June 2026 PEP Talk: Navigating a New Blood Clot Diagnosisthe Clot Channel

A blood clot diagnosis can change everything in an instant. One moment you're living your life. The next, you're navigating medications, follow-up appointments, new symptoms, and a lot of unanswered questions. That's why we created PEP Talk. PEP Talk (Patients Educating Patients) is a free online event where blood clot survivors share what life after diagnosis really looks like — the challenges, the lessons learned, and the resources that helped them move forward. Each session also includes a medical professional who helps answer questions and provide trusted clinical insight. In this episode, join us to learn more about: 🩺 Understanding your diagnosis 💊 Managing your blood thinning medications 📋 Navigating follow-up care 🔍 Finding trusted information and resources 🤝 Connecting with others who truly understand #StopTheClot #PEPTalk #BloodClot #VTE #DVT #PulmonaryEmbolism #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness #BloodClotSurvivor Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome & Introductions 4:32 What Is a Blood Clot? DVT vs. PE Explained 9:48 Provoked vs. Unprovoked Clots — Why It Matters 11:14 Where Else Can Clots Form? 13:23 Understanding Your Lab Work (D-Dimer, CBC, Kidney Function) 16:11 Thrombophilia Testing — What It Is & When It's Done 20:45 How Anti-Coagulants Actually Work 22:46 Choosing the Right Anti-Coagulant 27:15 Women & Anti-Coagulation — Menstrual Bleeding 31:03 Risk of Recurrence — First 30 Days & Long-Term 35:18 Risk Factors You Can & Can't Control 37:35 Recovery Timeline — Physical & Emotional 38:06 CTEPH & Post-Thrombotic Syndrome 40:23 Mental Health After a Blood Clot 46:06 Foods, Medications, Supplements & Alcohol 49:03 Exercise & Physical Activity — What's Safe 51:19 Q&A Begins 54:37 Will My Clot Go Away? Imaging Explained 56:01 Compression Stockings — Do They Work? 58:46 Flying, Long-Term Anti-Coagulation & Seeing a PCP vs. Hematologist 1:06:24 Fondaparinux & Injectable Anti-Coagulant Options 1:08:28 Travel Tips — How Often Should You Move? 1:10:22 Breakthrough Clots — Why They Happen 1:12:24 Fatigue & Shortness of Breath — Is It Still Normal Months Later? ——— The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is a non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis and successful treatment of life-threatening blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and clot-provoked stroke. NBCA works on behalf of people who may be susceptible to blood clots, including, but not limited to, people with clotting disorders, atrial fibrillation, cancer, traumatic injury, and risks related to surgery, lengthy immobility, child birth and birth control. NBCA accomplishes its mission through programs that build public awareness, educate patients and healthcare professionals and promote supportive public and private sector policy. Enjoy our educational videos and stay healthy.