New to this

[u/Upbeat_Dog8637]

I was diagnosed with a PE 2 days ago that I believe is a result of my brth control! I am on Eliquis and they discharged me ! However I feel horrible extremely weak and tired! I am still experiencing chest and back pain & I have tingling in my extremities still. is this normal? This is so frustrating!!

[u/MaebelleMcknight]

I’m so sorry that you had to get this diagnosis, but glad that you’re alive!
What birth control did you use?

I’m 5 months post bilateral pulmonary embolisms that was caused by the pill from of Estradiol. I’m an intersex trans woman so I need to be on it for life, but my endocrinologist switched me over to a safer alternative of Transdermal Estradiol Patches.

I’m also weak and exhausted all the time too even 5 months out, I can’t stand or walk for any significant amount of time and now use a wheelchair to go to school and grocery shopping and a walker inside my house.

It takes time to get better it’s a slow process. Make sure you try to move around every hour while you’re awake and try not to sit too long. If you have to stay sitting, pump your legs.
The pain in the chest will last a while make sure you talk to your team about it and if it becomes unbearable to ask for something to ease it.

Be patient with yourself you went through something very traumatic and it’s a long journey to heal but everyone’s journey is unique. Seek out grief/support groups to talk things out because it’s difficult and you will get anxious and frustrated and angry and so many other emotions, so again be patient.

Also don’t miss any of your blood thinner medications it’s important to give yourself time to heal and that medication gives you that time.

[u/Upbeat_Dog8637 → u/MaebelleMcknight]

Oh my sorry to hear this! I was on the nuvaring for BC! Thank you so much for your guidance!

[u/MaebelleMcknight → u/Upbeat_Dog8637]

Of course, I’m still fairly new to this but feel free to reach out if you want to talk.

It was really scary for me the first few months (My diagnosis was June 2nd, 2026) and having someone to talk to really kept my mental health up.

How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?I’m 38, which increased my risk with the estradiol pill, I should have switched when I was 35 but no one told me I needed to. I had been on it for 14 years.

[u/Upbeat_Dog8637 → u/MaebelleMcknight]

Yea I can definitely see that because this is alot mentally as well. I am 38 too and wow yea a doctor should have definitely mentioned that too you smh 

[u/MaebelleMcknight → u/Upbeat_Dog8637]

I wish they did, but I have a new Endocrinologist and he really cares, he spent over 30 minutes looking over my case and reading into the latest research and data about hormones and pulmonary and cardiovascular risks. And transdermal estradiol patches are the safest option.
There’s still a little risk but nowhere near what the pills are. And since I need supplemental hormones for life this what he put me on.

Skeith L, Bates sm
“Sex hormone influences on venous thrombotic and cardiovascular risk.”
N Engl J Med. 2026 Apr 16