In Paris, during my second night, searing pain tore through my right lung. I hurried to the hospital and straight into the ICU. Reality hit hard.
Blood clots besieged my lungs, diagnosed as a pulmonary embolism (PE), stemming from a larger clot in my left calf—deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The cause? Not a mere muscle strain as previously diagnosed before my trip, but an undetected condition, factor V Leiden, and a recent trial of a birth control pill to alleviate heavy menstruation, exacerbated by my ignorance of its symptoms, created “the perfect storm.” I was a mom of two young children and just 39.
Weeks in the hospital followed, where I was tethered to machines as doctors fought for my life. I was grateful for the Parisian medical team and their efforts amidst the shock and humbling experience of not being allowed to move at all until the doctors felt the clots were dissolving.
Once I was deemed safe to fly, I returned home and emotions surged—a blend of relief, joy, guilt, shame, and PTSD. Debilitating panic attacks rendered work impossible, with meditation emerging as a lifeline. Confronting mortality, I began a long journey to face physical, mental, and emotional health issues that I had previously been too busy to make a priority.
My PE triggered a seismic shift, prompting me to adopt holistic wellness and transformative lifestyle changes. I became vegan and gluten-free and gradually began to feel healthy again. Despite obstacles, my 50s brought renewal, vigor, and contentment.
Embracing change, I forged a new professional path to guide others away from ICU beds. I am a plant-based health coach and chef and last year I wrote a book about my experience and helped others to transition to a plant-based lifestyle It’s never too late to evolve, to heal, and to thrive.
Resources
Factor V Leiden
Travel and Blood Clots
Birth Control
Always check with your doctor before making dietary changes.
