you're not alone

I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away

And when you're weak I'll be strong
I'm gonna keep holding on
Now don't you worry, it won't be long, Darling
And when you feel like hope is gone
Just run into my arms

I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one, I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away

I'm only one call away

What else can I say...

Truly a wonderful personal account that for sure will get you off your feet and get you going.

Michael was my angel during that race in Muncie last year... he was there when I needed it.  

Here is hoping that we can see him racing in some polka-dots very soon.  If OH still missing from his list of marathons per state then I am going to have to run a marathon again because I will be running along side him.

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

January Athlete of the Month

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Here we go 2020! 

For all of you who come across to read this blog HERE IS WISHING YOU ALL OF THE GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS, and GOOD FORTUNE YOU CAN HANDLE.

Blood Clot Survivors CAN DO ANYTHING and again this year will see it demonstrated on the incredible accomplishments that I hope to be able to share with you on this space.  No question that we will ALL BE INSPIRED to push on and NEVER GIVE UP just like blood clot survivors do every day!

There is an abundance of stories of what Blood Clot Survivors can do.  To get our year of stories going for 2020 I would like to draw your attention to a story that has been posted on STOPTHECLOT.org and it sure is compelling enough to kick start the new year.   

https://www.stoptheclot.org/patient-stories/ardiths-story/

Always need to be aware of the signs of symptoms of blood clots since it can save your life.

When I doubt... Get checked out!

I am very much looking forward to continue meeting survivors and get the opportunity to have them share their stories of survival.  Recovery and anxiety from blood clots vary from individual to individual.  But the power of knowing that others are going through the same situation that you are presently experiencing can be very beneficial.

Here is hoping that 2020 turns out to be the best year possible for all us

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster

December Athlete of the Month

Although we have reached December I am still THANKFUL for an incredible year in 2019.

Without a question I am incredibly lucky to have had the chance to meet many individuals who happen to be blood clot survivors. Every single one of their stories are incredible and very much inspiring.  There is so much to learn from every story that can make a positive impact on our daily lives.

The more I learn about the journey that each survivor has gone through the more I believe that BLOOD CLOT SURVIVORS CAN DO ANYTHING.  Every accomplishment is meaningful and should be celebrated.

As we close out the year we have the opportunity to read about a blood clot survivor with a story that you don't want to miss.

I am very Thankful that THOMAS has been willing to share his story with all of us.

The story Thomas shares here will leave you thinking about one of my favorite phrases "Anything is possible to those who believe."

Read on and Get Inspired!

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

My sport of choice is mostly running, although I enjoy heavy weight lifting as part of my running training. I love running because I’ve been around it all my life. With a track and cross country coach as a father I basically grew up at cross country/track practice. It’s always been my sport, I coach it, I ran all through high school, 2 years in college, and after a brief phase of being a bit burned out on running, I came back to it as a recreational runner. It has been my life as long as I can remember. As much as I love running there are definitely days where it’s more of a love/hate relationship but that happens with things you’re passionate about. Also, I’ve had attention problems all my life so it has always been good to have some alone time with my thoughts.

2. How did you get started in that sport? 

Besides growing up around it as mentioned above, the first time I realized I enjoyed running was during the mile run in 3^rd grade PE. I got 3^rd that day and while I enjoyed numerous sports through middle school, running was always king. I actually started focusing on running because I got annoyed with all the other sports I played using it as a punishment.

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

I ran the NYC Marathon under a fundraising bib for the National Blood Clot Alliance. It was actually a pretty rough day for me, I just didn’t feel right out of the gate and was about 50 minutes off the time I felt I was capable of during my training. However, I was super proud of my training leading up to the marathon and had some awesome workouts leading up to it. I was really proud of my final workouts where I covered ~18 miles at a pretty strong pace. I’m probably going to focus on some half marathons and the 10k for a bit. I enjoy marathon training a lot but I’m just not a fan of a race as long as the marathon where so much can go wrong. My best event was always the 800m so the marathon is obviously quite far away from that.

