Brock University women’s hockey player JJ Parks sat in stunned silence at the hospital when a doctor told her she would be sidelined for the remainder of this season.

The third-year Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice student was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE), a sudden blockage in an artery in the lungs that blocks the flow of blood.

Parks’ health concerns began in December when she found herself battling a mysterious illness as the first half of the Badgers’ sports season entered the holiday break.

She began experiencing lightheadedness, fever, shortness of breath, a sore throat, dizziness and heart palpitations.

Her symptoms lingered despite a course of antibiotics.

“The antibiotics helped, but I was still having trouble breathing and my heart would randomly go crazy,” she said. “When I thought I was turning a corner, I started activity again.”

However, Brock Sports Medicine’s (BSM) diligent staff detected anomalies in her post-illness return to workouts and practices.

Athletic Therapist Karen Millar picked up abnormally high heart rate readings from Parks. She quickly made her an appointment to see Dr. Katie Dalziel at Harrison Hall, BSM’s on-campus clinic specializing in rehabilitation and injuries sustained during athletic activities.

“If I wasn’t honest about my symptoms and saw Dr. Dalziel when I did, this could have been a whole different story,” Parks said of BSM’s crucial role in her diagnosis and recovery.

Dalziel’s examination revealed an alarmingly high heart rate and ongoing respiratory challenges. She advised Parks to reconsider driving home to Ottawa for the holidays alone.

“Dr. Dalziel said I shouldn’t be driving for that long by myself because it was too dangerous. At the time, I thought this was a stretch,” Parks said. “She recommended that I go to the hospital’s emergency department.”

At first Parks didn’t think there was a point to going to the emergency department, but ultimately trusted Dalziel’s advice.

When a CAT scan at Niagara Health’s Welland Site revealed blood clots in her lungs, Parks was immediately admitted for treatment and monitoring.

“I had so many IVs and wires attached to me that would notify the nurses if my condition was changing,” she recalled. “I will now be on blood thinners for six months instead of three because my case is so severe.”

In the aftermath of her diagnosis, Parks currently struggles with diminished energy and restricted physical activity. Social interactions are taxing and she often feels disconnected.

“Being diagnosed with PE changed my perspective on life. I never realized how much I took for granted until now,” Parks said. “I’m taking a positive spin on this situation and happy that BSM and the doctors caught this when they did. I’m overwhelmed by the support from coaches, teammates and Brock Sports staff.”

Parks underscored the ongoing exceptional care from BSM, an invaluable element for a student-athlete recovering away from family and home.

“I think my experience is an example of how amazing our Sports Medicine staff are,” she said. “Sports med is so important and a lot of student-athletes may not realize how lucky we are to have this resource available.”

Millar said the health and safety of Brock’s student-athletes are of utmost importance to the Brock Sports Medicine Clinic.

“I’m so happy, and relieved, that JJ has received the medical assistance that she has,” Millar said. “This is an unfortunate example of why we take the precautions that we do as health-care providers, for the occasional condition that is very serious.”