Alicia was a very active and healthy 19-year-old when during a social game of netball, she rolled her ankle and was diagnosed with ligament damage.

“I have always played sport at a high level, with both tennis and netball being my main passions.” Alicia

At the time she was working as a medical receptionist and on hearing her symptoms of pins and needles over the last two days, one of the GPs suggested she needed an urgent ultrasound as he believed she had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Alicia was shocked as she had always related the condition with ‘older overweight men who smoked, drank heavily and weren’t physically active’.

After being diagnosed with a blood clot, Alicia was put on medication and required daily blood tests to ensure her INR levels were where they should be. During this time, she also began blood-thinning injections.

A few years later Alicia experienced her second clot while playing netball. Since then, she has been diagnosed with multiple further DVTs as the result of injury or surgery. Even when Alicia was put on anticoagulants before and after surgeries, she still developed clots.

In more recent years, Alicia, by now a personal trainer, became out of breath during a cardio boxing class, the first symptom of multiple pulmonary embolisms (PEs) she had developed in the lower lobe of her right lung.  As a result of her PEs, Alicia is now on lifelong blood thinners. Her daily life involves medication - injections before she flies, wearing compression stockings every time she sets foot on an airplane and numerous blood tests to be endured. Despite her health challenges, Alicia is fit and well and has never felt healthier.

“DVT can happen to anyone. If you experience any signs or symptoms, please seek medical attention. You know your body better than anyone else. It is better to be safe than sorry.” Alicia

Alicia is keen to spread awareness to the Australian community, especially to younger females, that DVT can strike anyone at any time regardless of age and lifestyle. She feels very fortunate to have survived, with the support of her family who have been with her on this journey.