In July 2023, our 16-year-old daughter passed away. Later that year, a work trip offered a chance to travel to Hawaii, and I thought it would be a good break for us.
We traveled from Virginia to Maui in December. The flights were very long, and I tried not to get out of my seat very often to avoid bothering fellow passengers. I had some trouble walking to connecting flights because it felt as if my leg was about to cramp, but it never quite did.
On the last day of the trip, we went to see the sunrise on top of a volcano. That outing turned out to be breathtaking, literally. While trying to enjoy the amazing experience, I realized I simply could not breathe. I chalked it up to the high altitude.
The next day we flew home, and I did not feel well. I assumed it was just travel fatigue. Once I was home, a friend who happens to be a healthcare provider called to ask about the trip. I mentioned how painful my leg was, and she ordered me to the ER.
They had no one available to do an ultrasound that night, but gave me a shot of exporian and told me to return the next morning. By then, I could not catch my breath in the shower. I made it to the ultrasound appointment and told them of my worsening symptoms. After the ultrasound and a CT, I was admitted due to DVT and bilateral pulmonary embolism.
I was inpatient for a few days on a heparin drip and was discharged a couple of days before Christmas. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life. I had honestly never thought much about clots. I was told dehydration, taking estrogen birth control, and my long flights were my primary triggers, but I was also subsequently diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome.
I now also suffer from post-thrombotic syndrome, and the leg pain and shortness of breath continue. But I’m still here and I’m so grateful, especially since I lost a good friend to suspected PE six months after my own.
Do all you can to prevent clots during travel, and don’t just assume your symptoms are not serious.
