Pulmonary Embolism: “The Silent Killer”
“Help! Help! Help! Why do I feel as if I’m going to pass out? What is this stabbing feeling in my chest? I need to go to the emergency room right now!” Those are just a few of the thoughts racing through my head on November 3, 2015 the day I will never forget. The day the doctor told me, “You have a mass covering your left lung and it looks as if it may be cancerous, so a biopsy is necessary.” He went on to tell me in a flat tone that they needed to transfer me because they didn’t have the equipment necessary to keep me alive. “Oh,” he saved the best for last: “and you may die en route.” Now, close your eyes and imagine for a second the person the doctor was speaking to was you. Maybe for a second you thought as I did and asked, “Why me? What were the signs and what steps could I have taken to prevent this from happening?” Fortunately, I survived. With no feeling in my right leg. I survived. With the loss of functionality in my left lung. I survived. With a voice to share my story. I survived-to save another life and affirm: there should be more awareness of the potential risks, signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism/DVT. It is vital we educate the public, especially healthcare providers of the inherent danger of undetected blood clots.
The signs …show more content…
In my case, early detection was the factor that saved my life. About 30 percent of pulmonary embolism victims never make it to the hospital. Those numbers alone are alarming. Startling. Unnerving. Disturbing. “What would have happened if I didn’t react quickly?” Luckily, I receive an accurate diagnosis and continual treatment as I’m still feeling the residuals of this horrific incident. “What happens when a patient isn’t so lucky? When something as simple as recognizing the signs is the difference between life and
“Help! Help! Help! Why do I feel as if I’m going to pass out? What is this stabbing feeling in my chest? I need to go to the emergency room right now!” Those are just a few of the thoughts racing through my head on November 3, 2015 the day I will never forget. The day the doctor told me, “You have a mass covering your left lung and it looks as if it may be cancerous, so a biopsy is necessary.” He went on to tell me in a flat tone that they needed to transfer me because they didn’t have the equipment necessary to keep me alive. “Oh,” he saved the best for last: “and you may die en route.” Now, close your eyes and imagine for a second the person the doctor was speaking to was you. Maybe for a second you thought as I did and asked, “Why me? What were the signs and what steps could I have taken to prevent this from happening?” Fortunately, I survived. With no feeling in my right leg. I survived. With the loss of functionality in my left lung. I survived. With a voice to share my story. I survived-to save another life and affirm: there should be more awareness of the potential risks, signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism/DVT. It is vital we educate the public, especially healthcare providers of the inherent danger of undetected blood clots.
The signs …show more content…
In my case, early detection was the factor that saved my life. About 30 percent of pulmonary embolism victims never make it to the hospital. Those numbers alone are alarming. Startling. Unnerving. Disturbing. “What would have happened if I didn’t react quickly?” Luckily, I receive an accurate diagnosis and continual treatment as I’m still feeling the residuals of this horrific incident. “What happens when a patient isn’t so lucky? When something as simple as recognizing the signs is the difference between life and