URGENT UPDATE: A 24-year-old man from Brooklyn, New York, has revealed a shocking diagnosis that could have cost him his life. Sammy Ouatts initially dismissed severe chest pain as stress from work, but he was later found to have two major blood clots in his lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism.
In September, Ouatts began to experience debilitating fatigue and sharp chest pains, attributing his symptoms to a hectic schedule filled with New York Fashion Week events. “At the time, I thought the cause of my symptoms was work,” he stated in a recent interview.
The situation escalated quickly. By October 10, after weeks of suffering, Ouatts sought emergency medical help “out of desperation.” He underwent tests that revealed the life-threatening clots blocking blood flow near his heart.
“Minutes later, I was told that I had two major blood clots in my lungs,” Ouatts recounted. “If I wasn’t treated sooner, I could have suffered a heart attack and died that day.”
A pulmonary embolism is a critical medical emergency that affects approximately 900,000 people annually in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Alarmingly, one-third of those with the condition die before receiving a diagnosis.
Ouatts had been living an active lifestyle, often walking for hours without issue. However, as his symptoms worsened, even minor activities became overwhelming. “Walking up a single flight of stairs made me feel like I’d just run a marathon,” he explained.
Initially, Ouatts sought relief with over-the-counter medications, but they provided only temporary comfort. The turning point came when he struggled to breathe while climbing stairs at his apartment. A friend rushed him to the hospital, where further tests confirmed the alarming diagnosis.
Doctors performed a suction thrombectomy to remove the clots, and Ouatts was prescribed blood thinners to prevent future occurrences. Thankfully, he is now recovering well and has not experienced further breathing issues.
This harrowing experience has profoundly impacted Ouatts, who admits to becoming “hyper-focused” on his health. He shared his story on TikTok, garnering over 15,800 views and 1,700 likes, hoping to raise awareness about the importance of listening to one’s body.
“I have never experienced something as life-threatening as this before,” he stated. “It has humbled me and made me reflect on the fact that life is so fragile.”
Ouatts urges others to prioritize their health and seek medical advice when symptoms arise. “Surround yourself with people who pray for you and wish you well,” he added, emphasizing the importance of support during such critical times.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for everyone, especially young adults, to take health symptoms seriously. As Ouatts’ story circulates, it reinforces the urgent need for awareness surrounding pulmonary embolisms and their potentially fatal consequences.
Stay tuned for updates as Ouatts continues his recovery journey and raises awareness about this life-threatening condition.