PE
“I Never Expected a Blood Clot as a D1 Athlete:” Matthew’s Story
Around late February 2026, a few days after one of my collegiate rugby games, I started to feel a cramping feeling in my calf. I thought it was just cramping from the game or dehydration. I was having shortness of breath doing just basic things like walking up a flight of stairs. I went to…
I’m 28, Healthy, Active, and I Almost Died From a Pulmonary Embolism: Jordan’s Story
I’m 28, healthy, active, go to the gym 4–5 times a week, and I almost died from a pulmonary embolism. It started after a long flight back from the USA. I felt like I had the flu, sore throat, fatigue, the usual. One morning, I woke up with a sharp back pain and suddenly could…
A Near-Fatal Pulmonary Embolism Story: Grace’s Story
How do you even begin to explain one of the most terrifying, traumatic experiences of your life? It started with a cough that just wouldn’t go away. At first, I figured it was something mild that would pass. But instead of improving, things slowly began to change. I was getting more tired, out of breath…
Immediately my life changed: Hazel’s Story
I started feeling unwell on Friday, January 10, and assumed I had the flu. I took over-the-counter medications and felt better the next day. On Saturday, I got up, got dressed, picked up my granddaughter, and went about my day. At one point, I bent over to throw a piece of trash away—and suddenly, it…
A Sudden Collapse and a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism: Nicola’s Story
Around 9:10 on Saturday, December 13, while getting ready to go out for the day with my family, I suddenly had intense chest pain and collapsed at home. My two teenagers were still in bed and my three-year-old was running around. The last thing I remember is him shouting, “Mummy it’s not sleep time.” Around…
One Hour After My C-section, I Suffered A Pulmonary Embolism: Erica’s Story
I experienced death because of my pulmonary embolism. On March 17, 2025, just one hour after my C-section, I suffered a pulmonary embolism. I had been completely fine. Then, all of a sudden, I felt very cold — freezing. I started shivering so badly that my teeth wouldn’t stop chattering, and my mouth began to…
Factor V Leiden and Sudden Blood Clots: Jason’s Story
On the morning of December 21, 2021, Jason and his family were planning to spend the day Christmas shopping—just a simple, joyful day together. Instead, it became the day their lives changed forever. Jason was 50 years old when he passed away unexpectedly. That morning, his youngest daughter found him on the ground. He was…
This Has Had a Lasting Emotional and Physical Impact: Jessica’s Story
I am a 24-year-old first-year medical student. On December 18, 2025, I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment. That day, I initially presented the emergency department with severe shortness of breath, near-syncope (fainting), and a rapid heart rate (tachycardia). I …
Be Patient with Yourself and Listen to What Your Body Needs: Maja’s Story
In February 2022, when I was 16 years old, I woke up with intense chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain in my left leg. At first, I thought I had COVID-19, as I had no idea what a blood clot was. However, after visiting my pediatrician, I was told to go to the emergency…
Diagnosed with Vascular Disease and Post-Thrombotic Disorder at 28: Hayley’s Story
In October 2024, I had a sore groin for three days. Scans showed nothing, and my GP said it was likely a muscle strain from work (I’m a crane driver). I was given pain relief and told to rest. On the fourth day, I woke up unable to walk. My leg was swollen and purple.…
