In February 2023, I went to the ER with abdominal pain I couldn’t explain. After four days in step-down ICU, 30+ labs, two CT scans, three ultrasounds, a chest X-ray, and an echocardiogram, doctors told me I had blood clots, which compromised my blood flow and caused splenic infarcts.
After a consult with my hematologist, we found that my blood was clotting excessively (hypercoagulation), so I was to be on blood thinners for at least six months.
On March 7, 2023, I was experiencing pain that was worse than the last time, so I finally gave in and went to the ER. While in the waiting room, I felt what I can only describe as a water balloon bursting and liquid running down my left side near my rib cage. The pain was the worst I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t stand on my own without starting to faint.
Lying in the ER bed with my mom and best friend by my side, I truly felt this was it, but I was not ready to go. I was praying and praying that I’d get through this and be okay.
The CT scan showed that I was bleeding internally from my spleen rupturing. I was transferred via ambulance for emergency surgery to remove my spleen.
Everything moved so fast, and by the time my thoughts had caught up to me, I was being put under for surgery. All I could do was keep repeating and praying, “I’m gonna make it” over and over until the anesthesia took effect.
I woke up in the ICU with tubes everywhere. The first two days were hazy, but the pain was unforgettable. Finding out I had lost 2.5 liters of blood, no longer had a spleen, and received four liters of blood and three liters of platelets was unreal to me.
I was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and I’m also lupus anticoagulant positive. In terms of risk factors, I was on estrogen-based birth control.
I was a college athlete, but I’m no longer able to continue my softball career. My professional career path has shifted. I was pursuing a career in federal law enforcement, but I’m now working as a middle school teacher.
I am so incredibly grateful to the amazing doctors, nurses, and paramedics who helped save my life. I can’t express how grateful I am to my family, friends, and everyone who prayed for me. I thank God that I am alive, making progress, and healing more and more every day.
My advice is to educate yourself to be your own advocate when it comes to your health. Also, appreciate the little things in life. Even when things frustrate you, you never know what the next day may hold.
