Life After Crisis: Reimagining Motherhood and Purpose Post-Pulmonary Embolism
- Bernadette Henry
- Mar 24
- 1 min read
When a life-threatening health emergency strikes in your 40s, it doesn't just change your medical reality—it transforms your entire perspective. As we mark Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month this March, I'm sharing my journey since my October PE crisis and how it's reshaping every aspect of my life.
Balancing career demands while raising children under 18 is challenging enough. Add a sudden medical emergency, and your entire family ecosystem feels the impact. After my pulmonary embolism, I stood at a pivotal crossroads: continue living in fear or transform this experience into meaningful change.
Today's appointment with a specialist—one I initially thought might be unnecessary—represents something deeper for women like us who are learning to prioritize wellness without guilt. Sometimes, comprehensive care isn't just about medical management but emotional healing.
Even with conditions that are "pretty well managed," the shadow of anxiety about potential recurrence can be overwhelming. I've discovered that acknowledging this fear is a crucial part of my journey—J.U.M.P. (Journey of the Underdog Making Progress)—toward a future where I can confidently say: "I just want to live."
For fellow survivors juggling motherhood after a life-threatening condition, I share insights on:
Navigating healthcare on your terms
Managing persistent anxiety
Using medical wake-up calls as catalysts for change
Building comprehensive support systems
If you're on a similar path, I recommend Bernadette Henry's "Jumping the Rope: Move Yourself and Manifest Yourself" for strategies to redesign your life and pursue the purpose-filled future you've been dreaming of.
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