On June 21, 2020, I experienced a pulmonary embolism. I was at work when all of a sudden my arms went numb and my vision became blurry. I thought was talking to a customer, but there were no words coming out.
An hour later, I couldn’t taste or hear and could barely see anything. I immediately called a car to take me to the hospital. I remember praying as I could feel my body shutting down. I could hear, “We’re almost there. Just listen to my voice.”
At the hospital, I told them my symptoms with my slurred speech. I got a scan and they put me in the waiting room. I remember being told, “You’re young and healthy so it shouldn’t be that bad out here.” I cried so bad trying to tell them that I need help. I couldn’t breathe at all.
One of the other patients demanded that I go before them. It started a chain reaction and everyone in the waiting room suggested that I be seen immediately.
I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and they told me they were surprised I made it that far. I spent two months in a depression with severe anxiety. One day it clicked that my body deserved better. I forced myself to get up and to go out.
My experience with blood clots made me realize that I need to advocate for myself. I adore the small things in life. I am taking care of myself more than ever. My body fought to live, and I am living every moment.
I learned that birth control can cause blood clots, drinking water and stretching helps, and most of all, community is important. I learned about risk factors and joined support groups thanks to NBCA.
Resources
Know Your Risk
Birth Control
Psychological Impact of Blood Clots
