I hope when you read my story, you will become more knowledgeable and aware that Deep Vein Thrombosis is a silent killer and the suffering that comes from Pulmonary Embolisms is a real thing. There are other diseases that are so much in the media, it’s beyond words. But, those of us who have suffered from these diseases live life to the fullest because it is a life changer – and one that is all too often unheard of. When the first clot happened, I literally was in shock. The words “Why me?” came into play. Then when the two occurred, once again, I said to myself “Why me?”

I was first diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis in October 1994 along with my first Pulmonary Embolism. Then, in both November nd December 1995, I had one again, which brings the total number of Pulmonary Embolisms to three in one year. I had the Greenfield Inferior Vena Cava Filter implanted into my abdominal wall in January 1996. All of this was happening while on active duty with the military. I thank God daily that I have survived this long ordeal with Deep Vein Thrombosis.

The first blood clot should have done me in, but it didn’t. I have three things that have kept me living life to the fullest: Faith, Family, and Friends. Without these things, my life wouldn’t be complete. I am blessed to have my husband Derrick, pictured with me above, in my life. We are celebrating 10 years of wedded bliss this coming April 2014. I can’t live my life without him. It is his loving support of having to deal with this disorder that makes the recovery much easier to deal with. This is how I have not only recovered but have learned to deal with it for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, I’m on the medication Coumadin for life. I get my blood tested on a monthly basis for which I have learned to just deal with the process for the rest of my life.

In closing, I am praying that someday there will be a fundraiser or more awareness about the silent killer known as Deep Vein Thrombosis and its counterpart, Pulmonary Embolism. I am truly blessed to be a survivor because when the first blood clot happened, I knew that I had to fight for my life. And I did.