There was a tingling sensation in my right leg with noticeable swelling, while pain developed in my chest and right side when I took deep breaths. I work as a hairstylist, so tired feet and legs come as no surprise, but this was different.
I went to urgent care, and they recommended I go to the ER.
The four-hour ER visit included bloodwork, a leg ultrasound, and a chest X-ray, which determined that there wasn’t anything life-threatening going on with me. I was told that I had possibly strained or pulled a muscle, so I was sent home.
While preparing for bed about an hour later, I felt like a flaming arrow had shot me! The pain in my chest, back, and side was so severe that I couldn’t breathe.
A telehealth provider instructed me to go back and get a CT scan. There it was! Blood clots were in my lungs (pulmonary embolism). I could have advocated for myself if I had known to ask for a CT scan.
I have no known risk factors, and my family does not have a history of blood clots or clotting disorders. I now pay closer attention to how I physically feel and how I fuel my body.
Today, I am so grateful to be alive and to share my testimony. Now I want to know more to share and bring awareness.
