Serena Williams Says She is Relieved to be Back on Court After Struggling With Pulmonary Embolism

Newly-crowned Wimbledon champion Serena Williams said that she was happy and relieved to be back on the court following a two-year long battle against pulmonary embolism.

In the two traumatic years Serena sliced her foot open on a broken bottle in Munich and received treatment for life-threatening pulmonary embolism. She said there was a point when she didn't think she would ever make a comeback.

Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complication that results from a block in the main artery supplying the lungs

"Oh my God, I can't describe it. I almost didn't make it, with that time in hospital. But now, I'm here again," The Telegraph quoted Serena, as saying after her win.

An emotional Serena called across in tears to her sisters to thank them for their support throughout her recent medical difficulties at the trophy presentation on Saturday.

As she cast her mind back to the embolism, the pain of her ordeal was evident.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension [PAH] - Symptoms & Signs - Causes - Diagnosis - Treatment
Pulmonary arterial hypertension can be a serious condition affecting the heart. It is defined as mean pulmonary arterial pressure >25mm Hg at rest and >30mm Hg on exertion.

Williams recalls: "I had been on the couch for two days, and I was praying, saying, 'I can't take any more. I've endured enough. Let me get through this'."

"I had a tube in my stomach and it was draining constantly. I had a blood clot, lung problems, and I couldn't do anything. I felt at the lowest of lows," she added.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD includes respiratory tract disorders that cause obstruction to airflow. These are chronic bronchitis, emphysema and small airway disease.

Source-ANI