A 19-year-old woman is on a mission to educate communities about deep vein thrombosis after she survived the life-threatening condition earlier this year.
A 19-YEAR-old woman, Ashlyn Campbell, is on a mission to educate communities about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after she survived the life-threatening condition earlier this year.
DVT is a diagnosis whereby a blood clot forms in one or more parts of the deep veins of the body.
Pulmonary embolism is also a condition whereby one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot.
Campbell was diagnosed with the condition at a youthful age in August 2023, where she ended up in the intensive care unit (ICU) and had to undergo the “worst treatment” of her life.
Although she is still on treatment, she had to adapt to a routine of daily, then weekly, then monthly blood tests.
The young woman emphasised the importance of “listening to one’s body”.
She said she regretted not listening to her body and seeking medical attention in time.
Campbell started experiencing strange pains in her leg and abdomen, which grew more intense, resulting in uncontrollable stabbing pains.
The pains later made it difficult for her to walk.
“I was diagnosed on August 25, 2023, when I learned that I have DVT in my left leg.
“Clots moved through my heart to my lungs, which caused pulmonary embolism. I had pain in my abdomen and left leg, making me feel restless, and uncontrollable stabbing pains, making it unable for me to walk.
“I remained in pain for nearly two weeks before going to the emergency room (ER),” she said.
“When I arrived at the ER I was first transferred for X-rays. I then went for an ultrasound the following day, and that’s when they found the clots in my leg.
“I had to go for a CT scan, which confirmed that the clots had already moved to my lungs, which resulted in me being admitted.
“I really didn’t think it was serious until I was told how lucky I was, as it could have been a fatal condition, especially given the fact that the clots went through my heart.
“I spent the first few days in ICU, before being moved to a general ward at the Life St George’s Hospital.
“The doctors were amazing. I was on treatment whereby I had to get Clexane injections on my tummy twice a day. It was the worst treatment ever.
“I had to endure blood thinners and daily blood tests, which were exhausting. I was still going through uncontrollable pain and was unable to walk.
“My left leg was almost twice the size of my right and i had physio twice to three times a day.”
She said she was discharged a few days later nad her family was helping her to recover.
“I started to experience sharp pains in my heart, lungs and back. On September 18, I was re-admitted for a week at the Mediclinic Gariep Hospital and had to depend on my worst enemy, Clexane.
“Going through blood tests went from being a daily to a weekly thing. I pray that it becomes a ‘never again’ thing. I still get chest pains daily, my leg is still acting up. But this is temporary.
“Blood thinners (Warfarin), and weekly INR tests will be my best friend for the next six months … could be for a lifetime but I know it will be for six months.
“My medical stocking will be my bestie for the next two years. I am young and I have no idea what the future holds for me. I will definitely be a survivor of this silent killer that could have taken my life the first time. Life goes on.
“Time is such a precious gift. I have no idea why God has allowed all of this to happen but I know he has not left my side. I have a wonderful support group of family, friends and even strangers.”
