‘He Is 29, Regular At Gym:’ Man Shares Brother’s Near-Death Experience, Internet Thinks It’s ‘Side Effect Of COVID Vaccine’

A Reddit user has shared a chilling real-life incident that has now gone viral and for all the good reasons. What started as a simple leg pain during a workout turned into a near-death experience that exposed a hidden medical condition. According to the user, his elder brother got severe calf pain on his right leg while working out at the gym.

The man, in his post, wrote, “It was unbearable, the area turned red, hard and swollen. Fifteen days later, he suddenly felt breathless, complained of chest pressure, and collapsed at home. Luckily, I was right beside him. I immediately started CPR, did it continuously for about a minute and somehow, he revived.”

Later, the family rushed the elder one to the hospital within 20 minutes, fortunately, saving

his life. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed his brother with Acute Massive Pulmonary Embolism, a serious condition caused when a large blood clot travels from the leg to the lungs, blocking blood flow between the heart and brain. The clot had originated from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in his leg.

My elder brother suddenly collapsed after two months of going to the gym. CPR was performed, and he was revived. I’m sharing this to spread awareness about what actually happened.
byu/arunsaisai inindia

Initially, the family believed intense gym workouts triggered the clot. But later, doctors discovered the real reason: it was a genetic Vitamin B12 absorption deficiency. “The doctors said my brother’s body can’t absorb Vitamin B12 naturally, something he has been deficient in since childhood,” the user explained.

Doctors have now prescribed lifelong blood thinners and Vitamin B12 supplements (methylcobalamin with folic acid) to prevent future clots. The Reddit user used his story to spread awareness about Vitamin B12, an often-ignored but vital nutrient.

“Vitamin B12 is so important for our body. Long-term deficiency can lead to clots and severe trauma. So check vitamin B12 and consult a doctor if you have a deficiency,” he added.

Though vegetarians are commonly at risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency since the vitamin is mainly found in animal-based foods, the doctor revealed that in this case, the deficiency was genetic, since his brother was a non-vegetarian.

The Internet was quick enough to react to the post, writing, “B12 supplements are a great way for everyone to get their daily required intake, whether you’re veg, non-veg, or vegan. Zincovit, Centrum, and Mecobalamin tablets are all good options.”

Another person, who got concerned, asked, “Are there any Vitamin B12-rich foods that anyone would recommend?” A user added, “”CPR doesn’t revive. It just keeps you alive long enough for paramedics to jump start your heart. So, maybe you misread that situation. But yes, vegetarians often deficit in B12.”

Someone also mentioned, “DVT is a major side effect of Covid vaccine. My brother-in-law L has been on blood thinners for 5 years. He luckily diagnosed the problem at an early stage, a month after the vaccination. Even if you don’t believe it, if you have taken any mRNA vaccine, get yourself tested. DVT is commonly diagnosed too late as patients often ignore symptoms. We don’t associate a pain in the leg with a clot quickly. Please, please be careful.”

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

It is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. This can cause pain, swelling and redness. The real danger happens if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism, which can block blood flow and become life-threatening.

As for its connection with Vitamin B12, the nutrient plays a key role in keeping blood healthy and preventing clots. When the body lacks enough B12, it leads to high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage blood vessels and make blood thicker. This increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), the formation of dangerous blood clots in the veins.

Vitamin B12-Rich Foods

Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal-based foods. Good sources include fish (like salmon, tuna and sardines), chicken, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt. For vegetarians and vegans, foods such as breakfast cereals, plant-based milks and nutritional yeast are great options. Regularly including these in your diet helps maintain healthy blood and nerve function.

Gastric Issues And Antacids’ Impact On B12 Absorption

Vitamin B12 needs stomach acid to be properly absorbed into the body. People with gastric problems, such as acidity, gastritis or ulcers often produce less stomach acid, which affects B12 absorption. Long-term use of antacids or acid-reducing medicines can also lower stomach acid levels, making it harder for the body to extract B12 from food which can lead to a deficiency.