LaVon

In 2017, LaVon was at the gym when he felt sudden pain in his right leg. At first, he didn’t think much of it and went home. But the pain worsened, and his leg began to swell. He went to the emergency room and shared his family history of blood clots. “You look healthy, so I don’t think it’s a blood clot,” the doctor told him, recommending leg elevation and rest.

A few days later, his primary care doctor said the same thing. For five years, LaVon lived with pain, swelling, and visible changes to the skin on his leg. It wasn’t until 2022 that he finally got the answers he needed. LaVon shares his experience, what he wishes he had known, and what he wants others to learn from his journey.

When did you first notice something was wrong?

At the gym, my leg suddenly started hurting. I thought maybe I’d pulled a muscle or something, so I went home to see if it’d go away. As the evening went on, my leg started swelling and the pain worsened. Even though this happened a while ago, I can still remember that pain. It felt like a bad bruise, almost like someone had kicked me in the leg. It was so painful that I could barely walk. I remember crawling to the restroom because putting weight on my leg hurt too much. That’s when I knew something was seriously wrong.

What else did you notice?

The swelling went from my ankle to my calf. My friends said my right leg looked different from my left. Over time, the hair on my leg fell out, and the skin got shiny and reddish.

How did you finally get diagnosed?

In 2022, I was getting ready to take a trip to Africa. I wanted to get my leg checked out before my trip and decided to switch doctors. I mentioned my leg pain and my family history of blood clots to my new doctor. She ordered an ultrasound and blood work. That's when I found out I had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my leg.

How did you feel when you got the diagnosis?

At first, I was terrified but also relieved to have an answer. I didn't know enough about blood clots before to know that I was going to be okay once I started treatment. I knew what could happen if a blood clot was left untreated and I was lucky that mine didn't turn into something more serious. I worried about moving too much because I thought the clot might travel. Once I talked to my doctor, I understood that staying active was important.

What was your treatment plan?

My doctor prescribed Eliquis® (apixaban), a blood thinner. At first, my doctor wasn't sure if I needed to go to the hospital, but then she decided I could start treatment at home. I'm still on blood thinners because of my family history of blood clots. My doctor also mentioned I may have Factor V Leiden (a genetic mutation that can increase the risk of clotting), but I haven't been tested for it yet.

What changes have you made to your daily routine?

I stay hydrated and make sure to move throughout the day. I work as a barber, so I stand a lot. I take a few steps every 45 minutes to keep my circulation moving. I still work out. I also wear compression stockings, which help with swelling. I have to be extra careful at work because I use sharp tools like razors and shears. Since I'm on blood thinners, even a small cut can bleed more than usual.

Do you still have the clot?

Yes, it's still there. I get ultrasounds twice a year. It hasn't gotten bigger, but it hasn't gone away either. The clot is just there. My hematologist reassured me that some clots take longer to dissolve, and as long as I keep taking medication, I’ll be fine. The pain’s gotten better. In fact, it was recently that I noticed the pain was starting to decrease.

What’s your advice to others with a new diagnosis?

Don't panic. Treatment works. Ask your doctor questions about what you can and cannot do. I wanted to know if I could still exercise and work long hours on my feet. Getting those answers made me feel more in control.

And for those who feel dismissed?

Speak up. If a doctor dismisses your concerns, ask them to check again. You don’t have to be disrespectful but be firm. If you feel that you're not being heard, find a provider that will really listen. You must advocate for yourself.

Any final thoughts?

Know the signs of a blood clot. Pain, swelling, and redness are big warning signs. If I had known that earlier, I would’ve pushed harder. Don’t be afraid to speak up; it could save your life.