I Survived a Pulmonary Embolism

What Happened: Being in overall good health, two weeks ago I began my usual spring clean-up. After sweeping in a very dusty area (without a mask), I developed some chest tightness and had difficulty breathing. There was no particular strain from working that day. A few days later I was bending over on another project without stretching or giving the back enough relief and this resulted in significant lower back pain. At the time I was convinced the problem was muscular.

The back pain and breathing difficulties led to a decision to sleep in a lounge chair for a few nights and this actually seemed to help. Both the back pain and breathing completely subsided. I thought I was out of the woods until Thursday, April 9th when I woke with a sharp pain in my right leg. Thinking there might be a muscular connect from the earlier back strain, I did not go to emergency until Saturday morning.

After numerous tests it was discovered that I had a nasty leg clot that had broken off and gone to both lungs. I spent the next three days in the hospital and was put on IV blood thinners. Though multiple lung clots were diagnosed it was determined that I would not need surgery. Further tests have indicated that my health is otherwise good and that I should recover. I continue to have leg pain and it will take a while for the big clot to dissolve.

Though some people heard about this earlier and have been supportive in prayer, visits and calls; I am writing now because I felt up to it and because today’s CT scan was quite promising with good news. I would appreciate your prayers as I heal and move forward.

Discoveries:

1. I am alert to stories about clots in the lungs like never before. Many people have not survived this and I am most grateful that I did.
2. A person needs to know enough about areas where they are vulnerable.
3. Life is certainly in the blood and it needs to flow.
4. People love and care for me and really want me to stay around.
5. God has a destiny for every one of us. He has more for me.
6. Although this was quite traumatic, I was protected.

Since I am trying to learn as much as possible from this, please share any thoughts or advice that you have for me at robclogg Thanks for your friendship and prayers.

Posted on April 20, 2015 on robclogg.wordpress.com