I remember going for a walk with my 10-month-old daughter the day I first felt the pain.
I thought I’d pulled a muscle in my shoulder while pushing a heavy pram up a steep hill. Over a few days, the dull, sharp pain became worse. It felt like it was wrapping around my shoulder and trying to drag me down. But I wasn’t worried and just thought it would pass.
I put my daughter down to bed one night and began experiencing chest pains and shallow breathing. It wasn’t till I coughed up some blood that I realized something wasn’t right.
Before I had a chance to call an ambulance, I suddenly couldn’t breathe at all. Luckily, my partner was with me and he called. After a few tests, I was told I had several small blood clots in my lungs (pulmonary emboli, or PE). If I had left it any longer, they could have traveled to my heart.
I spent five long days away from my family in the hospital. I could barely walk for days, and couldn’t shower or go to the toilet alone.
After 12+ months of being on blood thinners and having my second child, I’m finally off blood thinners and trying to live a healthy lifestyle for my kids.
Since my clot, I have major health anxiety, always thinking something is wrong. It is something I’ll always live with, but it helps to know the signs and symptoms of a clot.
Before my clot, I had zero knowledge of blood clots. I was very lucky and forever grateful I’m able to watch my kids grow every day.
Resources
Psychological Impact of Blood Clots
Signs and Symptoms
How is a PE Diagnosed?
