In 2014, while in podiatry school, I went to the student health center because I felt short of breath and was coughing up blood. The nurse practitioner diagnosed me with bronchitis.
I was diagnosed with a saddle pulmonary embolism due to oral contraceptives less than two weeks later. Other factors that increased my risks were recent travel and obesity.
I underwent mechanical thrombectomy on my leg and catheter-directed thrombolysis to help with my PE. I also experienced a pulmonary infarction.
I was on rivaroxaban for six months after this incident, and I have done well since then. I delivered a healthy baby boy in 2023 and took enoxaparin injections without any issues.
I was recently traveling and developed another DVT in my left leg. As a result, I will need to be on lifelong anticoagulation, and I am okay with that. I am grateful to be alive.
As a physician, I am more aware of looking for the signs and symptoms of blood clots in my patients. My threshold to order a lower extremity venous doppler is low if someone is experiencing symptoms of a DVT.
I enjoy looking at NBCA’s Instagram page and knowing I am not alone in this battle. There are many people like me, and I feel extremely grateful that I made it out alive.
My advice is to listen to your body. You know your body better than anyone else. If you feel the symptoms and are concerned, get checked out.
Resources
What is a PE?
Living Your Best Life on Blood Thinners
Know Your Risk
