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.
At now 5 months out, but starting at around the 4 month mark, I feel worse than ever?? I know this has been discussed before so I am not alone, but talk about frustration! Not to mention the anxiety. WOW! I have not even been able to come to this site the anxiety had gotten so bad! But let me start over....
Starting in July or so, I had an increase in chest pain, SOB, and fatigue. I attributed all of that to the oppresive heat and humidity. But worse than all of that is the dizziness I seem to have so much. That was my first symptom when I had the PE, and within 20 minutes of that, being rushed to the hospital. So, when I start feeling even slightly faint, I panic. And that is what happened mid July. One huge panic attack. My daughter (17) called 911 and on the way to the hospital, I was sure this was it... I was dying. I couldn't breathe despite my oxygen levels being fine, chest pain and so on. I started shaking uncontrolably and muscles started cramping. I had no idea a panic attack could bre so awful and painful! They admitted me for the night to be safe, but boy did I feel silly after!
My INR has been within range for a few months now, so you would think that would help alleviate some of the stress! I do go to therapy, and that has really helped. I just wonder why it all of a sudden got so much worse?? I am not on meds. (for anxiety) simply because I really don't like the wat they make me feel. However, at this point, they seem to be the lesser of two evils for me.
I also think perhaps I need to show my family and friends this site. They are ALL so so supportive, but at the same time, I am not sure they can really understand it all. In terms of what peole continue to feel and deal with after a PE.
I know this probably should have been a journal entry, but felt the need to be a bit more public with it. Thanks for listening!!
Starting in July or so, I had an increase in chest pain, SOB, and fatigue. I attributed all of that to the oppresive heat and humidity. But worse than all of that is the dizziness I seem to have so much. That was my first symptom when I had the PE, and within 20 minutes of that, being rushed to the hospital. So, when I start feeling even slightly faint, I panic. And that is what happened mid July. One huge panic attack. My daughter (17) called 911 and on the way to the hospital, I was sure this was it... I was dying. I couldn't breathe despite my oxygen levels being fine, chest pain and so on. I started shaking uncontrolably and muscles started cramping. I had no idea a panic attack could bre so awful and painful! They admitted me for the night to be safe, but boy did I feel silly after!
My INR has been within range for a few months now, so you would think that would help alleviate some of the stress! I do go to therapy, and that has really helped. I just wonder why it all of a sudden got so much worse?? I am not on meds. (for anxiety) simply because I really don't like the wat they make me feel. However, at this point, they seem to be the lesser of two evils for me.
I also think perhaps I need to show my family and friends this site. They are ALL so so supportive, but at the same time, I am not sure they can really understand it all. In terms of what peole continue to feel and deal with after a PE.
I know this probably should have been a journal entry, but felt the need to be a bit more public with it. Thanks for listening!!
I know I should also take some comfort in the fact that I now know what to look for, but honestly I no longer trust myself! I have gotten to the point that I really hate being alone, scares me.
Right after it happened, and for the next few months, I was just so graeful to be alive that any anxiety was kept in check for the most part. As I started not feeling well again though, the tables turned.
So in a nutshell, that is where my anxiety comes from. :o)
For me, the anxiety was the worst part of recovery because it never really really goes away if that makes sense.
I had an idiopathic PE in July of 2009 and am on Coumadin for life.
My only symptom was shortness of breath on exertion. My doctor ran the CT scan "just to rule out a clot".
I thank God everyday for my doctor. I used to be on the "why" hunt for an explanation, so to speak. I then realized that I will probably never know, and doctors have told me that too. And that was actually adding to the anxiety. I try my hardest now to think about how I am feeling if I have a pain or a little SOB before going into full-blown panic mode.
I doesn't always work. It is a process. I think for me the fact that it was so out of the blue, no risk factors, etc.
I just remember laying in the hospital bed thinking about my daughter. She was 5 at the time. I lost my mom when I was 30 and I still have a hard time. I didn't want to leave her. I thought about her and God. And my mom. I knew I wanted to see her again but not this soon! I was 36.
Long story short, it can happen to anybody. I try to raise awareness now. I am not the "why me" type. I am more of the worry wart type that keeps thinking that it will happen again. But I have to trust in my doctor, in myself and my God that he has a plan and I have to live each day to the fullest, not in fear of dying.
I thought to myself one day, if I am on constant high alert, constant fear of dying, that is not living. I need to enjoy my daughter and my husband and my family.
Sorry for the rant. I am starting a new job soon and going back to school.
Take care, MJM
I try to keep telling myself just as you said... to live in fear every day is not living. I want to enjoy it, not constantly worry. On the outside, I am such a laid back person, but on the inside... oh boy! I also keep telling myself that I need to think of my kids, 17 and 12, and worrying all the time takes away from everything with them. All easier said than done though.
I think I am starting to get a bit anxious about possibly coming off coumadin as well. From what I have read, there seem to be two schools of thought if there is no known cause. One, you become a lifer because you simply don't know. Two, come off it as soon as the alloted time is up. My doctor (primary) is of the later it seems. For me, I would rather have the risks associated with the meds than the risk of clotting again.
All the very best.
Good luck.
I have noticed on the more humid days (which is all we seem to have lately!) I hurt a lot more.
Hugs
Ferr