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.
I went to the pulmonologist today. I am going back to work on Sunday even though she still thinks it's too early. She said only 10 weeks out from diagnosis is nothing. She did say that people who are healthy before the PE can sometimes bounce back quicker. And, like you all said, everyone is different. Being I already have a heart condition, asthma and kidney issues, it will most likely take me longer. She is still concerned that with very little exertion my heart rate goes from 75 to 118. That is a concern, but something she is referring to my cardiologist. They only thing that will make going back to work easier is I have 32 hours a month that I can take off without pay (ADA), 4 hours sick time a month and of course, my new vacation for the year kicks in. She did advise me nothing dramatic. No cardiac rehab yet. Until the cardiologist clears me. Take my time. Go slow and if I have a BAD day...go home. And if I need her, call.
I do have to say the shortness of breath is letting up. And the pain between my shoulders blades is gone. However, it's now lower in my back on the side. Don't know if that's related or not.
I do have to say the shortness of breath is letting up. And the pain between my shoulders blades is gone. However, it's now lower in my back on the side. Don't know if that's related or not.
I did start to get very worn out by the process of talking through the process of my PE with person after person (there are over 100 staff with whom I work) so I ended up sending an email to everyone outlining exactly what had happened, the prognosis and saying how nice it is to be back but also how tired I am. This stopped the constant stream of well-meaning but tiring visitors to my office!!
Good luck!
I met with my Headteacher on my first day back and outlined the illness, emphasising the severity of it, the anxiety associated with it and the physical constraints that all of this (along with my medication) place upon me. We agreed to the details of my phased return at this point. The key ingredient for me was the guidance from my doctor.
In terms of the paperwork, it might be that the school could use a supply teacher in order to allow you time to write reports, complete assessments etc. If you're a member of a professional union, then it would be worth talking to a representative in order to give you some back up in agreeing to the details of your return.
Don't let yourself be pushed around in the process. The bottom line is that if you overdo it, you'll be off again. It's better for the school to have you in a partial capacity than not at all.
Good luck,
Tim