Parkland patient saved from dangerous blood clot days before his wedding

Tom Mahan thought he was dealing with a stubborn sports injury. Instead, he was facing a serious and potentially life-threatening condition — just days before his wedding.

In late November 2025, the 31-year-old Salem, NH, resident began experiencing calf and Achilles pain in his right leg. At first, it seemed like a typical orthopedic issue. He visited an orthopedist and completed physical therapy after being diagnosed with a tear, expecting the discomfort to gradually improve.

But something didn’t feel right.

Months passed, and while the original injury was being treated, Tom began experiencing persistent pain in his thigh — pain that never seemed to let up. “It was constant, 24/7,” he recalled. “I was normally able to comfortably take 10,000 daily steps, but the pain restricted me to less than 500 daily steps.”

After seeking additional evaluation at another healthcare facility, Tom still didn’t have answers. Trusting his instincts, he decided to pursue another opinion. That decision proved critical.

During a visit with an orthopedist on Feb. 19, an ultrasound revealed the real cause of Tom’s symptoms: a blood clot in his leg, known medically as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). He was immediately told to go to the emergency room. Tom chose Parkland’s freestanding Plaistow Emergency Room, where another ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis. He was then admitted to Parkland Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment that evening.

“When Tom arrived at Parkland, I ordered a specialized ultrasound of his lower right leg, which clearly showed a large blood clot,” said Dr. Devin Keefe, chief of emergency medicine at Parkland Medical Center. “Tom appeared to be a good candidate for thrombectomy, and after consulting with the cardiologist and care team, a treatment plan was quickly developed.”  

Learning that he had a large blood clot was alarming, especially with an important life milestone just days away. Tom and his fiancée, Jen, were scheduled to fly to Jamaica on Feb. 24 for their wedding.

“When I was told about the size of the blood clot, I had concerns,” Tom said. “But Dr. Keefe, Dr. Hyder, and the clinical team assured me they could remove it effectively and that I would be in good hands.”

On the morning of Feb. 20 — just four days before the couple’s scheduled flight — Tom underwent a DVT thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove the clot and restore proper blood flow. Dr. Omar Hyder, Cardiovascular Specialists of New England, performed the successful DVT thrombectomy procedure. Tom was then discharged from the hospital the next morning.

"When it comes to a clot, timing is critical," Dr. Hyder said. "Fortunately, Tom recognized that something wasn't right, and he sought medical attention. The success of this procedure was due not only to the timing, but also the coordinated team approach, and the advanced clinical equipment at Parkland Medical Center. Thanks to the whole team, Tom was treated quickly, resulting in a positive outcome so that he could be discharged the following day and prepare for his upcoming wedding."
Throughout the process, Tom said he felt informed and supported. “I was never uncomfortable,” he said. “The team kept us well informed throughout our experience, and we never felt like we were waiting around for anything.”

For Jen, the news of her fiancé’s condition initially felt overwhelming.

“When I was on my way to the ER, I had full expectations the wedding would be postponed,” she said. “More importantly, I was worried about Tom’s health.”

But the care and reassurance they received at Parkland helped shift their outlook.

“The Parkland team did a great job easing our nerves,” Tom said. “Considering how serious the situation was, they helped us feel comfortable and confident in the plan.”

Because the clot was discovered and treated quickly, Tom recovered in time for the couple to travel safely for their wedding.

“If I had gotten on the plane without knowing about the blood clot, being seated that long in the air and far away from home, who knows what could have happened,” Tom said.

Looking back, the Mahans are grateful not only for the medical care Tom received, but also for the compassion shown by the entire team.

“It was a whirlwind of a time for us,” Jen said. “But now we’re on the other side. It’s remarkable that Tom is healthy and that we were able to get married surrounded by our family and friends.”

Tom hopes their experience encourages others to listen to their bodies and advocate for their health.

“You know your body best,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek a second opinion. We’re grateful the team at Parkland took us seriously and helped me get healthy so we could move forward with our wedding. The Parkland team saved the day and the start of the rest of our lives together.”