Woman
A Sudden Collapse and a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism: Nicola’s Story
Around 9:10 on Saturday, December 13, while getting ready to go out for the day with my family, I suddenly had intense chest pain and collapsed at home. My two teenagers were still in bed and my three-year-old was running around. The last thing I remember is him shouting, “Mummy it’s not sleep time.” Around…
I Was 18 and Healthy — Then I Was Diagnosed With a Blood Clot: Rachel’s Story
Around a month after my 18th birthday, I was driving with a friend when I suddenly felt an intense, unfamiliar pain in my left arm. The best way I could describe it was like a severe charley horse. I mentioned it out loud, but the pain faded quickly, and I brushed it off as nothing…
One Hour After My C-section, I Suffered A Pulmonary Embolism: Erica’s Story
I experienced death because of my pulmonary embolism. On March 17, 2025, just one hour after my C-section, I suffered a pulmonary embolism. I had been completely fine. Then, all of a sudden, I felt very cold — freezing. I started shivering so badly that my teeth wouldn’t stop chattering, and my mouth began to…
A Massive Saddle Pulmonary Embolism Without Warning: Pam’s Story
For several months, I had been dealing with high blood pressure, but otherwise felt mostly okay. One morning, I woke up early as usual and started doing chores around the house. After emptying the dishwasher, I felt unusually tired. My daughter noticed I was struggling and had me sit down. That’s when I realized how…
To My Amazement, I Finished a 10K Weeks After My DVT Diagnosis: Kathy’s Story
I’m a healthy, active 45-year-old who lives a busy, active life. In December 2025, everything changed when I was suddenly taken down by a massive blood clot in my leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). It started about a month earlier with what I thought were calf cramps. They never went away and slowly crept…
This Has Had a Lasting Emotional and Physical Impact: Jessica’s Story
I am a 24-year-old first-year medical student. On December 18, 2025, I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment. That day, I initially presented the emergency department with severe shortness of breath, near-syncope (fainting), and a rapid heart rate (tachycardia). I …
Abdominal Blood Clots Following Cancer Treatment: Tiffani’s Story
When I developed my first clot, I was undergoing immunotherapy for stage 4 metastatic melanoma. My regimen was four infusions, five weeks apart, to boost the immune system and help fight the cancer. After that, I received additional infusions at a lower dosage. At first, I had no side effects other than fatigue, then I…
Be Patient with Yourself and Listen to What Your Body Needs: Maja’s Story
In February 2022, when I was 16 years old, I woke up with intense chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain in my left leg. At first, I thought I had COVID-19, as I had no idea what a blood clot was. However, after visiting my pediatrician, I was told to go to the emergency…
Trust Your Gut and Push for Answers: Elle’s Story
After an eight-mile run in November 2025, I had pain behind my knee/high calf. I thought I may have strained it, but after two days of rest, I could barely walk. I went to urgent care on the third day, knowing something was off. The nurse laughed and yelled at me and said I was…
Diagnosed with Vascular Disease and Post-Thrombotic Disorder at 28: Hayley’s Story
In October 2024, I had a sore groin for three days. Scans showed nothing, and my GP said it was likely a muscle strain from work (I’m a crane driver). I was given pain relief and told to rest. On the fourth day, I woke up unable to walk. My leg was swollen and purple.…
