I went on an oral contraceptive to help with my acne. My doctor went over all of the risks, including blood clots. She specified that most clots from oral contraceptives are in the calf. I understood and went on the birth control.
Two months later, I woke up with severe pain in my abdomen and left leg. I was brought to the emergency room and had a CT scan, where doctors found an extensive DVT starting at the top of my abdomen and ending at the top of my left leg. My clot extended through three of my main veins including the IVC. Because I was 17 years old, they were shocked to see such an extensive clot in that location.
I went through an emergency thrombectomy as the clot was too large for me to solely be on anticoagulation. Now, I am doing fine. I had a successful venogram and am still on anticoagulation until further notice.
I went through a traumatic situation at such a young age. For the rest of my life, I will always be extra sensitive and hyper-aware of any instance regarding my blood. I will always have to be mindful of what I’m doing, what could happen while I’m doing it, and how that will forever affect me.
I have learned that even the most unexpected thing could happen to anyone. They could be doing everything right, like I was, and still have to go through an unfortunate and scary event.
Please be mindful of any strange pain that you are having. Even if it seems like nothing, never dismiss it because it could always be something serious and you may never know if you don’t trust your instincts.
