I was 20 years old and on the contraceptive pill when I had my first DVT very suddenly. I woke up with a swollen, painful leg and couldn’t walk properly. I was diagnosed with factor V Leiden (heterozygous) and put on blood thinners.
After having my son at 23 years old, I developed two DVTs, one in each leg, and also a pulmonary embolism.
I was on blood thinning medication for another four years when I randomly developed another PE in 2022. My only symptoms were waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air with crippling chest pains. I was confused at how this had happened whilst being on blood thinners.
I ended up being diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome and my medication was changed to warfarin. Despite this, I went on to have another successful pregnancy and delivered my daughter at 33 weeks old. The APS made this pregnancy very high risk and I had to take lots of medicines to ensure I stayed blood clot free.
Since then, I have managed to remain healthy. Having so many blood clots at a young age is terrifying and every time I experience any symptoms I know I am spending a long day in hospital.
These experiences have made me eat healthier and also ensure I exercise regularly.
It is so important to know all of the signs and symptoms of blood clots. If you or anyone you know displays any symptoms, get them checked out ASAP.
