I went to the hospital in June 2022 with chest and back pain. The doctor told me I strained something playing softball and needed to lose weight. I was very active in high school and played four varsity sports as a starter.
In December 2022, I went back to the ER, where the same doctor saw me. I was coughing up blood at this point, and he diagnosed me with pneumonia. I told him I felt it was deeper than pneumonia, but he still dismissed me and sent me home.
In January 2023, during my senior year, I was on a school trip where I felt increasingly ill. I had already gone to the ER two previous times with complaints of chest, leg, and back pain. On my trip, I was walking up a hill when my vision was reduced to a pinhole and I clutched my chest. It felt like my heart was jumping out of my chest.
My parents picked me up and took me to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with a bilateral pulmonary embolism and DVT. I was sent to two different hospitals, then finally I had emergency surgery to save my life.
My only risk factor was estrogen-based birth control. I never got to finish my high school sports career, and mentally I learned to work through this experience.
I had PTSD, and I now go to therapy to cope. I also try to stay active with cardio so I know my lungs are working properly.
My message to others is you are not alone, and you are lucky to be here. Don’t let anyone discredit your experience.
Resources
Athletes and Blood Clots
Birth Control
Psychological Impact of Blood Clots
