I gave birth to my daughter on March 15, 2022 via C-section. By April 9, I had developed debilitating pain in my right lower extremity, as well as a low-grade fever.
I called my doctor, and she stated my pain was sciatica and the fever was not attributed to my recent surgery. My leg didn’t seem discolored or swollen at this point. So, assuming this was sciatic pain, I was able to see a spine physician on April 11 to have trigger point injections and was prescribed a steroid taper.
Upon arriving home, I had a reaction to the medication (which had never happened before) and began to shake uncontrollably due to chills, and my lips turned blue. My mom called 9-1-1.
One of the EMTs asked if I was shaking due to a panic attack. I had just had a baby and was in so much pain that he assumed it was stress-related. I advised him that I had panic attacks before, and this was not one. He kept questioning me and I felt as though he just didn’t want the hassle of taking me to the ER.
At the hospital, upon checking vitals and running tests, they told me I was very sick, and I was correct in coming in. A resident assessed me and stated my leg felt swollen. I had my labs drawn. My D-dimer was elevated. I also had ultrasounds and CT scans which showed DVTs and bilateral PEs.
I was immediately started on heparin IV. The next day I underwent a catheter-directed thrombolysis, which uses a combination of drugs and ultrasound waves to break up or dissolve clots. After a short ICU stay, I was sent home with oral anticoagulants.
Coming home was a relief and difficult! I was happy to be home, but it was weeks before the pain went away and my leg began to feel somewhat normal. I was told it would take time, but to keep going and walk when I could.
Thankfully the doctors were right, and I was able to care for my new baby without assistance a few weeks later. I also followed up with a hematologist who ran some labs that came back negative for clotting disorders. We have determined that my clots were caused from pregnancy and my cesarean section.
I was very traumatized by this experience, so I avoided a lot of resources and services because I wanted to forget it. Now, I want to heal. By learning what I can while sharing my story, I think I can help others and learn even more myself.
If it hadn’t been for a reaction to my medication and standing up for myself to the EMT, I don’t know what would’ve happened. I am so thankful I listened to my gut. Always trust your instincts. They could just save your life!
Resources
Pregnancy and Postpartum
Know Your Risk
Psychological Impact of Blood Clots
