Sara Wyen, Founder, Blood Clot Recovery Network
Guest writer Sara Wyen shares insights about the importance of blood clot awareness through the prism of her recovery from clotting and other health challenges.
March is Blood Clot Awareness Month, a cause that is deeply personal to me since my own experience with blood clots nearly 13 years ago. Sometimes, it feels like that moment happened a lifetime ago, but other times, it feels like it just happened yesterday. The fear, the uncertainty, and the physical and emotional toll that followed that experience are memories that have stayed with me, shaping how I view my health even today.
While I no longer live in constant fear of blood clots, I remain vigilant. I continue to take anticoagulants to help prevent them, especially because of my diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a condition that significantly increases my risk. More recently, I’ve faced additional health challenges that have further heightened my risk, bringing the memories of my past experiences back to the forefront of my mind. Despite this, I stay proactive, empowered by the support of an incredible doctor who has been with me since day one, along with new providers who are helping me navigate my current health journey. This strong support system has been crucial, as my situation requires constant monitoring. Having a plan has made all the difference, allowing me to move forward with confidence despite the challenges I face.
Despite how life changes, one thing has remained constant over the years: the critical need for blood clot awareness. No matter where life takes me, the importance of understanding blood clots, recognizing the risks, and knowing the signs and symptoms has never wavered. Even as time passes, I strive to help others feel informed and empowered in their own journeys. Blood clots can affect anyone, and the more we talk about them, the better equipped we all become to prevent and manage them.
Recognizing Blood Clot Risks and Signs
When my DVT and life-threatening PE occurred, I was completely unaware and unprepared. I didn’t know I was at risk for blood clots due to taking hormonal birth control and having APS, nor did I realize that there were steps I could take to reduce my risk. At the time, I was an active runner, and blood clots seemed like something that could never happen to someone like me. So, when I began experiencing unyielding pain in my calf followed by excruciating pain in my side that made it difficult to breathe or even speak, I first thought I had overdone it while training for a marathon.
It was a call to my primary care physician that saved my life. He immediately recognized the symptoms and believed I had blood clots. He told me I needed to go to the hospital without delay. That night marked the beginning of a long and painful journey of recovery from a devastating situation that left my body damaged and my mind in turmoil. The experience was nothing like I could have imagined, and it completely reshaped my future.
The Road to Blood Clot Recovery
If you’re navigating the road to blood clot recovery, there are several steps you can take to make your journey feel less overwhelming. First and foremost, find support and connect with others who understand your experience. It’s important to partner with a healthcare provider or specialist you feel comfortable with—someone who listens to your concerns and answers your questions thoroughly. Bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointments to help you absorb all the information and ensure you don’t miss anything important. Take notes, too, so you can reflect on the details later.
Equally important is finding your community. Whether it’s an online blood clot support group or an in-person one recommended by your doctor, connecting with others who are on a similar journey can provide a sense of comfort and solidarity. It’s easy to feel isolated in these moments, but remember—you don’t have to face this alone. Reach out, share your story, and lean on others for strength and guidance.
A Journey of Physical and Mental Health
A health diagnosis like this can be overwhelming and confusing, and it can take time to feel “normal” again. The fear of another clot, the worry about the next doctor’s appointment, and the challenge of processing the trauma of having survived life-threatening events like a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE)—these are real struggles that often go unaddressed. For many, recovery isn’t just about physical healing. It’s a long emotional journey, and for some, the road feels endless.
Remember, even though it may feel like you’re facing an impossible situation, there is treatment available for blood clots, and recovery is possible too. It’s important to follow your treatment plan diligently to prevent future blood clots, but equally important is taking care of your mental health during this process. As you navigate through appointments, follow-up tests, and medications, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for support with your mental health.
Healing is a journey that involves both physical and mental aspects. While the road may feel long and at times overwhelming, there is hope, even when it seems out of reach. No matter how difficult the journey may seem, remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Each step forward brings you closer to a place of healing and wholeness, and you are never alone.
