Patient Stories
My Mother Nearly Lost Her Life to a Blood Clot: Victoria’s Story
My name is Victoria King, and I’m writing on behalf of my mother, who nearly lost her life to a blood clot. A few years after surgery, my mother began experiencing what seemed like minor symptoms: tingling in her foot and pain when she walked. Like many people, she didn’t immediately think it was serious.…
“I Never Expected a Blood Clot as a D1 Athlete:” Matthew’s Story
Around late February 2026, a few days after one of my collegiate rugby games, I started to feel a cramping feeling in my calf. I thought it was just cramping from the game or dehydration. I was having shortness of breath doing just basic things like walking up a flight of stairs. I went to…
I’m 28, Healthy, Active, and I Almost Died From a Pulmonary Embolism: Jordan’s Story
I’m 28, healthy, active, go to the gym 4–5 times a week, and I almost died from a pulmonary embolism. It started after a long flight back from the USA. I felt like I had the flu, sore throat, fatigue, the usual. One morning, I woke up with a sharp back pain and suddenly could…
Almost Went to a Hair Appointment Instead of the ER: Miranda’s Story
Two years ago, my life changed forever. I was a healthy 42-year-old who was very active and exercised daily. My symptoms at first were not typical of those of a blood clot. I had an ache in the back of my right knee for a few days, which turned into a cramp. I did not…
Black Women Are About 60% More Likely to Develop a Clot During Pregnancy: Ebony’s Story
Early in my pregnancy, I thought I’d pulled a muscle in my left calf. The pain was horrible for at least two weeks. I soaked it and elevated it, but the pain didn’t cease. I went to urgent care but they sent me home and told me to continue to take Tylenol, ice, and elevate.…
A Near-Fatal Pulmonary Embolism Story: Grace’s Story
How do you even begin to explain one of the most terrifying, traumatic experiences of your life? It started with a cough that just wouldn’t go away. At first, I figured it was something mild that would pass. But instead of improving, things slowly began to change. I was getting more tired, out of breath…
When a Headache Turns Serious: Jenna’s Story
On April 19, 2025, I began experiencing what I thought was a sinus headache—something I would normally treat with Tylenol Sinus. But this time, the medication didn’t work. The pressure in the front of my head wouldn’t go away, and it lasted for days. By the evening of April 22nd, I was still dealing with…
Young, Healthy, and Misdiagnosed: Julia’s Story
This past September, I had major abdominal surgery. After being discharged, I went to stay with my mom. Within a couple of days, I noticed a sharp cramping feeling in my right calf. I also began experiencing shortness of breath when I exerted myself. My mom is a nurse and suspected it could be a…
Immediately my life changed: Hazel’s Story
I started feeling unwell on Friday, January 10, and assumed I had the flu. I took over-the-counter medications and felt better the next day. On Saturday, I got up, got dressed, picked up my granddaughter, and went about my day. At one point, I bent over to throw a piece of trash away—and suddenly, it…
The Doctors Said I Was a Ticking Time Bomb: Mia’s Story
On a Friday afternoon at work, I suddenly started to feel incredibly nauseous. I didn’t think much of it at first. I went home, tried to sleep it off, and that night I felt feverish and sore. I took Panadol and managed to get some rest. By Saturday I felt lethargic, and on Sunday morning…
