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AWARENESS | EDUCATION | SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS

Real stories. Real people. Real impact.

Discover how blood clots change lives—and how patients fight back.

From deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) to stroke and long-term anticoagulant therapy, these personal journeys shed light on the signs, symptoms, treatments, and emotional impact of living with a blood clot or vascular condition.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, caring for someone with thrombosis, or simply looking to understand more—these stories are for you.

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Brian

"When Heidi was diagnosed with multiple pulmonary embolisms (PE) in July 2005, our lives changed forever. The fear of losing her to this 'silent killer' was immediate and overwhelming."

DVT

PE Support Group

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chelsey patient story

Chelsey

"At just 31, my life changed forever on a random Wednesday in October 2022. A sudden massive bilateral pulmonary embolism with heart and respiratory failure left me unconscious on my basement floor and fighting for my life in the ICU."

PE

Heart Failure

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Deborah

People die from clotting events. This was true in the 'stone age,' before Factor V Leiden (FVL) and other clotting disorders were identified, and it is still true today.

Stroke

Heart Health

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dennis patient story

Dennis

"Recently, I was out for my typical early morning six-mile run. Two miles in, I suddenly started seeing double, the world was tilting, and I couldn't continue."

Blood Clot

Stroke

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jared patient story

Jared

March 15, 2015 is a date that probably doesn't stand out to most of us – but Jared remembers that day clearly. It was the day he was hospitalized with a nearly fatal pulmonary embolism (PE).

PE

Travel

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Mark

Mark's life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot in the lungs.

PE

Follow-up Care

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Mary Beth

In the spring of 2001, Mary Beth underwent foot surgery. A week later, she developed excruciating pain in her right leg that turned out to be a DVT extending from her ankle to her mid-thigh.

High-risk

DVT/PE

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melissa patient story

Melissa

"In the winter of 2007, Melissa Hogan woke up with a swollen leg and ankle. As a healthy 24-year-old, she had no idea what was causing the swelling."

Swollen Leg

Anticoagulation

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nancy patient story

Nancy

Just two days before her 70th birthday, Nancy Marriott was rushed to the ER in Boulder, Colorado with severe shortness of breath and near-fainting episodes. Diagnosed with massive saddle pulmonary embolisms (PEs), she was on the brink of death.

PE

Near-Fainting

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Vasculearn Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You should not rely on the information provided as a substitute for professional medical advice, care, or treatment. This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any individual. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

© 2025 Vasculearn Network (VLN). All Rights Reserved

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