A Torn ACL Led to a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism: Dawn’s Story

A Torn ACL Led to a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism: Dawn’s Story

Luckily They Found The Clots in Time

It all started back in 2024 when I injured my knee.

I came to find out I had torn my ACL with my right knee.

Not knowing that clots were forming in my leg and traveling, I had my MRI appointment.


Something Was Wrong

My heart was racing. I had shortness of breath.

I thought it had to do with me being on crutches.

Then I ended up passing out onto the floor — and had a seizure at a public place.

I came to, ended up getting sick, and passed out again.


Rushed to the Hospital

I was rushed to the hospital.

Luckily they found the clots in time.

I was put on oxygen and surgery was scheduled the very next day.

I was scared that I would lose my life as well as my family.


Two Years Later

But 2 years later I am still here — and I am paying attention to the signs to look out for.

I look out for shortness of breath, fatigue, heart racing, and swelling.


What I Want Others to Know

You can’t take life for granted.

Blood clots are serious.

Any slight changes — you need to take action.

Pay attention to the signs. Seek medical help.

Share your story
The personal story is intended for informational purposes only. The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) holds the rights to all content that appears on its website. The use by another organization or online group of any content on NBCA’s website, including patient stories that appear here, does not imply that NBCA is connected to these other organizations or groups or condones or endorses their work. Please contact info@stoptheclot.org with questions about this matter.

Additional patient stories

Nicolle Forrest, an unprovoked bilateral pulmonary embolism survivor diagnosed in April 2026 with no identifiable risk factors and negative genetic testing.

Teresa Adams, a DVT and pulmonary embolism survivor diagnosed in late 2024 after months of calf pain were dismissed, who developed a PE on her birthday with a heart rate of 225 bpm.

John "JT" Lasker, ESPN executive and NBCA board member, a DVT and pulmonary embolism survivor diagnosed in July 2020 after two nights of severe chest pain were dismissed as indigestion.