Mine just happened last week (March 2025) so this is very new for me.
I woke up one day in extreme shoulder pain. I just thought I pinched a nerve sleeping until I noticed my entire arm was swollen, red, and tingling with limited mobility.
My friends and family suggested going to a chiropractor, but my gut told me to listen to the scary Google diagnosis. I was afraid of overreacting and wasting money, but took myself to the ER. Sure enough, I was admitted for a massive clot in my subclavian vein by the artery and one in my lung as well (pulmonary embolism).
I was also diagnosed with Paget-Schroetter syndrome, a type of venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), where the subclavian vein is compressed, leading to blood clot formation. Estrogen-based birth control increased my risk.
I’ve learned the US healthcare system is atrocious. I’m having the hardest time sending medical records and making an appointment with a hematologist for additional care after leaving the hospital.
My advice is to always take pain and swelling seriously. Assume the worst and be aware of the hospitals that specialists are affiliated with.
Resources
Signs and Symptoms
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
New Patient Resource Guide
