Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

Yes, it happens to fit people as well. 5 weeks before my first PE symptom I completed my 4th half ironman distance triathlon (actually think it, and the after race activities, contributed to the PE). All my genetic/blood work was also negative. Just one of those things. Since my Dx Ive heard of and/or known 4-5 triathletes and runners that have gotten PEs.

I was also very fatigued afterwards, all I could muster for a few weeks was a slow walk with my wife. I'd say that lasted a month. I also ended up back in the ER twice (admitted back into the hospital once). Now, 4 months out, I am back to 100%. PEs are very serious, just take it slowly and only do what you are able to. You will be back to normal, it just takes time

Chris

Hi there. I think the fatigue is really a very individual matter. It depends on so many factors, among them how bad your PE was (massive or submassive), your age and general physical state, and underlying conditions. It sounds, from what you say, that you're generally physically fit, which is good. Did you have any heart damage from the PE. I had a massive, bilateral PE almost 4 months ago. I wasn't as physically active as you are, but was basically fit. I had some right heart damage that has since resolved itself. According to my cardiologist, who did an echo, a holter, and a stress test, I'm fine cardiologically speaking, and can take part in physical activity. BUT, having said all of that, I'm still tired!!! If you're still SOB and just two weeks out, I'd say it will take some time to feel normal in terms of fatigue. It can take months--some say up to a year. But you will feel better. Just give yourself time and be patient. And, above all, listen to your body when it asks you to rest! This condition does not lend itself to "pushing" ourselves beyond our limits.
Feel better!

P.S. ditto regarding palpitations...I still get them frequently

thanks, it's comforting to know other people have gone through this and gotten back to "normal". I also have been admitted a second time to the hospital. I'm just used to being active and have small children so it's real hard to understand why my body has failed me. How long until you returned to work? I have a strenuous job and I'm nervous to go back. I don't have much stamina. I make it until about 1pm and start to feel bad again. Thanks for the kind words. It helps.
deb

Hi, Deb. Well, I only got back to work a couple of weeks ago, that is, 3 months from my PE. Where I come from (Israel), the system makes you get a doctor's approval to return to work, and the one I worked with (not my usual PCP) was very conservative. She sent me back for half days. And my job is far from strenuous. I'm an editor, so the most difficult thing I have to do is sit at a desk and work at my computer. As I said, you need to relax and not push yourself. Do what you can, not what you're used to doing. Give yourself a break--your body has been through a major trauma.

I am curious about several people commenting that they had been back in the hospital since their initial hospitalizations for PE. What were you hospitalized for the subsequent times? I was admitted into the hospital on Sept. 28th. I stayed for five days. I was home on shots for a week. Then one more week and then back to work. I have had a few pains in my back that felt very similiar to the first pain that sent me to the E.R. When I had my blood levels checked they were low. Once I adjusted my Warafin, the pain disappeared after a couple of days. My worry is that I can still form blood clots and would have to be hospitalized again. (I don't want that!!) Is that what happened to those who were hosptitalized again?

I also am worn out by the time I get home from work. My job is not strenuous but I do a lot of talking and find that sometimes I get so out of breath it frightens me.

Fear, yet another fun addition to having PE. Every pain or ache or twitch I have sends me into a mad discussion with myself trying to decide if I am dying at the moment or not. *sigh* I'll be happy when this whole fiasco is over and I can feel "normal" again.

I also stay tired and don't know why. I sleep alot and still find myself taking naps.

i'm about 3 weeks out from my PE. I'm not overweight or inactive, i have kids and stay pretty busy in life. Not to your level of fitness but i'm not a couch potato. I also had no genetic factors for the multiple PE's in my left lung with lung infarction and it was a complete shock to me that i ended up hospitalized with this. I have not adjusted well to the warfarin or had stable theraputic levels yet. I'm tired all the time...so fatigued that a flight of stairs or short walks makes me so weary i can barely function. I've heard many people say this has happened to them too and can last from a few weeks to a number of months. Just take it slow and listen to what your body is telling you. best of luck

ariel 34,
you have just described my exact life right now! It does make me feel better to know that others feel this way and it must be kinda "normal" this early out. I am also almost 3 weeks pos PE. FInd comfort knowing that others have replied that it does get better with time. deb