URGENT UPDATE: A 24-year-old man from Brooklyn, New York, narrowly escaped death after mistaking severe chest pain for work-related stress. Sammy Ouatts experienced debilitating symptoms for weeks, only to discover on October 10, 2023, that he had two major blood clots in his lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism.
Initially attributing his fatigue and chest discomfort to the demands of his job at a busy bakery and the hectic atmosphere of New York Fashion Week, Ouatts delayed seeking help. “At the time, I thought the cause of my symptoms was work,” he recounted. Despite feeling increasingly weak and unable to perform simple tasks like climbing stairs, he relied on over-the-counter medications for relief.
After enduring pain that kept him awake at night, Ouatts finally visited the emergency room, where doctors initially suggested inflammation of the cartilage connecting his ribs to the sternum. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a desperate trip to the hospital where life-saving tests revealed the shocking truth: clots blocking blood flow to his heart.
“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 explained. The hospital staff warned him that without immediate treatment, he could have suffered a fatal heart attack.
Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency affecting approximately 900,000 people annually in the U.S. The Cleveland Clinic reports that one third of those diagnosed do not survive long enough for treatment. The reality of his situation was horrifying for Ouatts, who, despite being young and active, now understands the fragility of health.
After a suction thrombectomy to remove the clots and a brief hospital stay, he was prescribed blood thinners to prevent future clots. Ouatts has since recovered and is sharing his harrowing experience on social media. His TikTok video, which has garnered over 15,800 views, serves as a cautionary tale urging others to prioritize their health and listen to their bodies.
“I have never experienced something as life-threatening as this before. This experience has humbled me,” he shared. “You could be okay in one moment, and on the verge of death the next.”
Ouatts emphasizes the importance of support from family and friends in his recovery. He advises others to take their health seriously, stating, “Surround yourself with people who pray for you and wish you well.”
As he moves forward, Ouatts is now hyper-focused on his health, making lifestyle changes to ensure he never faces such a life-threatening situation again. This alarming case serves as a crucial reminder that symptoms should never be ignored, especially when they persist.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sammy Ouatts’ journey and ongoing health advocacy.
