URGENT UPDATE: A shocking health crisis has struck a 24-year-old man from Brooklyn, New York, who discovered he was suffering from life-threatening pulmonary embolisms after weeks of misdiagnosis. This alarming situation unfolded on October 10, 2023, when Sammy Ouatts sought emergency care after experiencing debilitating chest pain and shortness of breath.
Ouatts initially believed his symptoms were merely a result of work-related stress from his job at a busy bakery and the hectic schedule of New York Fashion Week. However, as his condition worsened, he faced severe ribcage pain and difficulty breathing, prompting him to visit the emergency room “out of desperation.”
Doctors initially suggested his issues were due to inflammation in his rib cage, but further tests revealed a grim reality: he had two major blood clots in his lungs that were obstructing blood flow and placing him at imminent risk of a heart attack. “Minutes later I was told that I had two major blood clots in my lungs, one in each, close to my heart that blocked the blood flow,” Ouatts recounted. “If I wasn’t treated sooner, I could have suffered a heart attack and died that day—or at any point in the last few weeks.”
Pulmonary embolism is a serious medical emergency, affecting approximately 900,000 people annually in the United States, according to The Cleveland Clinic. Tragically, a third of patients do not survive long enough to receive a diagnosis, underscoring the urgency of Ouatts’ situation.
Following his diagnosis, Ouatts underwent an emergency suction thrombectomy to remove the clots. Fortunately, he is now recovering and has not experienced further complications. However, the emotional weight of such a life-altering diagnosis remains heavy. “This experience has humbled me and made me reflect on the fact that life is so fragile,” he said.
In light of his harrowing experience, Ouatts is now more vigilant about his health. He has taken to social media, sharing his story on TikTok (@sammyouatts) with hopes that others will recognize the importance of listening to their bodies. His video has garnered over 15,800 views and 1,700 likes, resonating with many who are shocked by the suddenness of his health crisis.
Ouatts urges others to prioritize self-care and surround themselves with supportive individuals. “Take care of yourself and listen to your body, but don’t let the fear of something bad happening consume you,” he advised.
This urgent health scare serves as a stark reminder for many to be vigilant about their well-being and seek timely medical attention. As Ouatts continues his recovery, he hopes his story will inspire others to take their health seriously and recognize the signs of serious conditions before it’s too late.
