I am perpetually amazed at how often regular, every day, active, even healthy people are affected by blood clots – many to a debilitating degree. From politicians like Hillary Clinton to professional coaches like Jenny Hadfield, blood clots seem to be becoming more and more prevalent. While I am sad to hear of new people being hurt by this terrible ailment, I am happy and hoping they help bring awareness to what is becoming an important health topic.
I know I have posted this one before but it needs to be repeated so everyone knows just how serious this is. Blood clots are the third leading cause of death in the United States. pulmonary embolisms (PE) kill more people per year then auto accidents! The accurate diagnosis of a PE is crucial. PE is a leading cause of unexpected deaths in hospitalized patients; however, the diagnosis is missed more often than it is made. One source conservatively estimates that more than half of fatal PE cases are not even suspected antemortem.
Awareness is the key. Understand what you need to know before it’s too late – blood clots are very treatable when found in time. I didn’t know what was happening to me, and I almost didn’t make it.
I want to help bring awareness to this issue in any way possible and am working on a project to do just that in the coming months. I have spent many hours – days even – scouring the internet for information, existing support groups and other stories of people who have been affected by this silent killer. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of information out there, at least, that one can relate to on a personal level.
While searching, I found The Clot Buster, a fellow athlete I could immediately relate to because he is a survivor too. The self-proclaimed “Clot Buster” is a triathlete on a quest to raise funds for the National Blood Clot Alliance, STOPTHECLOT.org. He invites his readers and supporter to come along for the SWIM, the RIDE, the RUN and everything in between. He also takes the time and features an athlete who has survived a blood clot each month on his blog, and I am so inspired by the stories I have read there.
The Clot Buster (a.k.a. Roland) runs, swims and bikes in The Clot Buster Polka Dots to raise awareness about blood clots and their devastating effects. Even better than that? Roland was kind enough to send me my very own jersey to wear out on the road.
This message ‘Never Give Up’ is one I truly believe in, especially recently, and it warms my heart to receive it from Roland. Thank you.
I can’t wait to wear my polka dots out on the road and I might even wear them at every race I run in 2013. I never realized how comfortable a triathlon jersey is – and it has built-in pockets!
I hope you too decide to support The Clot Buster in his mission to raise awareness and also my mission – come race with us! If you do, you can order your own jersey or triathlon top directly from Roland’s blog. Or, please stop by and check out the athletes that are featured there.
Until the next mile marker,
Follow
The jersey looks great on you. Can’t wait for you to race in it!
What is the risk of me developing blood clots while on BC pill?
Your risk of developing a clot on BC does increase. I am not sure of the exact risk as it would be different for every person. If you are at all concerned, make sure you follow-up with your doctor to determine your specific risk.