My son was stillborn on March 2, 2023. Almost immediately after, I started having chest pains, which I attributed to stress from my son dying. My doctor prescribed anxiety medicine and I was discharged that day.
However, for the next eight days, I experienced throbbing chest pain as if the world was sitting on my chest. My OB continued to prescribe me different anxiety/sleep medications since I was not sleeping. I tried a telemedicine urgent care, and I even checked myself into a mental health clinic because I assumed my pain was because of anxiety.
On March 10, 2023, I decided to visit the ER where I work. I talked myself into going in to see my friends in hopes they would bring my spirits up and my chest pain would resolve. My coworkers begged me not to leave, which is how we found the massive pulmonary embolism in my left lung that was causing a heart strain. I was immediately admitted and started on a heparin drip.
It’s scary how the PE was missed by different providers, how my vitals were nearly perfect, and how many times I have been told I was close to death. I am now on blood thinners for six months, and for any future pregnancies I will automatically be put on blood thinners to prevent another blood clot.
I am thankful to be here today to take care of my 3-year-old son KJ, to keep my son Kylo’s memory alive, and to raise maternal health and blood clot awareness.
Resources
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Know Your Risk
Signs and Symptoms
