Even with the oxytocin prescription, Yoselin Diosdado was barely able to get a few hours of sleep. The pain behind her knee from the blood clot stopped her from straightening her leg, from walking, and now at just 22 years old, she was dependent on her mother and sister to help her from the bed to the bathroom.

She would feel worse before she felt better.

Not long before this, Yoselin was starting her professional career at the Mayo Clinic, when she noticed some pain in her leg. Thinking she had a simple muscle tear, she kept working and learning her craft, until the pain became unbearable in an 8hour lecture. When she went to the emergency department, an ultrasound revealed a more concerning reason for the pain: a blood clot in her lower leg (Deep Vein Thrombosis).

A typical plan was made to help deal with the blood clot: an anticoagulant medication was prescribed. With it though, came equally unbearable side effects, including severe migraines. Working became harder, and Yoselin was back in the emergency department for help. Concerns of a stroke began to increase, and to help with the pain, she was prescribed oxycodone. Then, her leg pain and swelling prevented her from straightening her leg.

While her coworkers and friends planned their Fourth of July weekends, Yoselin’s pain behind her knee persisted, until Dr. Zlatko Devcic suggested a minimally invasive thrombectomy. This procedure requires a small incision to be made to a catheter can be inserted through an artery to the clot. A stent is then used to pull out the blockage.

While the procedure was scheduled, an anesthesiologist was not available, and her pain was severe enough the Yoselin elected to have the procedure done with conscious sedation.

Within weeks of the procedure, Yoselin was able to return to her work and personal life.