I had a very important job interview that I had to drive an hour away for. I was experiencing back pain, but I figured I just needed a massage and booked one for the next day.
On my way to and during the interview, the pain got worse. I was sweating and struggling to think through the pain. Needless to say, it did not go well.
The next day I woke up thinking I would get my massage and feel better, but I found I couldn’t move. I went to a walk-in clinic and they told me it was either a kidney stone or a blood clot.
I had had a kidney stone before and this wasn’t it. I got sick from the pain and there was blood when I coughed and that’s when I knew something was really wrong.
As soon as I got to the ER, they did a scan and found that the pain was from a pulmonary embolism that was cutting off circulation to the lower third of my left lung. I also had three clots on my right side that I would never have known about if they didn’t do a scan.
Then the trouble breathing started. I had a close call walking to the bathroom and had to go on oxygen while I was in the hospital, but I was sent home after three days.
I had a long recovery, but after seven months, I am off blood thinners and almost back to normal, just having some residual pain.
In terms of risk factors, I had been taking birth control, and I also had Covid.
I learned through this experience that young people are not educated on blood clots. They should be taught the signs and symptoms and to get help right away if they suspect they have one.
Resources
How is a PE Diagnosed?
Birth Control and Blood Clots
Covid and Blood Clots
