Aid Asha's Journey with Pulmonary Embolism

I'm Asha. I'm a mom of 3 and a therapist who runs her own practice. Unfortunately, just yesterday after a second day of chest pain, I ended up in the ER. 7 hours later I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolism. I have a significant amount of both small and large blood clots on both lungs, including one that is quite larger than the rest. At 36, the doctor is unsure how this happened or why I'm clotting so much. Unfortunately, I am not a candidate for surgical removal right now due to a separate bleeding issue that would cause me to need multiple transfusions or essentially bleed out. In looking at risk levels and medical options, the doctor decided on blood thinners for the clots and a progesterone pill for the uncontrollable bleeding I'm also experiencing. I am now being followed by an interdisciplinary team of doctors and specialists including hematology and doctors through EVMS.

Because I'm a private therapist, I have no PTO or sick days. I have no short or long term disability and I have no FMLA. Because of the appointments and tests to come, the difficulty breathing and the need to rest from chronic fatigue, I'm nervous I won't be able to work the long schedule I currently do. This means I need help paying to live for me and my children, as well as any medical emergencies, childcare, food on the table, etc. as my income may deplete at times depending on literally the day.

Besides financial help, I'm asking for myself and my children and family to be lifted in prayer. Last night in the hospital death stared me in the face. I am a fighter and I will fight, but I know I only have so much control. I hope to become a survivor and not a victim. Until then, I will humble myself and ask for help and guidance.

If you've read this far, thank you. Please pass along. With love, Asha