At 50, Shopia  Clarke has already faced a journey few could imagine. After a life-threatening diagnosis and multiple procedures in Jamaica, she made the difficult decision to relocate to Leeds and begin her healthcare journey again in the UK. Now, as she prepares for a second major surgery for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), Shopia reflects on survival, faith, and the emotional toll of walking the same path twice.

Published September 2026

“I didn’t realise anything was wrong until the day I collapsed at a funeral I was attending on the island of Grand Turk, back home in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

One moment I was there, and the next, everything went black. I was rushed to the local hospital, where doctors initially suspected a heart attack. Given the seriousness of my condition, I was airlifted to Jamaica for further treatment.

Once I arrived in Jamaica, tests revealed that I had blood clots in my pulmonary arteries. At the time, I was reassured that everything would be manageable. I was told I would likely be treated with medication and be able to return home within a couple of weeks. That was not the reality. I was unable to eat or keep anything down for a period of time and I ended up remaining in Jamaica for over four months.

While I was there, doctors attempted an initial procedure to remove the clots through a vein in my neck. It was a less invasive approach, and there was hope that it would resolve the issue. Unfortunately, the procedure was not successful.

Instead of being discharged, I was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). That period is something I will never forget. Being in the ICU, in a different country, away from my family, was one of the most frightening experiences of my life. Everything felt uncertain.

After stabilising, the medical team decided that I would need open surgery to try to remove the clots. I remained in Jamaica and later underwent that surgery. The surgeons felt hopeful that I was on my way to recovery and healing.

Following that surgery, my recovery was extremely difficult. I had to learn how to walk again while still in hospital. Even the smallest movements were exhausting. I was eventually discharged with an oxygen machine, which I relied on for a while.

Despite the procedures I went through, I remained severely breathless. I couldn’t walk long distances, lift anything heavy, or carry out normal daily activities. Even now, I continue to live with those limitations.

To this day, no one has been able to explain why the clots developed. I’ve had many tests, both in the Caribbean and later in the UK, but there are still no clear answers.

Four years later, in 2023, I made the decision to move to Leeds in the UK. It wasn’t an easy choice. Relocating with a serious health condition is not something you take lightly, but I wanted a chance at better care and a better outcome.

In Leeds, I came under the care of my local hospital and made a conscious effort to take better care of my health. I followed every instruction, attended every appointment, and did my best to stay strong.

I was later referred to a specialist pulmonary hypertension centre in Sheffield, where I underwent a full day of testing. That was when my diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension was confirmed once again. From there, I was referred to Royal Papworth Hospital to discuss pulmonary endarterectomy surgery.

The difference in care has played a major role in my journey and it’s so different from back home. While I deeply miss my family, the food, and the warmth of home, I know I made the right decision coming to the UK.

Even so, being told that I would need surgery again was overwhelming. I struggled to process it. I prayed constantly. I wouldn’t say I was depressed, but I withdrew from people. I didn’t want to talk. I didn’t want anyone around me. Every time I thought about going through surgery again, I broke down. I had already been through so much, and I didn’t want to walk that road again.

Over time, through prayer, I found a sense of acceptance. I came to terms with what needed to be done, and only then did I feel ready to tell my family. I have four children. Only one lives with me here in the UK; the others are back in the Caribbean. We speak often through video calls, but I don’t think they fully understand what I am facing.

In many ways, this journey feels very lonely. I’ve been told that it is extremely rare for someone to go through this type of surgery twice. People offer support and say they understand, but unless you’ve experienced it yourself, it’s hard to truly know what it feels like.

I find myself asking so many questions. Will the surgery be successful this time? Will my chest heal properly? Will I have to learn how to walk again? I wish I could speak to someone who has been through this twice and come out on the other side. It’s a frightening place to be, but I am doing my best to remain hopeful.

I’ve been on the waiting list for four months, and I’ve now received my surgery date. The procedure is scheduled to take place in three weeks. I am trusting and believing in God that everything will be okay.”

UPDATE: Shopia underwent successful surgery and recovered well.