PE
Never Let Embarrassment Stop You From Getting Help: Briar’s Story
I am a healthy 23-year-old woman and had never experienced any real health concerns. I walk the same route every morning to work, but on this particular morning, I was out of breath almost instantly. When I sat at my desk, I was still unable to catch my breath. It felt like the air was…
I Dealt With Pain and Swelling For Five Years: LaVon’s Story
After leaving the gym in 2017, I experienced the worst pain imaginable in my right leg without having an injury. I thought maybe the pain would leave after icing and elevating it. But, as the day went on, the pain and swelling worsened to the point I couldn’t stand or walk on it. I went…
I’m Grateful For My Team of Doctors and My Dog Kiko for Saving My Life: Esmaralda’s Story
I had my first DVT and PE almost five years ago at 21 years old. My leg was hurting, but I kept ignoring it. When my dog Kiko started sniffing my leg and whining, I felt that something was wrong because that was unusual behavior for him. I went to urgent care, and they sent…
Blood Clot Survivors Can Do Anything: Charles’ Story
In the summer of 2012, I was training hard, running, lifting weights, and eating clean. My goal was to be in my best shape for my best friend’s bachelor party in Las Vegas on Labor Day Weekend. My wife and I also took a trip to Europe. I was running along cobblestone streets and swimming.…
Trust Your Instincts and Advocate For Your Loved Ones: Christian and Leah’s Story
On January 19, 2024, I received a call from my 13-year-old son, Christian. He was struggling to breathe. He’d been unwell for weeks, starting with an unknown virus that had progressed to pneumonia. Just the day before, he was diagnosed and treated in an ER. We took him back, assuming his breathing issues were a…
I Took Estrogen-Based Birth Control For More Than 20 Years: Megan’s Story
I am a healthy 44-year-old mom, wife, and professional who has never had any health issues. But 2024 was an extremely busy year, and I was having a lot of stress and anxiety. In October, I started experiencing some minor pain in my shoulder. Within a few days, the pain had moved into my side…
Another Minute of Waiting Could Have Killed Me: Paige’s Story
A week before everything took a drastic turn, I had fallen and broken my foot. I was placed in a boot and told to rest. A few days later, I noticed the back of my knee hurting. Not just a regular ache, but one that felt like a cramp and the pain meds didn’t touch…
I Was Described as Neurotic: Caroline’s Story
In April 2022 here in New Zealand, my first pulmonary embolism was detected by chance. I mentioned a fluttery heart while having a routine flu vaccine. This prompted the nurse to check, and she discovered an irregular rhythm. The doctor then ordered a few tests, including a D-dimer. By that night I was in the…
It’s Important to Follow Post-Op Instructions: Janee’s Story
On Thursday, August 15, 2024, I had right knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. On Saturday, I experienced cramping in my calf that radiated up to my knee and behind it. By Sunday I had shortness of breath and a racing heart, the pain in my leg was excruciating – hot and radiating up…
A Wakeup Call at 26: Meghan’s Story
One morning I was feeling lightheaded, so I checked my running watch and saw my heart rate was in the low 40s. I assumed I’d just stood up too quickly. As the day went on, I felt some chest pressure, which I chalked up to anxiety, something I often experience with POTS. But the pressure…
