Wednesday morning started out all fuzzy bunnies and rainbows – I ran in Central Park, hooray! It felt amazing to be back out on the bridle path at sunrise, and I probably had a silly grin on my face during most of my 5 easy miles.
The Achilles felt great during the run, but with notable stiffness in the hours after. This just reminds me that recovery will be a slow process, but I am certainly game.
Post-run morning cereal – TJ’s Joe’s Os and Fruit, Grain and Nut Medley with almond milk and berries
And decaf coffee
I traveled to work with my runner’s high, which prevailed even through the usual 6 train delays. But when I got to the office, I read the news about Serena Williams, who reportedly suffered a pulmonary embolism last week.
The fuzzy bunnies and rainbows halted, and it kind of felt as if I were punched in the stomach. When something like this happens, my mind automatically goes back to that day in late September 2009 when I experienced a pulmonary embolism (PE) and two deep vein thromboses (DVTs), and my whole life changed.
I wrote about my experience on the blog here, but I think some of it’s worth repeating in light of this recent news.
Serena Williams is only 29, she’s a professional athlete, and I’m assuming receives outstanding medical care. Yet this still happened to her. I was 27, super healthy and in shape, and yet I was not immune either.
The cause of my blood clots was a perfect storm of factors – the birth control pill, long flights, dehydration and a previously undiagnosed clotting mutation called Factor V Leiden. I can’t say this wouldn’t have happened if I stayed hydrated on the flight, moved around a bit more, or stopped taking birth control years ago, but had I known what could happen to me, I definitely would have done many things differently.
While I don’t know the details of her story, I’m assuming at least part of the reason why Serena had a pulmonary embolism is because no one ever thought she could have one and didn’t recognize her risks.
Serious blood clots are becoming more and more common among young women, largely due to birth control pills and risk factors that go unrecognized and undiagnosed.
Pulmonary embolisms kill one in three people that get them.
Here’s some info from my previous post.
What can cause DVTs and PEs?
- Bedrest
- Cigarette smoking
- Fractures in the pelvis or legs
- Giving birth within the last 6 months
- Medications such as estrogen and birth control pills
- Obesity
- Recent surgery (especially hip, knee, or female reproductive organ surgery)
- Blood that is more likely to clot
- Sitting for long periods when traveling (this is most likely when one or more other risk factor is also present)
(for a full list, click here)
What are the signs of DVTs?
- Redness in one leg*
- Increased warmth in one leg
- Pain in one leg (it may hurt to place all of your weight on this leg when standing)
- Tenderness in one leg
- Swelling
- Fever
*note: DVTs can also occur in the arm, thigh, and pelvis, to name a few. More complete information can be found here, here and here.
What are the signs of PEs?
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Feelings of anxiety
- Increased heart rate
For more information, click here and here. Any of these symptoms should warrant a visit to your doctor or emergency room ASAP.
I know I’m not a doctor, but having experienced this first-hand, I like to think I know what I’m talking about.
And I talk about it a lot, because I think it’s so, so important for everyone – us, our parents, grandparents, children – to know the risk factors, signs and symptoms of serious blood clots. They can happen to anyone, and I think Serena’s story (and mine) are living proof of this.
Back to my regularly scheduled, light-hearted posting about fuzzy bunnies, rainbows, and (hopefully) more running tomorrow. 🙂
Question: Did you hear about Serena Williams? Did you know what a pulmonary embolism was before reading this post?
I have read all your PE posts and I find it so scary! It makes me eant to stop taking birth control but its the only form of contraception I trust and I am not ready for any little smashes! Glad you are bringing awareness about this! Do you recommend no one take birth control?
Oh definitely not – I think birth control is just fine for a ton of people. However, it shouldn’t be taken lightly – it’s important to know the risks before taking it, and I think a lot of people out there don’t know about them and aren’t informed about them from their doctors.
The minute I read about Serena my heart sank. I’ve been there and done that and it honestly took me over a year to recover.
Good job getting the information out. I had been to numerous doctors and none of them suspected any sort of blood clots because I was young, fit and healthy. I finally went to the hospital when I could no longer breathe even while sitting still.
I wish Serena a speedy recovery.
omg i had no idea!!!! seriously this is GREAT info- thank you so much!
I just heard this morning! I had no idea what PE was so thank you for all of the info, that is very scary.
THis is a really great post, thank you for sharing! I heard about Serena yesterday and was stunned! While I didn’t know much about the condition, it seemed like something that shouldn’t happy to such an active person. And a young person! Thanks for sharing your experience and all of this information. I now have a much better understanding.
Glad to hear you had another great run this morning! Especially in such cold weather!
That is so scary! I’m glad you’re okay. I hadn’t heard of Serena William’ss situation!
