After returning home from a weekend of skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado, I woke up with low back pain and pain in my chest on a Monday morning. I didn’t think much of it because it was normal for me to be sore after exercise, and I’ve always struggled with exercise-induced asthma as a lifelong Colorado resident.
After two days of struggling to breathe, it seemed to be getting worse despite using my inhaler several times throughout the day. My boss at the time was a pulmonologist. I explained that my chest hurt and I was having difficulty breathing and I asked him if he would listen to my chest. He refused and said there was nothing wrong with me.
I went down the hall and had the neurologist listen to my breathing. She could tell I was struggling and had concerns.
On Wednesday, I went to the ER. After a few tests, they thought I had pneumonia, but decided to do a CT scan. Within minutes, they were back at my bedside telling me I was getting admitted for a pulmonary embolism in my lower left lung the size of a nickel with smaller clots surrounding it.
At the time, I was 41. I was so stunned when the staff said most PE victims died within hours and asked how I could still be alive after more than three days of pain and symptoms.
As the ER resident probed further, she concluded it was a birth control ring that I had only used for three months that probably caused the PE. I spent the next seven days in the hospital on oxygen and heparin.
During this time, I was informed that I had a clotting disorder named factor V Leiden (heterozygous). I’ve always been athletic and healthy. I was shocked that this could happen to me.
The first three months of recovery were challenging because you can’t force how fast your body heals. You have to respect that process. For the next six months, I was on warfarin.
Then almost two years later, I had another DVT from my ankle to my groin on the left leg. It was recognized by the ER staff and a technician.
However, my family doctor said it wasn’t possible and did not believe the Doppler exam. At first, he refused to have me admitted to the hospital for overnight observation. I had to fight with him and my insurance. I’m so glad I was adamant.
This incident of gaslighting and the earlier incident with my boss were very disturbing. At first, I thought they were they were the experts and maybe I wasn’t actually sick. I’m glad I listened to my body.
Over the last 18 years, I have refused to be a victim. I continue to exercise and enjoy my life to the fullest without fear or regret. At times, the blood thinners do make me bruise very easily, however, I will not stop taking them.
There was not much information available 18 years ago. I didn’t know that there were so many people who were young and athletic who get blood clots. There was not much information on factor V Leiden either. I am so grateful that NBCA exists now. Keep spreading the word!
Resources
Factor V Leiden
Living Your Best Life on Blood Thinners
Birth Control
