Beckye recounts her experience with blood clots and the connection between blood clots and hormonal contraception.
I was a very active 35-year-old woman when I felt dizzy before — and then almost blacked out during — an intensive game of indoor soccer.
After going to the doctor and going through several months of testing, they finally diagnosed me with a blood clot in my leg and a blood clot in my lung. I was admitted to the hospital and I had to cancel a lifetime trip to Africa. I experienced chest pain for more than six months after the clot in my lung was diagnosed.
Initially, the testing that was performed suggested that I was positive test for APS, or antiphospholipid syndrome. However, after nine months of treatment they retested and I was negative.
Eight years later, in 2018, I was diagnosed with another clot in my leg. Thankfully, I recovered recovered from that. Hormonal contraception was my only known risk factor for blood clots.
Learn more about blood clots and hormonal contraception here.
Watch a short video about contraception decision making here.
Learn more about antiphopholipid syndrome from the Mayo Clinic.
Share your story for publication on the Rowan Foundation’s website and social media channels here.
