Lynnedz56This is my second bilateral PE. The first time I only had shortness of breath. This time I was short of breath for the last 2-1/2 months. Both Cardiologist and Pulmonologist missed it. Until I doubled over in pain last Wednesday and could not breathe. I was in the hospital 5 days and just got out last Sunday afternoon. Have to admit, I did a little more today than I have been. I was advised to "take it easy" and that it can take 4-6 weeks to resolve. But tonight the pain is back. Not as bad, but there.
Pulmonary Embolism - Recurrent Event - Is it normal to have pains breathing 9 days after diagnosis?
- Posted:
- 30 Oct 2011 by Lynnedz56
- Topics:
- pulmonary embolism, pain, pulmonary embolism -- recurrent event
Details:
Answers (2)
LiverLips31 Oct 2011
Hi Lynnedz56. Yes, it still takes a while for your lung to heal. I had a PE in June 2008 & could feel a difference in my lung for months afterward. It wasn't severe pain like I experienced initially (it wasn't as if I was giving childbirth through my lung LOL), however, my lung & breathing didn't feel "optimal". Due to this way of feeling, I had some extra tests done to ensure that the clot had actually dissolved & that there weren't any more clots. All clear. :)
I found out last year that I have asthma.
Also, as a footnote, I had a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) at the end of March. I'm still experiencing pain in my leg infrequently.
My mother had several PE's but doesn't recall any pain.
I wish you all the best, Lynnedz56!
from Wendy :)
DemoninDC26 Jan 2012
For most people the answer is yes. Based on my personal experience, recovering from multiple episodes of DVTs & PEs, it takes longer for the shortness of breath to go away and certain tasks are more difficult than others. Right now for me, climbing stairs causes shortness of breath but walking and cycling is not a problem. Since you have had multiple PEs have you looked for a Hematologist? You may have a blood disorder that is causing your susceptibility to get PEs. I would be surprised if your PEs will resolve in 4-6 weeks. What blood thinner medication are you on, Warfarin, Arixtra, or Lovenox? Are you taking Plavix either by itself or with the above blood thinners? There are concerns with Arixtra and Lovenox since you state that you have renal insufficiency but that can be worked around by your Hematologist. Is there a reason why your Cardiologist has not performed a stress echo test? This would be less invasive than the heart catheterization procedure.
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Wendy you are a scream my friend! Like giving childbirth through your lung! I love that! ha ha...
Lynne56, how are you feeling? Did you get your problem solved or are you still having problems. I have been with pneumonia myself for weeks am on antibiotics, but not geting it. Just am worried about you, please respond...
Monday I had to go back to the doctor. I had fluid in my lungs. So, he upped my lasix for 2 days and now I'm back on track. Feel some better, thank you for your concern. I actually did a little (very little) grocery shopping this morning. And when the pain started to return, I came home and am now sitting in front of the computer.
This might seem like a pointless question, but I was diagnosed with a DVT and PE in August, and I'm still trying to figure it all out. You said your mother has had several PE's - was she on long-term coumadin? If so, why do the PE's reoccur? I have been experiencing severe anxiety about this potentially happening to me again and how (if possible) it can be avoided. Thank you so much for your time.
Hi jrt! Nice to meet you!
No, my mother's on Coumadin (Warfarin) now for the remainder of her days. When she was affected by other blood clots, she wasn't on a blood thinning regimen.
I was in the hospital in June 2008 for a PE. At that time, the average length of treatment time was 3 months on Coumadin if this was a first occurrence. However, some doctors treated for up to 6 months with Coumadin . I was having additional health issues & tests so my doctor kept me on it for almost a year to be safer.
Expand this post...
I had a DVT in March & I'm back on Coumadin once more. I personally believe that my body doesn't like this med & I believe that it's contributing to some of my health concerns. I had a biopsy performed 2 weeks ago so needed to stop taking Coumadin & instead use Heparin-filled needles once a day. Usually it's 5 needles before the procedure & then 5 needles plus Coumadin after the biopsy. In the past, I've been up to at least 14 doses of Hep before my INR was within range. I felt, and my body felt, much better when I was off the Coumadin. This time, however, I did have an allergic reaction to the Heparin. Normally you're all bruised around the injection sites on your abdomen but this time I had a large, hot, extremely itchy, red rash instead with minimal bruising. It was very painful when I tried to inject the next needle in that area sometimes. Luckily, I only needed 10 injections. I still have the rash, even today. It started peeling like a 1st degree sunburn & is itchy. The redness has dulled to a pinkness with only minimal bruising still.
I can empathize with how you might be feeling, jrt. I was quite anxious & concerned as well since they don't check to see if your blood clot is gone. I ended up having some tests to verify that for my peace of mind.
Please friend me if you wish to ask me other questions or to chat.
Blood clots seem to be occurring more frequently these days. Many doctors & nurses have experience with the treatment of them. This can help to alleviate your worries. Coumadin & other anticoagulants generally have excellent user reviews, plus Coumadin is very inexpensive. Try not to worry too much. Go to the library & get some books about lungs & blood clots. There are support groups here on this site that you might consider joining too.
All the best to you, jrt!
from Wendy :)
Hi Lynnedz! I'm very interested in your postings here & would like to ask some questions of you please, if I may.
Did you have Pulmonary Edema? Why was there fluid on your lungs? What caused it? Have you had any more tests on your lungs to check for scarring or any anomalies? Did you get any advice from any doctor on what to do or what not to do?
Thank you very much, Lynnedz! I appreciate everyone's help.
from Wendy :)
I have congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency and severe asthma. Yes, I have had pulmonary edema as well as edema in my legs. I walk a thin line between all the meds I need to take for the various conditions. And the fluid does build up in my lungs from time to time. They have considered that I might have pulmonary hypertension, but did not want to do the heart cath to totally rule it up. The pressures were "extremely high" on the echo this last time in the hospital, but they are not sure if it just from the clot. My lungs are already a mess from years of asthma and pneumonia. And I have reduced lung capacity already. Anything else, please ask away.