The Journey to Relieving My Blood Clot Pain

"I was in pain for eight years," says Fatemah, a saleswoman who had been under the care of hematologist-oncologist Dr. Daniel Benasher at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS). When she complained of discomfort and swelling in her right leg, Dr. Benasher performed a sonogram that confirmed her fears – a blood clot. Even after the clot disappeared, she continued to suffer from chronic residual pain and swelling in her legs, a “post-thrombotic syndrome.”  Fatemah’s job required her to be on her feet for extended periods, which made her symptoms worse and made her life “unbearable.” 

Dr. Benasher referred Fatemah to the office of Interventional Radiologist Dr. Michael Drabkin for further treatment. She underwent two procedures, the first involving shrinking her fibroids which had been pushing on her veins and contributed to her clots and leg swelling.  The second procedure, performed a few months later, involved placing a stent in the vein in order to improve the flow out of the veins in her legs, thereby decreasing leg pain and swelling and reducing the risk of developing future clots.

"After the procedure, I experienced no pain," she said. "He saved me. He worked hard with my insurance to get authorization for both procedures, and I really appreciate it."

Fatemah expressed her gratitude towards the staff, who worked diligently with her insurance provider to ensure she could receive the necessary treatment.  After each procedure, she was able to go home the same day. She now reports no pain or discomfort.

"Now I'm so comfortable," Fatemah said. "I can walk and stand on my feet again. I can see a change I couldn't see for too long."

Overjoyed, Fatemah credited Dr. Drabkin and the NYCBS staff for their exceptional care, allowing her to regain mobility and enjoy a pain-free life. She was thrilled to resume her favorite activities, such as shopping, and praised Dr. Drabkin as "the best surgeon in the world."