PE
I Died for 27 Minutes: Heather’s Story
Two years ago this Saturday, I died for 27 minutes from a pulmonary embolism caused by an estrogen-based hormone patch. I had ablation surgery 12 years ago — a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus, typically done to treat heavy menstrual bleeding — which put me into perimenopause (and then menopause) very quickly;…
Her Leg Turned Purple — And They Still Sent Her Home: Sydney’s Story
It was the week of Thanksgiving break in 2024 and I drove the hour-long drive home from college. I was 21 and in my senior year. On my way home, I noticed that my right hip was aching. I had previously been diagnosed at urgent care with hip bursitis two weeks prior, so I didn’t…
Apple Watch Noticed First: Melissa’s Story
I had experienced shortness of breath for a couple of days, which was very unusual for me because I am very active. My husband and I were walking our dogs and I needed to keep stopping to catch my breath. My Apple Watch had even alerted me that my walking heart rate was higher than…
I Went to Yoga With 15 Blood Clots in My Lungs and Didn’t Know It: Laura’s Story
What I thought was a regular day led to a nightmare. The Vacation My husband and I decided to go on vacation — a very short flight (1.5 hours) to Mexico. During the flight, I felt the chills that wouldn’t go away, even once we arrived at our destination. I had to stand in the…
They Told Me I Have Factor V Leiden 15 Years Ago, But Was Told Not to Worry: Karen’s Story
Live Your Life 15 years ago my mom had surgery for lung cancer. Two weeks later she had a clot in her leg and a PE. They found out she had Factor V Leiden. They told all 5 of her children to get checked. I was the only one and found out I have it…
I Thought It Was From Bad Air Quality — My Lung Was Filled With Clots: Shawna’s Story
Listen to Your Body During fire season in Southern California, I was experiencing shortness of breath that I attributed to bad air quality. It Got Worse As the week progressed it got worse and I began to feel pain in my back. By Friday, I felt a sharp stabbing pain in my back anytime I…
I Assumed It Was Normal Recovery Pain. It Was a Blood Clot in My Lung: Breighdun’s Story
Every Day Is a True Blessing On April 7, 2024, I experienced an aching pain in my side that I believed was a pulled muscle. A week earlier, I had undergone a hysterectomy — so I assumed the discomfort was part of the normal recovery process. My Aunt Recognized the Risk When I mentioned my…
“Don’t Wait or Gaslight Yourself. You Have One Life:” Alexus’s Story
Don’t Wait or Gaslight Yourself. You Have One Life. I had a pulmonary embolism in December 2025. It Started With a Fever A couple of days before, I was sick with a fever. My left leg started to hurt so bad — like a Charley horse. No matter what I did, nothing helped. Day Three…
After 8 Hours of Brain Surgery, a Blood Clot Almost Killed Me: Nicole’s Story
The Perfect Storm I was diagnosed with Long COVID in August 2025. In October 2025, I underwent an eight-hour surgery for Chiari Malformation — an experience that ultimately improved my quality of life. However, about a week and a half after returning home, I developed a pulmonary embolism in my right lung — something that…
A Dull Pain on a Flight Home That Almost Cost Me Everything: Caden’s Story
My Experience with a Pulmonary Embolism I’m 23, a college athlete, and I’ve always considered myself healthy and strong. I play baseball and was finishing up my senior year — just about a month and a half from graduation. I never imagined that something like this could happen to me. It Started on a Flight…
