PE
I Refuse to Let CTED Control My Life: Lizzie’s Story
I suffered a massive saddle pulmonary embolism as well as multiple smaller PEs, some of which are now chronic, in October 2022. My event was provoked by an unsuccessful vascular ablation that left my great saphenous vein partially open and Covid 19. Two years later, I still experience intermittent chest tightness and fatigue. After an…
I Received the Diagnosis of Chronic Thromboembolic Disease (CTED): Christine’s Story
On June 16, 2022, I woke up early to get ready for a trip to a large car show when I noticed a sharp pain in my shoulder. Throughout the three-hour drive, I started to experience pain in my back when I breathed which lasted throughout the day. I did not experience symptoms the following…
All I Wanted to Do Was Delivery My Baby Safely: Faye’s Story
I was 31 weeks pregnant and was feeling very breathless. I had a routine appointment at the hospital and I was going to cancel as I felt so unwell. They immediately looked at me and things started to happen very quickly. I had a massive PE with right heart strain. They said if I hadn’t…
Healing Physically Was the Easy Part: Chloe’s Story
In 2016, when I was a sophomore in high school, I started having trouble breathing. My primary care doctor couldn’t figure out what was going on. I kept getting worse until my mom finally requested a specialist. They saw that my pulmonary pressures were through the roof and they wouldn’t let me go home. After…
My Current Diagnosis is Chronic Thromboembolic Disease: Ann’s Story
On Day 10 of a mild case of Covid and after running five miles that morning, I developed pain under my collarbone right before bedtime. I thought it might be a coronary vasospasm, which I get, so I took nitroglycerin. It didn’t help, so I decided to measure my oxygen, which was in the mid-80s.…
My Clot Started 10 Years Before It Was Found: Jana’s Story
In December 2022, I had the worst pain in my life in my left side of my buttocks after working out. Being a physical therapist and a retired high-level figure skater, I assumed I had strained a muscle until I was unable to walk or bear weight on my left leg. After three ER visits…
Each Day is Harder, But I’m Still Here: Caroline’s Story
It was February 24 2024, and I had overslept. My husband had joked the night before, “Let’s not waste tomorrow staying in bed. I’ve got the day off, let’s make the most of it!” But when I finally glanced at the clock, it was already 10:22. Oh no, I thought, he’s going to call me…
This is the Scariest Thing I’ve Ever Been Through: Rakeisha’s Story
My gynecologist put me on a contraceptive ring and I wasn’t even on it a full 30 days before it almost killed me. On May 17, 2024, I woke up, couldn’t breathe, and could barely take two steps without almost passing out! I went to the ER around 9 a.m., I explained my symptoms, and…
This Diagnosis Was Shocking: Lacey’s Story
At the end of June, I began experiencing symptoms that I initially attributed to a chest cold. Since I could still carry out my regular activities, like exercising and working, I didn’t pay much attention. However, after about a week, my condition worsened, leading to severe pain when I inhaled and difficulty breathing. The persistent…
It’s an Ongoing Battle to Stay Well and Manage This Life Condition: Callum’s Story
At 29, I considered myself to be fit and almost indestructible. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink and I have a myriad of athletic accomplishments. I’ve run multiple marathons, I’m at a healthy weight, and I train in the gym regularly. All of the above left me feeling completely lost when I started to experience…