In October 2024, I began experiencing mild discomfort in my left calf. Over the next few months the pain gradually worsened, especially when stretching my leg or flexing my foot — feeling like a Charley horse was about to occur.
I assumed it was dehydration or stair use. My family did as well. We did not suspect a blood clot.
Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve 2024, during a family gathering, the pain intensified and swelling was noticed behind my leg.
After returning home, the pain became unbearable. My husband took me to the emergency room.
My blood pressure was 220/106. I was shaking from pain.
Due to limited holiday staffing, no ultrasound was available. I was given a dose of apixaban and pain medication and instructed to follow up with my primary doctor.
The Diagnosis
That Monday, my doctor ordered a same-day ultrasound.
Later that evening she called and confirmed a significant clot in my left calf.
I began apixaban treatment.
My Birthday
Shortly after midnight on January 4, 2025 — my birthday — I suddenly developed severe shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and a racing heartbeat.
I felt I could not get air and feared I would not make it back to my husband to call for help.
Paramedics recorded a heart rate of 225 bpm and elevated blood pressure.
At the hospital I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.
This has been the most serious medical event of my 60 years. I am grateful to have survived and to still be here with my family.
Searching for Answers — and the Right Care
After extensive blood testing, my hematologist was unable to find a cause for my clot. While we were thankful nothing underlying was discovered, it also left us without clear answers. I will now remain on lifelong anticoagulation with rivaroxaban 20 mg daily.
When I was first diagnosed with a blood clot, the seriousness was minimized.
My primary care doctor had little experience with clots and told me people get them all the time and I would likely be fine. I was given muscle relaxers and anxiety medication instead of education about the risks, and told to repeat an ultrasound in three months.
This was before my pulmonary embolism.
I left feeling unheard and afraid.
Because my concerns were dismissed, I changed providers and found a doctor experienced with clot patients — which greatly improved my care and peace of mind.
Life After
Surviving changed everything.
Recovery has been difficult and I still face anxiety from the pulmonary embolism, though it’s improving.
I no longer take life for granted — every day is a gift, and I hold my family closer.
Healing continues, but I’m grateful to be here.
The NBCA support group, led by Patient Engagement Liaison Todd Robertson, provided knowledge, reassurance, and encouragement. Hearing from others who had experienced blood clots helped me feel less alone and guided me through a difficult year.
What I Want Others to Know
Listen to your body and be your own advocate. If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it. If a doctor dismisses your concerns, seek another who will listen and take the steps needed to protect your health.
