One week prior to my diagnosis, I noticed that I was getting very weak. Not weakness from being tired, but unusually weak (I thought) without cause.

I also had a nagging light caught and I was constantly clearing m throat. I began to presume that I have acquired the coronavirus, so I started doctoring myself with the hope I would feel better. About a few days later, I felt somewhat better, but there were more ominous things to come.

I fainted for the first time on Wednesday. I woke up and figured that I simply had a really bad panic attack and brushed it off. However, I started to become lightheaded to the point that I could only walk a few yards before I had to sit down. As a result, I decided to call it an early day and stay in my bedroom for the remainder of the day.

The next day on Thursday, I woke up feeling somewhat better, but that same funny headache-thingy feeling was still on the crown of my head. Despite that feeling, I was able to get around pretty easily without feeling faint.

Hours later, I fainted three times.

I also live alone.

At this point, it was a no-brainer to dial 911. It took the EMTs to come in and get me off the floor. My blood pressure was 69/57, so it was pretty obvious that I need to go to the emergency room.

From Thursday night until Friday afternoon, they were fighting to save my life. Eventually, the doctors discovered a massive saddle pulmonary embolism in both my lungs. They gave me three options on how to be treated: Medication, a medically induced coma/life-support, or the procedure through my groin.

I choose the procedure.

I was half awake during the procedure. I even heard one of the surgeons say’ “Would you look at that” the clots were removed.

The surgery was a success and the staff was very pleased, but no one was more pleased than I was!

One of the surgeons showed me a picture of what they yanked out of me and I was astonished. He sent me a copy and I carry it around as a badge of honor. I would show it to you all, but I don’t know how strong your stomachs are LOL

All in all, I thank the Lord for bringing me through that life-changing ordeal. I’m still healing, I’m on Coumadin, and I walk like a giant toddler. Please don’t get me started on the mental and emotional effects.

I do apologize for such a lengthy dissertation, but I just had to tell my story. In any case, I thank you for taking to time to read about my story.

(By the way, the pic on the left is AFTER the surgery; I looked far worse before the surgery)