The walk that became a race against time
When Samantha Howell suddenly became short of breath during a walk, she did not know she was experiencing a life-threatening emergency. What she did know was that she needed help quickly.
Minutes later, she and her father arrived at TriStar Lovers Lane ER where the team moved quickly to understand what was happening. Testing revealed blood clots in both lungs, known as a bilateral pulmonary embolism, a condition that can block blood flow to the lungs and place dangerous strain on the heart.
At 36, Samantha never imagined a simple walk would become one of the most frightening days of her life. But the quick diagnosis at TriStar Lovers Lane ER helped set the next step in motion.
Samantha needed a higher level of care quickly. She was transferred to TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, where Roshan Mathew, MD, chief medical officer and interventional cardiologist, quickly assembled the cardiac cath lab team. Together, the team performed a life-saving procedure to remove the clots and restore blood flow. Their swift action gave Samantha the care she needed when every second counted.
"I felt immediate relief, and I’ve tried to not think too much about what could have happened if I hadn’t gone to the emergency room," Samantha said.
Dr. Mathew said Samantha’s experience is an important reminder that serious medical emergencies can happen at any age and that timely access to emergency care can help save lives.
“At 36, Samantha wasn't someone you'd typically expect to experience a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. That's why it's so important not to ignore symptoms like sudden shortness of breath. Recognizing the emergency quickly allowed our team to intervene and provide the treatment she needed,” Dr. Mathew said.
Today, Samantha is continuing her recovery with a positive outlook. She says the kindness and encouragement she received from many of the colleagues at TriStar Greenview helped lift her spirits during a frightening experience.
Looking back, Samantha knows how quickly an ordinary day can change. She is grateful that when she needed them most, the teams at TriStar Lovers Lane ER and TriStar Greenview were ready. Their quick action and compassionate care gave her the chance to get back to the life, the people and the work she cherishes most.