Surviving pulmonary embolism at 21: A young woman shares her journey

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Young woman who survived pulmonary embolism

When 21-year-old Simamkele Selem from Alice in the Eastern Cape, started feeling dizzy, breathless, and coughing blood, she had no idea her life was about to change.

After much persuasion, she was finally admitted to Life St. Dominic’s Hospital in East London, where she was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism – a life threatening condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. This stops oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain and other vital organs.

After emergency care, a heart attack, and a major open-chest surgery in Cape Town, Simamkele is now on a steady path to recovery, returning to her tourism studies at South Cape TVET College while navigating life with renewed purpose and health awareness. 

Watch the video to find out her full story.
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