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

My clotting episode started on Sunday 10/21/2018 which was the week of the Cross-Country Regional Championships. I woke up feeling a cramping feeling in my rib cage and upper back. I had done an upper body circuit on that Friday and a hard workout with my team that Saturday. After hard workouts I would often get a lot of soreness in my upper back because my posture is not the greatest, but the ribcage soreness was new. I chalked it up to delayed onset muscle soreness from the upper body circuit and spent the morning with my foam roller rolling the upper back because that’s the attachment point for your many of the muscles in the rib cage. That Monday the pain went from cramping to stabbing. My fried had popped my back the day before and I thought he had done so in a way that had broken a rib or damaged the cartilage in my ribs or something similar. I felt pretty terrible but I thought it was just soreness from an injury. I missed my day job that day because I was feeling rough, but I actually went to cross country practice and ran a set of sprints with my team that day… That Tuesday I woke up and it had gotten worse. I told myself that if it didn’t get better by the next day I would go to the hospital. My coworkers, my wife and the nurses she works with all tried to tell me to go but I wouldn’t listen because I was more concerned about my insurance deductible. I went to practice that Tuesday but didn’t run because I was feeling too rough. We had a team dinner after practice and it was on the drive there that I realized I was in serious shape. Just driving my car was the most intense pain I have ever experienced in my life. The dinner was at my parent’s house and when I got there I told my mom that something was really wrong and I needed her to drive me to urgent care. She drove me to urgent care; I explained my symptoms and they said I needed to go to the ER. I was admitted faster than I had ever gotten into the ER, but after that it felt like I was met with skepticism. Maybe they thought I wanted opioids but it felt like they doubted how much pain I was in. It didn’t hurt more when they pressed on my ribs, my chest x-ray was clear. If it wasn’t for my blood test I think I would have been sent home with anti-inflammatories. They said my D-Dimer was high and that could indicate a blood clot so they ordered a CT scan. They ran the CT scan and it came back that I had a pulmonary embolism. It was just recently that I had read about athletes like Chris Bosh and Serena Williams having clotting episodes. I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. They told me I would be put on Eliquis and sent home which caught me off guard because I thought I would have to be admitted to the hospital.  The NP explained that blood clot treatment has come a long way and that since I didn’t have a fever and my pulse oxygen and heart rate were good I didn’t have to be admitted. I was sent home that night but I couldn’t lie down without pain and had to sleep in quite possibly the most uncomfortable position on my couch for the next few weeks. It was uncomfortable but any other position felt like I was being simultaneously stabbed and smothered. I was also told no running for the near future which was extremely depressing considering I was in REALLY good shape at the time. All I wanted to do was go on a run and sleep in the same bed as my wife but I was basically stuck on the couch. It’s wild to me how serious my situation was at the time but how long I waited to go to the hospital. I consider myself extremely fortunate that my clot was not more serious or I might not be alive right now. However, with so many of my symptoms mirroring sports injuries/soreness it makes me fear that this could happen to many athletes. My clot was considered unprovoked meaning it did not start as a DVT but based on what I have read about DVT symptoms there’s a very real possibility I would have just tried using my foam roller thinking it was a sore muscle. Since my PE was unprovoked, I’m on Eliquis indefinitely. I started on 5mg twice a day for 6 months, now I’m on a maintience dose of 2.5mg twice a day. My wife was a rock star through this whole episode. She’s been my rock and I don’t think I would still be here without her.

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

I was cleared to run again 2 weeks after my PE. I was told that I could basically do as much as my body would allow. The first run back was humbling. It felt like running a 5k even though I was basically jogging and my lungs hurt the whole time. As I got more and more back into it, my body and legs felt like they could do more but like there was a road block in my lungs keeping me from going faster. My muscles felt like they were out for a jog while my breathing felt like I was sprinting. It was very frustrating.

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 favorite piece of gear is my Clot Busters hat. I’ve always been a hat person and would run in a different hat every day. Ever since my PE I haven’t worn another hat for a run and it’s really the only hat I wear.

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

I’ve been getting out running about 4-6 days a week. Some days I was running 15 miles a day split between two runs during my marathon build up.

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

Favorite food would definitely have to be cereal. I could probably eat cereal 3 meals a day (and probably did in college).

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

My wife and I have a bucket list with a couple of places we would like to visit. Ireland and Italy are the big ones I’ve never been to and I would like to go back to Australia again at some point in my life. I went there in high school and really want to go back again now that I’m an adult. Ireland is definitely a big one though since that’s where my family came from. With a last name like McDonough I really want to make it there at some point.

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.

Number one thing I learned was to be kind to yourself and look at your fitness and recovery as a blank slate. It felt like my PE wiped a lifetime of fitness away and if I had tried to judge myself based on what I was able to do before I would have given up. Remember that there are good days and bad days. Even things like the weather affect me in ways I didn’t have to think about before. I ran a race in the humidity and it wrecked me, I almost dropped out, but I refused to give up while wearing the polka dots. I found the Clot Busters the night I was diagnosed with my PE and being a part of a team has pushed me in my recovery. I try not to stress about my situation too much but it does freak me out a bit when I get the slightest pain in my chest.

So glad that Thomas did end up going to the ER when the symptoms of his clotting incident got too evident and painful.

I got the chance to meet Tom right before the NYC Marathon and I hope that our paths can come cross soon enough so that we can run together.  No chance that I can match his pace but hopefully we will be running in the polka-dots so that I can spot him from the distance.

Remember... ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE!

Thank you for reading,

The Clot Buster