Autumn has always held a special place in my heart. I eagerly anticipate this season each year, and this particular fall was especially meaningful—I had just recovered from surgery and was ready to create cherished memories with my family. Activities such as apple and pumpkin picking, attending fall festivals, and celebrating birthdays and Halloween filled my anticipation.
After a challenging summer marked by severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and significant surgery, I looked forward to a period of healing. However, fate had other plans.
One morning, as I walked my daughter to her nearby school, I suddenly found myself struggling to breathe. A gripping pain enveloped the left side of my chest, coupled with a heavy sensation I had never experienced before and a rapid heartbeat. Feeling lightheaded and terrified, I masked my discomfort as I whispered goodbye to my sweet girl, unaware it might have been my last farewell.
The gravity of my situation became apparent when I learned that nearly one-third of individuals diagnosed with pulmonary embolism do not survive. This statistic hit me hard.
The walk home with my son, usually a five-minute stroll, stretched into twenty agonizing minutes. I managed to call my husband, expressing that something was seriously wrong and that I needed to visit the emergency room after dropping off our son. My son, now six, relies on me for guidance in navigating life, particularly with his severe food allergies.
Despite my anxiety and breathing difficulties, I initially thought I was experiencing pneumonia or pleurisy again, given my history of asthma and chronic illnesses. Upon arriving at the ER, I was quickly attended to and connected to an IV. After a thorough blood panel, the emergency physician delivered news that would change my life forever—good news and bad news.
The doctor’s somber tone instilled a deep fear. I braced myself for the worst. High levels in my D-dimer test indicated a significant risk of blood clots, leading to my admission to the hospital. I learned that the D-dimer test is critical in assessing clotting risk, and it initiated the medical intervention that ultimately saved my life.
The silver lining was swift access to a hospital room and a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli. I was immediately started on Lovenox, a blood thinner designed to prevent existing clots from worsening and new ones from forming. Following an echocardiogram and Doppler ultrasound of my legs, I received reassuring news that those tests were normal.
Having never experienced blood clots before, I was caught off guard by the diagnosis, especially given my risk factors—supplemental estrogen from my birth control pills, recent surgery, and prolonged bed rest. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, additional factors include pregnancy, cancer, smoking, and prolonged travel. I had been aware of the risks associated with the Yaz pills I was using for PMDD and had willingly accepted the potential consequences, never anticipating that I would become one of the statistics.
During my three-day hospital stay, I encountered a compassionate and knowledgeable staff who made the experience more bearable. I missed my family immensely but found solace in the support of the nurses and physicians. To lighten the mood, I jokingly referred to one nurse as Nurse Ratched every time she administered my twice-daily injections, which left my abdomen bruised and sore.
My diagnosis mandated at least six months on blood thinners, along with numerous blood tests and scans. While other oral anticoagulants exist, I had adverse reactions to them. Recovery varies widely among patients, and mine has been particularly prolonged. Just as I was regaining my strength post-surgery, I faced new challenges with my pulmonary health.
Breathing difficulties, exacerbated by asthma, combined with anxiety about my condition, have hindered my daily activities. This heightened anxiety has made it challenging to leave the house, yet I understand the importance of physical activity in preventing further clots. Currently, I’m on a daily regimen of medication to manage my anxiety, hoping for improvement soon. I look forward to resuming normalcy once I am off the blood thinners in the spring.
The upcoming months are daunting, but with the unwavering support of my family, friends, and healthcare providers, I am committed to taking small, manageable steps toward recovery. Each day, I am reminded of the importance of my loved ones, and I am determined to express my gratitude for their presence in my life. This experience has underscored the necessity to advocate for awareness regarding pulmonary embolism and its symptoms, as well as the risks associated with birth control pills that may increase the likelihood of blood clots.
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In closing, I can say with certainty that my love for fall has deepened. I cherish the beauty of this season even more now, and I am grateful for the second chance I have been given.
Summary:
This narrative recounts a personal experience with pulmonary embolism, highlighting the symptoms, risks, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. It serves as a reminder to recognize warning signs and discuss health conditions openly, especially regarding birth control risks. The author underscores the significance of family support during recovery while advocating for awareness around this potentially fatal condition.