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.
Hi all
I had multiple PE a year ago now and after 6 months I was seen by a chest physian and advised to stop warfarin which I did for a month.
Then I saw a haematologist who said that as I had an unprovoked PE (no birth control, long flight etc) he would recommend that I stay on warfarin for at least a year and consider life long.
I had some blood tests done (after 4 weeks off warfarin) that he said would help predict the likelihood that I would get another clot.
Got the results yesterday and have a high
factor 8 which decreases tne clotting time.This can be something that is either genetic or can develop but no tests at present to determine which.
Also my D-Dimer was raised too. Was told the high D-Dimer alone doubles my chances of recurrence.
Has frightened me a little as my D-Dimer was only a little bit below what it was when I had my clots! Although I didnt have any symptoms at the time it is obvious the whole process was beginning again.
So I am on warfarin for life which I am fine with. Just glad I have such a good doctor and I have some convincing evidence to base the life long decision on.
Also for those who gave me such support when I was in hospital recently, have been told that my pain is almost certainly not lung related. Am now getting investigations re gallstones or kidney stones. Not convinced myself but watch this space!
Kate x
I had multiple PE a year ago now and after 6 months I was seen by a chest physian and advised to stop warfarin which I did for a month.
Then I saw a haematologist who said that as I had an unprovoked PE (no birth control, long flight etc) he would recommend that I stay on warfarin for at least a year and consider life long.
I had some blood tests done (after 4 weeks off warfarin) that he said would help predict the likelihood that I would get another clot.
Got the results yesterday and have a high
factor 8 which decreases tne clotting time.This can be something that is either genetic or can develop but no tests at present to determine which.
Also my D-Dimer was raised too. Was told the high D-Dimer alone doubles my chances of recurrence.
Has frightened me a little as my D-Dimer was only a little bit below what it was when I had my clots! Although I didnt have any symptoms at the time it is obvious the whole process was beginning again.
So I am on warfarin for life which I am fine with. Just glad I have such a good doctor and I have some convincing evidence to base the life long decision on.
Also for those who gave me such support when I was in hospital recently, have been told that my pain is almost certainly not lung related. Am now getting investigations re gallstones or kidney stones. Not convinced myself but watch this space!
Kate x
I've been told that I'm on warfarin for life but I can cope with that! At least I can go on a 7 hour flight to see my gorgeous granddaughter and I'm less likely to clot than anyone else! Take care and be kind to yourself! love Sandi x