Sixteen years ago I suffered a DVT. While hospitalized the doctor was concerned about my resting heart rate. A lung scan was performed which revealed that I had also suffered a PE.

Many survivors suffer some type of anxiety following their DVT or PE; it's totally common and something which I have experienced myself. Sharing your concerns and fears with others who have been through what you are experiencing is one of the best methods of coping. Don't let the fear of the unknown, or in this case another clot, overwhelm you.

For me, I was told I would never regain full use of my leg after my blood clot. The series of clots I had started in my ankle and worked their way up to my hip. That was in 1992. In 1993 I competed in mountain bike races in the northeast and ended up finishing as one of the top nine riders in New England.

I guess my point is, live life to it's fullest and don't let the fear of the unknown consume you. Your young and have a long life ahead. Stay in tune with your body and if something doesn't seem right, let your doctor know.

Regards,
Tom

hi cupcakedecay,i can relate to everthing you have said i was told i had pe in july didnt have any pain at the time just short of breath.

since being told about pe my anxiety has been really bad that iv been to er about five times since being let out of hospital.
iv now been to doctors and his given me some
temp medication for them i woke up yesterday
thinking the whole day. i had a nervous feeling in my tummy that something was going to happen to me and didnt go away till i fell asleep.
i havent taken these pills yet as i really want
to try and get out of them on my own.
i am 33 and have four lovely girls the
youngest being 12 weeks old its hard not to
worry about pe`s im dreading the day i have to come off the warfarin.its not easy but in time iv been told this gets better and the anxiety goes i cant wait till that day happens just
think positive you know the symptoms now and it dont matter if you have to have 20 trips to er if it puts your mind at rest then its worth it.

take care hope you feel better soon, x x

Hello, I am new here, and I sure wish that I was aware of this site or that it existed 3 years ago when I had my PE. I remember crying when leaving the hospital because I was afraid to be without the medical care. Immediately after I was discharged, I did all sorts of research on PEs. I am not going to sugarcoat anything for you, and the research does not say a lot positive things about the risk of future PE's and their severity. But what I do know is that you have today... my mom who is a nurse explained to me that PEs are usually diagnosed on autopsy tables. Consider what you have now as a gift and make the best use of what you have. I personally have my own bucket list. Rather than live your life in fear, it's far better to actually go out there and live it.

Hi. I totally understand where you are coming from and i think your reaction is entirely normal. I certainly felt exactly the same as you and still do sometimes - but less so these days. My P.E happened 15 months ago and i still suffer horrible anxiety not always P.E related. It is probably part of the healing process and for me coming to terms with my own mortality and how fragile life is. I think only who has had a life threatening illness can understand how it feels.

Take care and i hope that time will make it a little easier for you.

Nicola xx

I certainly understand your fears and anxiety--I have my moments as well. I have also done a great deal of research on PEs and DVTs and really don't agree that all evidence is negative. There is a higher risk of reoccurence, but almost all reoccurence is not a severe PE or DVT. We know our bodies now and there is no doubt that every one of us will be diligent in staying on top of things and getting things checked out. With that being said, we will all have to learn to live life to the fullest and just throw that anxiety to the side. I always think that I would hate to be a 90 year old woman thinking back on my life and realizing that I spent a good portion of it being anxious about illness/dying/etc. There are so many new medicines on the horizon. We will all just have to be careful about staying away from hormones and make sure to get heparin injections before flying or surgeries.

I hope that you are doing great today. I know that this all really stinks--for lack of a better word :)

Nancy

Are you taking Warfarin or Coumadine. This will take care of your blood clot for you to NOT worry about it. this medications will thin out your blood prevented a bood clot again. Is this helping for you. Let me know. If you understanding what I am talking about. take care . Love and heart. Luci