Patient Stories
I Want To Raise Awareness Among Pregnant Women: Hannah’s Story
I was 24 weeks pregnant when I learned I developed a bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). I had been suffering from shortness of breath but had no other symptoms. Blood clots aren’t in the family, and I am young, fit and healthy, so my midwife was certain I wouldn’t have this condition. She referred me…
I Developed a DVT During Childbirth in the 12 Hours I Was Off My Blood Thinner: Maggie’s Story
I developed my first blood clot at 16 years old, a massive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my left leg, extending from the middle of my shin to my belly button. Unfortunately, this clot resulted in multiple pulmonary emboli (PE), both caused by oral contraceptives. I developed another DVT at eight weeks pregnant, even…
I Was Told I Was Having an Anxiety Attack: Angie’s Story
On November 24, 2022, I went to the ER for an emergency C-section due to my high-risk pregnancy. During my whole pregnancy, I was told about the “uncommon” issues a woman can experience, and I got almost everything “uncommon” that I was warned about. My pregnancy was far from what I dreamed of. After having…
I Thought I Was Having a Bad Panic Attack: Britney’s Story
I had been feeling like I was “dying” since around February 2016. I felt hopeless and constantly tired. My heart would skip beats, and exercising made me dizzy. I attributed most of my symptoms to anxiety and depression. And I was also in a very intense graduate program that caused me lots of extra stress.…
I Remained on Life Support For Four Days: Felecia’s Story
On March 11, 2021 I woke around 2 a.m. to use the restroom and I suddenly couldn’t see. I realized my night shirt was over my eyes and I was upside down. I had passed out. I sat on the floor with a leg on each side of the toilet and tried to figure out…
I Had Three Large Blood Clots in my Brain: Jessica’s Story
In November 2016, I was at a wedding when my head started hurting. I took Tylenol, but it wouldn’t go away. In fact, it was getting worse. A couple of days later, my head hurt when I tried to turn, and I started getting pain behind my right eye and down the right side of…
My Sister Passed from a PE at 39 Weeks Pregnant: Rachel and Lauren’s Story
I’m sharing my sister Lauren’s story. She passed away from a pulmonary embolism at 39 weeks pregnant in October of 2021. She was days from her due date when she began to feel short of breath. She talked to her doctor and they were not concerned because she had no family history and no risk…
If Your Symptoms Persist, Get Another Opinion: Lauren’s Story
In September 2007, I had just started my freshman year of college. I had gotten a job at the bookstore, and on my first day, I passed out while folding T-shirts. I had never passed out before so I panicked, called my mom, and went to a local urgent care clinic. After running a few…
Women Need to be Extremely Careful About Birth Control: Amy’s Story
My name is Amy, and I experienced a massive deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 17. I was at school when I experienced excruciating pain in my lower back and legs. At the hospital, I was told I had a urinary tract infection that had spread to my kidneys, and was prescribed medication. I had trouble…
I’m On More Medications Than My Grandmother: Brianna’s Story
In April 2021, my arm started hurting. I went to a walk-in clinic and they told me I had heartburn. I was prescribed a heartburn relief drink and went home. The next day, my arm was still killing me, but then the pain moved into my chest. That scared me enough to go to the…
