On November 21, 2024, I made an appointment with my primary care provider, thinking I would be diagnosed with a pulled muscle in my leg. She immediately knew it was not!
She scheduled an appointment later in the afternoon with a vascular doctor. Sure enough, the ultrasound found a DVT from the middle of my thigh to the middle of my calf. Little did I know, the entire vein was clogged.
I was prescribed rivaroxaban. Eight days later, I began having pain on the left side of my chest that woke me up out of my sleep. A trip to the emergency room and a scan found that the clot had moved to my lungs (saddle pulmonary embolism).
They started the heparin drip and admitted me to the hospital. I was released five days later on a regimen of warfarin and enoxaparin.
I did not have any risk factors. My blood clot was unprovoked, which makes this experience even more incredible and unforeseen.
This has completely changed my life. I will take warfarin for at least the next year, which requires visits to the anticoagulation clinic on a regular schedule. I have to be careful not to fall or cut myself. I find myself being careful and cautious in most situations.
I have learned that life is fragile and precious and can be changed in an instant. The monthly PEP Talk webinar has been a big help to gain understanding and be in a community of people who can relate, share experiences, and provide coping skills.
My advice is to get preventative care annually, pay attention to your body, know your numbers, and move more. Combine healthy eating with regular physical activity. Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or a dance party, keep your body moving.
Resources
PEP Talk
Blood Clot Prevention
Living Your Best Life on Blood Thinners
