Diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at the height of her college swimming career, Sam Nelson has learned to manage her condition over the last 20 years with help from Juzo compression. She is strong advocate of DVT awareness—driven by the mission to ensure no one experiences the loneliness and confusion she felt at her diagnosis.
Let's start with your story. How/when did you learn about your DVT?
I was a Division 1 college swimmer. After a long weekend of travelling for a swim competition, I coughed up blood during practice, which prompted my coach to halt training and ask who was responsible. Embarrassed and uncertain, I remained silent—a decision that I still wish I could take back.
As my symptoms progressed, I was diagnosed with different conditions to explain my symptoms, from one leg being longer than the other, to depression. Finally, my best friend Kelly recognized the gravity of my condition and took me to urgent care. A D-Dimer blood rest revealed abnormalities that warranted me to go immediately to the hospital. By the time I reached the hospital, my pain had intensified beyond comprehension. My next clear memory is regaining consciousness in the intensive care unit (ICU), with doctors explaining that I needed emergency surgery for a blood clot—a condition completely foreign to me at 19 years old. In those moments, I couldn't grasp the life-threatening nature of what was happening to my body.
How does Juzo compression play a role in your life post-DVT diagnosis?
During my 10-day hospital stay, I was not happy when doctors informed me that I would need to wear compression stockings. The initial pairs provided were uncomfortably thick, clinically unattractive and hardly what any 19-year-old would want to incorporate into daily life. Fortunately, an empathetic nurse recognized my dismay and helped me discover compression options that balanced medical necessity with comfort and style.
These stockings have since become more than just medical garments—they've evolved into a constant, comforting presence in my life. I wear them almost every day, not just for their therapeutic benefits, but also as an embraced element of who I am. My relationship with these stockings reached a poignant milestone when I chose to wear a blue one as my "something blue" on my wedding day—transforming what began as a medical requirement into a meaningful personal tradition.
Why did you get involved in advocacy work around DVT?
I always felt isolated as a blood clot survivor, often joking with friends and family that if a day existed to recognize blood clot survivors, I would want to be involved. With my background in marketing for major brands, when I discovered the open position with the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) World Thrombosis Day campaign that aligned with both my professional expertise and personal experience, I knew it was meant for me. Now, I can't imagine pursuing any other career path. My mission is to ensure no one experiences the loneliness and confusion I felt at my diagnosis. I’m so proud of the education, awareness and research initiatives that the World Thrombosis Day campaign champions and shares.
Tell us more about ISTH and World Thrombosis Day.
The ISTH is the leading international medical and scientific professional organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. The ISTH professional membership community includes more than 7,000 clinicians, researchers and educators from more than 120 countries working together to advance science and improve clinical care around the world.
The ISTH’s signature advocacy campaign, World Thrombosis Day, is observed annually on Oct.13. This initiative works diligently to increase public awareness about blood clots, including their signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Our mission is to reduce death and disability caused by blood clots through comprehensive education, innovative research and heightened awareness, while simultaneously honoring the strength and resilience demonstrated by patients and survivors.
What advice do you have for others at risk of or having suffered a DVT?
Know the signs and symptoms and don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience one or many. You can never be too cautious. For me, movement and exercise have been fundamental to my recovery and ongoing well-being. I had to begin with very modest activities, which was profoundly humbling, but persistence is key. Take one small step at a time.
Today, physical activity helps alleviate some of the heaviness and discomfort in my leg while maintaining my mental health. I've also discovered that the more I learn about blood clots and my specific diagnosis, the better equipped I am to manage my condition. I encourage everyone to educate themselves about their health conditions, develop strong relationships with their healthcare providers and ask questions when needed. Most importantly, I refuse to let my history with blood clots prevent me from living a rich and fulfilling life.
Photo credits: @LytleFoto and @BohoHolllie
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