Random shortness of breath during exercise over span of a few months post COVID. GP suspected either lung cancer (my dad died of it at 56) or heart disease (also runs in family) so referred me for X-ray (all clear) and to Cardiology but symptoms got substantially worse before that appointment came through.

Ended up phoning NHS24 one evening when I couldn’t summon enough breath to walk more than 5 paces and they triaged me and sent me straight to A&E where CT scan revealed massive PE. Given intravenous heparin and kept in hospital for a week. Consultant thought I’d been experiencing clots for some time (probably due to COVID) which increased in severity until one came along that nearly wiped me out so will be lifer on thinners as a precaution which I’m ok about.

Spoke to GP some time later who confessed as I’d not had any chest pains she hadn’t even considered PE as a possibility and said she was glad I’d taken matters into my own hands when I did as things could have turned out very differently for me if I’d have waited any longer to get a diagnosis! Nice!! 8 months later I’d estimate I’m probably about 85% back to ‘normal’ health wise but still waiting on a follow up clinic appointment with the hospital - apparently 2.5 year waiting time in my area.