I saw the news this morning when they were talking about Serena. Very scary. Thanks for putting up that info – I never knew the symptoms. Great job on the 5 miler! I still get aches from past injuries!
I just heard about it yesterday from my friend who is a physician assistant. How scary that it could just happen to anyone at anytime!
I think it’s really good that you’re getting the word out there on DVT and PE – if it could happen to a healthy, fit, 20-something, it could happen to anyone.
AND YAY!! For a return to running. Keep taking it slow and you’ll be 100% in no time. Can’t wait to run with you tomorrow 🙂
I remember your previous posts on PE, I actually got a little freaked when I saw the story on Serena today. It’s terrifying! Especially when it happens to someone who obviously takes care of themselves.
Wow, I did not hear about Serena – how scary. I remember reading about PE’s from your blog, but I really haven’t heard much else about them. It is really scary that this can happen to such healthy, in shape people. I think its great that youre spreading awareness about it, and awesome that you’re feeling great on your runs!!!
Awww, so scary!! I had no idea about these, nice of you to share. I’m glad you’re okay for fuzzy bunnies and rainbows. 🙂 I need to try a run in CP!
-Courtney
Just wanted to let you know I really enjoy reading your blog and all of the information you share!
I always try to keep up to date on information and side effects of taking birth control, so I reallyyy appreciated this entry.
-Cassie
thank you so much, Cassie! 🙂
I saw that and thought of you! So sad, hope she’s ok.
Oh wow, I didn’t realize you had dealt with this. That’s incredibly scary! I remember when I read through the risks associated with birth control and saw “blood clots” I kind of just laughed it off. Not that I didn’t believe it didn’t happen to people – just that I couldn’t imagine it ever happening to me. Thanks for posting this, I appreciate it!
Ohmygoodness I did NOT know about Serena!! It’s so tough that you have to deal with it, but I think it’s AMAZING that you don’t let it stop you or affect the amazing life you lead 🙂
And I’m SO HAPPY for your amazing run!! 😀
Congrats on your return to CP! Hope the achilles gets less still after and you can return 100%. I am glad to hear you’re taking it slowly, though, as I know we can all have a habit of getting back into it too quickly.
I think I’ve heard of PE before, but never knew any details about it before reading your story. Thank you for continuing to share your experiences and knowledge with us, it’s so important to spread the word about it even through the blogosphere- you never know who is reading this that you may help!
I have had my fingers crossed for your return to running and I am sooooooooooo excited that you have been able to get back on the road! I am honestly in admiration of you for how disciplined you were regarding this injury. I know in the long run this is going to work out for you so much better and you have many more marathons to go 🙂
In regards to Serena Williams, I already knew so much about her surgery thanks to your blog! So thank you for that valuable info.
You are too sweet, Lauren. Thank you 🙂
I do know what DVTs and PEs are because I’m a nurse. 🙂 But the threats are real and they really do scare me about birth control! While it is a wonderful drug for many people, it is still a drug and comes with side effects and dangers, just like anything else. I don’t think most people are aware of this and that’s what really scares me…especially because people will smoke and be overweight while taking it, all which increases the risk. I’m neither of those, but it still makes me super nervous.
i hadn’t heard about serena. thanks for, yet again, sharing your story with this too.
yay for getting out running again. i feel you with the achilles stiffness. mine was sore/tender after my last marathon and i remember all too well not having pain during the runs and then it stiffening up after. annoying. but i’m glad it’s not hurting!
Wow. I had no idea about Serena Williams, or about your story either. Incredibly scary! Thank you for putting this information out there! I’m definitely one of those who (wrongly) assume that I’ll be fine, since I’m young and healthy. It’s scary to think that people who are otherwise healthy can be hit with something so serious. It’s so good to increase awareness and know the symptoms. I know I’ll definitely be more aware from now on.
On a more positive note, I’m glad you had such a great run. Whenever I’ve come back from an injury, I swear I run around with the goofiest smile on my face my first couple times back out on the roads. But there’s no better feeling.
So scary! You never think of things like that happening to young and fit people like you and Serena!
It’s nice to hear you are back out running!
PE’s are scary. And not common knowledge. Thanks for the info.
Wow that is crazy – I hadn’t read that. And your story is so scary as well. I’m glad that you came out of it okay, but it is terrifying that it can happen to someone so healthy. I have my share of issues with birth control (I actually developed Melasma b/c of it) and this just adds to my list of negatives and gives me more to think about. Thanks for sharing your story.
BTW – congrats on the great CP run!!
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I hadn’t heard that about serena…I will definitely read up on it tonight. And my achilles still gets sore…thinking I’ll have some, pain forever
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