update!

hi everyone! i posted here towards the beginning/middle of 2024 about blood clots that found its way into my right kidney because of a hole in my heart (PFO). since then, i have had a successful heart surgery, and am finally off of blood thinners! i take 81mg aspirin once a day, but no more eliquis, xarelto, or plavix!

towards the end of july i was hospitalized in the ICU for a week with an extreme case of septic shock caused by pneumonia, unrelated to my unclosed (at the time) PFO and history of blood clots. that did set me back on my surgery and healing timeline, but i came out of that stronger too.

i want to thank all of you for the amazing support i’ve found from this community. it can feel extremely isolating going through a scary medical event, especially at younger ages. at the time of my blood clot, sepsis, and heart surgery, i was 21. needless to say, it all happening in the span of 7 months was a lot too.

everyone’s journey is unique and different, but no matter what you’re experiencing, you’re never alone. please feel free to reach out to me, learn how to advocate for yourself in the medical field, and trust your body! i wish nothing but the best and healthiest versions of yourselves (whatever that looks like) for 2025, and know that you’re all strong and well-equipped people to deal with life has thrown you.