Terry Blair was an athletic, healthy 29-year-old when he injured his knee nearly 12 years ago.
The injury was relatively minor until a blood clot formed in his knee before it eventualy broke off, traveled straight to his heart and killed him instantly.
The son of former Orioles outfielder Paul Blair may have been taken down in the prime of his life, but his father is doing everything in his power to make sure he didn?t die in vain.
The elder Blair is now an avid spokesman to promote awareness regarding deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT. Blair knows his son?s death may have been avoidable and wants to let others know of ways they can minimize their risks of dying from complications from DVT.
“I just felt I had to do something so this doesn?t happen to someone else,” Blair said. “This is the first time I?ve been able to talk about it, but it?s something I feel is important for people to know.”
According to DVT.net, up to 200,000 Americans die annually from DVT complications. DVT is a condition resulting from the formation of a blood clot thrombus inside a deep vein, commonly located in the calf or thigh. It occurs when the blood clot either partially or completely blocks the flow of blood in the vein.
Those at risk for DVT include people who are immobile for extended periods, those with clotting disorders, pregnant women, smokers and obese people.
Some of the symptoms of DVT are pain, redness, tenderness and sudden swelling in the leg and/or if the skin is warm to the touch. However, DVT is treatable through medications and surgery if discovered early enough.
Other simpler treatment options include, elevating the effect leg, apply heat to relieve pain and reduce swelling, wear compression bandages or support hose or avoid long periods of immobility if possible.
Blair said the most important thing one with or at-risk for DVT can do is consult your doctor regarding possible treatment options.
“People don?t realize the dangers blood clots can have and they need to know when to get checked if they are at risk,” Blair said.
BLAIR NOTES
» Blair lives in Owings Mills.
» He played in the major leagues for 17 years, including with the Orioles from 1964-1976. He ended his career by playing with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees.
» He won eight Gold Gloves and made two All-Star teams in his career.
