My name is Katie, and I am Jordan’s widow. He and I were married for 12 years. Jordan died unexpectedly of a massive pulmonary embolism (PE) on July 8, 2020.
He survived his first unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to PE in October 2019. He ignored symptoms of right thigh pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. He never mentioned his symptoms until I noticed his upper right thigh.
After about two weeks, he developed shortness of breath and chest discomfort. I advised him to call his primary doctor ASAP, who sent him to the ER, which saved his life. The ER ordered a CT and found extensive bilateral pulmonary emboli. He was on an IV of heparin for days in the hospital and was released on warfarin for the next six months.
A few months went by without issue but on the morning of July 8, 2020, he collapsed in front of me, falling backward. Paramedics rushed him to the ER. His blood pressure was plummeting and he had difficulty breathing, but he could still talk.
Once at the hospital, they attempted another CT, but his breathing stopped when lying flat. Unable to rule out a head injury, the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which breaks up clots, could not be administered.
Jordan was rushed to critical care with hopes of stabilizing his blood pressure so he could undergo surgery for blood clot removal. Sadly, a short time after arriving in the critical care unit, he coded. After 45 minutes he was resuscitated after being given doses of tPA, but later in the day, he coded again.
He passed away at age 47 and left me a widow at age 40. Jordan never told me he developed symptoms of DVT and PE prior to July 8, 2020. He was always a stubborn man with his health. I was always the nagging wife.
My mission is to bring more awareness to blood clots — DVT, PE — and men’s health in memory of my husband Jordan. My advice is don’t be afraid to be a “nagging” and concerned wife, partner, and spouse. It could save a life.
Resources
Know Your Risk for Blood Clots
Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots
Prevent Blood Clots
