A Scottish mother, Emma Tuthill, is warning women about the dangers of taking the wrong contraceptive pill after experiencing life-threatening complications. Emma, 32, was prescribed a pill by her GP that was not suitable for her due to her history of migraines with aura. Despite NHS guidelines warning against it, she began taking the pill after the birth of her son, Kaiden.
Weeks later, Emma was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered blood clots in her leg, bilateral pulmonary embolisms in her lungs, and radiological heart strain. She had been experiencing severe pain in her bum cheek and a migraine before the incident. Emma was lucky that her son was there to help her when she collapsed.
Paramedics initially reassured Emma that her body was “resetting itself,” but her condition continued to deteriorate. Finally, after collapsing again and experiencing difficulty breathing, Emma was admitted to the hospital’s high-dependency unit. The doctor informed her that the clot was likely provoked by the contraceptive pill.
During her hospital stay, Emma received a call from her GP who apologized for prescribing the wrong pill. Emma expressed her frustration at feeling failed by both the paramedics and the medical professionals who missed the signs. She now urges women to be vigilant about their health and seek medical attention if something feels off. She considers herself lucky to be alive.
Even though several weeks have passed since the incident, Emma still experiences extremely swollen legs and struggles to climb stairs. She will need further medical appointments to assess any potential long-term damage to her heart and lungs. Emma’s story serves as a powerful reminder that it is crucial to trust one’s instincts and seek medical advice if something doesn’t feel right.
The NHS advises that women who experience migraines with aura may not be suitable candidates for the contraceptive pill. Migraine aura is a warning sign often preceding a migraine attack and can include symptoms such as intense headaches, throbbing sensations, and painful movements. Sweating, nausea, poor concentration, and abdominal pain are also associated with migraines, although not everyone experiences all of these symptoms.
Emma’s experience highlights the importance of understanding our own health conditions and communicating them effectively to healthcare providers. It is essential for both patients and medical professionals to work together to ensure the safest and most suitable treatment options are chosen.
