I am not a doctor. Please understand this. What I am going to relate to you is simply what happened to me in a lay person’s own words. I may be a little off in the technical terms but this is how I now understand what nearly killed me.

No doubt you may have heard the warnings to get up out of your seat or chair and move around every so often. Not long ago vice President Dick Chaney ended up in the hospital after a long flight. He was the victim of a blood clot in the leg.

This is what happened to me. Over three years ago I was spending the winter in Arizona. I had to fly to Toronto on business and enjoyed the five hour flight. I spent a normal evening and a good nights sleep but awakened the next morning with a very swollen leg. My lower leg below the knee was almost twice its normal size. It felt a little hot to the touch. I failed to find any reason for the swelling but attributed the problem to some kind of insect bite, such as a spider. However there was no itchiness or area that felt like I had a bite. There was no pain associated with the swelling.

I was in Toronto for a week. The swelling gradually subsided but not until I was back in Arizona for a week did it actually go away.

Now let’s move ahead three years (six months ago). I am a very active 72 year old. I walk every day. Play golf very often. I don’t drink or smoke. I’m not overweight.

I gradually became aware of a slight shortness of breath when I had to go up a slight grade. On the golf course or on the walking trails the result would be the same. Slowly it got a little worse.

Three months ago we spent a month in Florida celebrating our fiftieth wedding anniversary. We played golf every day and walked every morning. The shortness of breath became more acute.

After our trip home the breathing problem seemed to grab my attention more so. It was on Thursday that I made a decision to meet with my doctor the following Monday to try to find out what was going on. Saturday morning I played 18 holes on our par 3 course. I could hardly finish the game without gasping for breath. That evening I put my shoes on to prepare for our evening walk. I couldn’t catch my breath. I felt light headed and almost fainted. I knew something was very wrong.

Stupidly I refused to call an ambulance and insisted on driving to the nearby hospital. Not a smart thing to do. Arriving at the hospital parking lot I found I couldn’t walk and had to call for a wheel chair to travel to the emergency section.

During the next four days in the hospital I was informed that I had a Pulmonary Emboli. Apparently that swelling that took place over three years ago was a blood clot in my leg. Over time some of it found it’s way to my heart and then to my lung. Gradually my lung received more and more of these little pieces of clotted blood until it reached a saturation point and I couldn’t breathe. I could have died anywhere along the line during those years.


It is possible that this was caused by a hidden cancer somewhere in my body. I am now going through test to determine that. Some types of cancer can cause increased levels of procoagulants, substances that contribute to blood clotting.

Other things can cause clotting such as an injury or an operation. Only time and proper testing will tell.

If you experience anything such as a swelling in the leg, shortness of breath or both, by all means, get to a hospital fast. It could save your life.

Joe and Irma Mac Millan are owners of http://www.whistler-outdoors.com . Together they have spent many years enjoying every nook and cranny of this British Columbia paradise. Now married for 50 years they bring to you their unique perspective on visiting, knowing and taking part in the many opportunities awaiting those who come. Joe's new book "Your marriage. Keeping it Going Till Death Do You Part" is based upon the premise that a husband must truly love and respect his wife in a great many ways. Only then will the marriage last. Joe says "It's worked for Irma and I. It should work for everyone." The book is FREE when you subscribe to the monthly Whistler-Outdoors Newsletter. Get yours now.