With my 1st year clotiverssary coming up in 10 days, I would like to thank everyone for their support and comments. From the initial frightening first few days after coming out of hospital, coping (or not!) with my INR, learning about alternatives to warfarin and giving me the confidence to request a switch to Xarelto, listening to my sometimes trivial worries, getting back to exercise and generally feeling not alone with this.

Had appointment with consultant yesterday after loads of blood work when I came off blood thinners in February, and there does not seem to be any genetic or other reason for my dvt and pe. I'm happy not to be pre-disposed and put back on blood thinners! but will always be hyper vigilant to the symptoms in case this happens again.

In the last year I have given up smoking, am drinking less alcohol and exercising more. I look and feel better and would like to offer some hope to all those just starting out on their 'journey' that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you can get through it. Things will feel better and on those down days, read other people's stories and seek support and advice.