I’m extremely active, working out 5-6 days a week with lifting and spin classes. Until recently, I have never had any health issues. But for about a year, I was experiencing pelvic pain off and extreme fatigue. I brushed off these symptoms as a result of my age and IUD.
In March 2025, I had my IUD removed and switched to a birth control pill with estrogen. I was low risk since I do not have any family history of blood clots.
In May, I started having even more pelvic pain and fatigue. I went to see my OB/GYN and they suspected endometriosis. I was booked for an urgent MRI due to my pain levels.
That week, I started experiencing shortness of breath, which scared me. I went to the ER, where my blood work continued to be normal. But as a precaution, they did a CT scan.
The results showed I had a massive DVT on my right side. The doctor then ordered another CT on my lungs, which showed a pulmonary embolism in my left lung.
I was admitted to the hospital for several days where additional tests were run, including two MRIs where we learned I also have May-Thurner syndrome. For my treatment plan, I was put on blood thinners since surgery risks were too high.
My recovery has been slow and painful. I also suffer from a lot of anxiety. The hardest parts of this diagnosis are the unknowns and ‘what ifs.’
I am thankful for my support system of family and friends as well as my doctors, who are helping me work through this.
Resources
May-Thurner syndrome
Signs and Symptoms
Psychological Impact of Blood Clots
