On a Saturday night, five days post-hysterectomy, I felt mild rib pain on my right side and became easily out of breath, even just rolling over in bed.
Thinking it was my asthma, I used my inhaler and messaged my OB since breathing issues were on my watch list. My OB responded Monday morning, asking how I was feeling. I mentioned that my symptoms persisted, and she immediately advised me to go to the ER.
I had labs, an EKG, and eventually a CT scan at 4 p.m. Around 4:30 p.m., more labs were ordered. My physician then came in with my diagnosis: multiple clots in both lungs, primarily in the right lung, with right-sided heart strain.
I was immediately started on heparin, and vascular specialists were consulted. The options were medication or clot removal. Ultimately, the vascular specialist said the clots were large enough to warrant removal.
By 7 p.m. I was transferred to a different hospital and was in the cath lab. I mentioned to my doctor that I genuinely thought it was my asthma and I almost didn’t come in. She told me if I had waited or had not come in, I’d have not made it through the week.
I learned that day to really trust my body and doctors. Even the mildest symptoms should always be taken seriously, and everyone presents differently. If I hadn’t messaged my OB and listened to her, I don’t know where my family would be today. I’m grateful to the entire team that handled my care and immediately believed me when I said I wasn’t feeling well.
I’m now two weeks out from my thrombectomy and I still struggle to do my normal, everyday tasks like grocery shopping or even carrying my two-year-old.
This experience has taught me that recovery is a curve. You’ll take two steps forward and one step back. It’s not a “You’ll be fine by this date,” it’s a day-by-day healing journey and you have to be mindful that everyone heals differently. Just because one person is back to baseline by week 2-3 doesn’t mean I will be.
My advice is to always listen to your body and your doctors, and let your body heal. The exhaustion is your body telling you to slow down and rest and heal. Take the nap.
Resources
Hospitalization and Surgery
Know Your Risk
Signs and Symptoms
