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 9:30 my sister arrived to go out for the day. Had she not arrived when she did, I wouldn’t be here today.
Once in A&E I was treated for a heart attack. However, after hours on medication I was getting no better, and a CT scan with contrast was ordered. The scan revealed the real cause: a massive saddle pulmonary embolism filling both my lungs and putting immense strain on my right ventricle.
My husband was told they did not know if I would make the weekend.
Doctors determined that I urgently needed thrombolytic injections to break up the clot. I needed three more injections, but administering them carried serious risks and could potentially be fatal. The medical team had to carefully weigh the benefits against the risks before deciding to proceed.
Seven weeks later, I’m still here to tell the tale.
It has been a tough road physically and emotionally. I have been told that I will now be on anticoagulant medication for life.
The most shocking part is that I had no signs or symptoms before collapsing. I was living my normal family and work life. Doctors believe my blood clot may have been linked to medication and long-haul flights. I had been flying between the UK and the USA for 35 years, but this time it appears to have been a factor.
Since the event, recovery has not been easy. I’ve been terrified of every little twinge and completely put off food because of the pressure in my lungs.
My experience has taught me how serious blood clots can be.
Take blood clots seriously. Wear compression stockings and listen to medical advice when it is offered.
