Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

By far the most common form of pulmonary embolism is a thromboembolism, which occurs when a blood clot, generally a venous thrombus, becomes dislodged from its site of formation and embolizes to the arterial blood supply of one of the lungs. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, pain during breathing, and more rarely circulatory instability and death.

1,066 Members
7,462 Posts
0 Online
Lungs & Respiration
/ Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

A Landmark! Back in the air

deleted_user
deleted_user
Just completed my first flight Today after PE last July. I must admit that the ativan helped ( lol). Got upgraded to first class, status hadn't run out yet.... Awesome!!!! I'm very tired but finally feel like myself again. Back in the saddle again. Thank you all for your support. now for the question. Anybody have a filter ( IVC)? My docs want too install one if I insist" on flying. Its my job. Job = insurance=medications=they get paid (mostly)=I eat....
How long do they stay in? Do you still take coumadin with them?
Help!!!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Congrats on your first flight!
deleted_user
deleted_user
JR, so good to hear you are doing better. Bob never had a filter and wouldn't know how to advise you on that one. You do however, have unique circumstances where flying is part of your job. Just to be on the safe side, you may want to get a second opinion on the filter. I asked about a filter when Bob had his clot and they advised against it....but that being said, both of you and all others have specific unique issues and needs. So what applies for one may not apply to another. I totally freaked when Bob was taken completely off coumadin last week. But after a good sit down with his pulmonary critical care guy and cardiologists they put me at complete ease. You've got to have a good trusting relationship with your provider where you can ask them anything and everything. If anyone provider decides to look at me cross eyed, my response is, "hey I'm a wife first.....the fact that I'm a nurse has no relevence when I am dealing with a loved one. Sometimes it hurts more than helps. Wouldn't you agree??
More2be
More2be
Congratulations on being back in the saddle.

An IVC filter is typically removable for a weeks-long window of time but it sounds like these docs want to put one in permanently. The best evidence is that a permanent IVC filter somewhat reduces the risk of recurrence of PE but dramatically increases the risk of recurrent DVT, with overall mortality unaffected.

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/3/416

Yes, you may still take Coumadin/Warfarin with them. Some doctors, given the associated DVT risks, are more insistent on staying on the treatement if there is an IVC in place. Others are not.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Ilovethekitties

    OT My last day with USPS will be 2-27-15

    Posted by: Ilovethekitties
    Last Reply: GiphyOlivia
    21
    I gave my 2 week notice last Friday 13th. Now to join you fine people in a life of leisure and nothing else to do but to look out for myself....is it just me or does that sound pretty boring? My goal was to live to retire and I guess having to take early retirement because of health reasons wasn't exactly the way I had planned things. I just can't stay in that building that is reeking mildew...
  • Rizen

    Walk a Day

    Posted by: Rizen
    Last Reply: mujicaptsd
    2691
    I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...