My Experience with a Pulmonary Embolism
I’m 23, a college athlete, and I’ve always considered myself healthy and strong.
I play baseball and was finishing up my senior year — just about a month and a half from graduation.
I never imagined that something like this could happen to me.
It Started on a Flight
It all started on a flight home from Hawaii with my baseball team.
I noticed a dull pain in my rib and chest, but I didn’t think much of it.
It wasn’t severe — just an annoying discomfort.
For the next couple of days, the pain continued, but it remained manageable.
The Night Everything Changed
Then, a few nights later, I was woken up by sudden, intense pain in my rib.
I could barely breathe.
Even moving caused agony.
I debated whether to go to the ER — but as the pain grew worse, my girlfriend insisted we go.
The Diagnosis
At the ER, the doctors ran some tests.
My D-dimer test came back positive, and the doctor wanted a CT scan.
The results were shocking.
I had dual pulmonary embolisms — blood clots in my lungs.
The CT scan also showed a small area in my left lung likely representing a pulmonary infarction, and a 19mm cystic appearing structure in my right lower lobe.
Despite these findings, there was no evidence of right heart strain — which was a blessing.
But the reality hit hard.
My life had changed in an instant.
What I Lost — and What I’m Fighting For
I immediately had to stop playing baseball and put my schoolwork on hold, even though I was so close to finishing my senior year.
I’m now on blood thinners — rivaroxaban — and waiting to be seen by specialists, while adjusting to this new reality.
I had no clue pitching in Hawaii with my baseball team would be the last time I ever play baseball.
What Has Kept Me Going
Through it all, my family, loved ones, and my faith in God have kept my spirits up during this incredibly challenging time.
I never knew much about blood clots or pulmonary embolism before this experience.
Now, I want to share my story to raise awareness — especially for young, healthy people who might think they’re immune.
Blood clots can happen to anyone, and recognizing the signs early can save your life.
How This Changed My Life
This experience has changed my life completely.
I can no longer at the moment play the sport I love or be at school.
It’s changed the way I look at life and health.
You can never take anything for granted or think that you are immune to things.
What I’ve Learned
I’ve learned that being healthy is something we should be thankful for every single day and never take for granted.
I’ve learned that blood clots can happen in anyone’s body regardless of how healthy or young you are.
No clotting disorder was found in family testing.
What I Want Others to Know
Never take your health for granted.
Enjoy every single day and moment.
Don’t ever think you’re immune.
Don’t ignore your body and the signs your body is giving you.
Be safe rather than sorry.
