I Assumed It Was Normal Recovery Pain. It Was a Blood Clot in My Lung: Breighdun’s Story

I Assumed It Was Normal Recovery Pain. It Was a Blood Clot in My Lung: Breighdun’s Story

Every Day Is a True Blessing

On April 7, 2024, I experienced an aching pain in my side that I believed was a pulled muscle.

A week earlier, I had undergone a hysterectomy — so I assumed the discomfort was part of the normal recovery process.


My Aunt Recognized the Risk

When I mentioned my symptoms to my aunt, who is a nurse, she became concerned.

She explained that recent surgery can increase the risk of a provoked blood clot and encouraged me to go to the emergency room.


The Diagnosis

At the ER, testing revealed a pulmonary embolism in my right lung.

I was immediately started on blood thinners.


Recovery

In the days that followed, my symptoms seemed to worsen before improving.

I experienced shortness of breath when walking short distances, along with chest and side pain.

It was frightening.

But over time, the medication began working and my symptoms gradually improved.

I remained on blood thinners as prescribed and focused on recovery.


Two Years Later

Now, two years later, I have been off blood thinners for a year and have remained blood clot-free.

This experience has shown me that every day is a true blessing!


Life After

I eat better, no longer vape, and focus on my lung and vascular health more.


What I’ve Learned

I have learned that every day is a true blessing and to trust your gut.


What I Want Others to Know

Always trust your gut.

It is better to be safe than to be sorry.

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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

Alexus Hicks, a DVT and pulmonary embolism survivor diagnosed in December 2025 after two days of severe leg pain escalated to chest pain and a resting heart rate of 140 — with heterozygous Factor V Leiden identified as the underlying cause.

Jennifer Mullen Ray, an Autoimmune Protein S Deficiency survivor who spent 112 days in the hospital in 2004 after blood clots in her arms, shoulders, and neck were initially dismissed as psychosomatic — and who has navigated DVTs, pulmonary emboli, and a brain stem aneurysm over the 22 years since.

Nicole Barillari-Kritzer, a pulmonary embolism survivor diagnosed in October 2025 following eight-hour Chiari Malformation surgery, with contributing risk factors including Long COVID, homozygous Factor V Leiden, and a prolonged post-operative car journey.