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 signed up a while ago but haven't felt like putting myself out there. I had my PE on December 8th 2017. I was alone and it was the scariest thing I have ever had to go through. I had to fight to stay concious and to get to the phone. I didn't know what was going on at the time. I keep getting told how lucky I am but I don't feel that way. I'm always scared about dying now. Any time I feel something different or I feel a little off my mind goes directly for PE. I don't know how to get past it. I don't have anyone to talk to about it because they don't understand. From what I remember is that I had no quality blood pressure with a bilateral PE. I was rushed to one emergency room and stabilized then rushed to a specialty hospital and given TPA. I really hate things after going through this as I feel out of sync. I hope this will help because the meds for anxiety and depression are not fully helping.
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Look at what my best friend did with my picture!
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We all have 24 hours in a day. How we spend these hours is important. Watching a little bit of a video about how sitting affects us made me aware of how much sitting and laying down I do. Gonna have to work on that.Your turn. Tell me another truth.
You are not alone in feeling the way you do. And, you're right--people around us, our loved ones, don't understand because we look and act normal. I think anxiety & depression touches all of us to one degree or another, because let's face it--we've been through something scary and survived. But, the worst is now over. We're on meds and we trust they work. Little by little, our bodies heal, life returns to normal, a "new" normal, but we take our pills and live our lives.
I had my PE 1/18 and I'm a big worrier. I still worry about any little pain that pops up. I've been to ER twice in one month. But, I've noticed when I ruminate about symptoms and obsessively read up on blood clots online, I get even more stressed and anxious. Now, I visit PE forums, but I spend most of my time doing whatever I can to stay healthy & happy. Eating right, exercising (daily walks for now) and staying hydrated. That's all we can control. The medicine is doing it's job--preventing clots from forming and causing problems. I feel more relieved & protected now that I'm on an anticoagulant and I'm getting my life back. I take one day at a time, but I make future plans. You'll get there, as we all will in time. Best of luck.
I am the opposite of you. Not a worrier in fact staff at hospitals have yelled at me for not coming in sooner. Now there is something you do not have happen everyday.
I too was alone in fact I lived alone until just a few months ago. But out here in SoCal rent is outrageous so my friend who helped with me thru many things we got a 2 bedroom place together. Not saying this is best for all but he saw me thru 2 times in hospital for a week each time.
Anyway what I was going to suggest is seeing if you have a hobby that has a group meeting or take a class at a community college something in the arts it can be a great way to relieve anxiety.
I also have my religion and church that too is a blessing for me.
I am glad you took the time to write .
I did have a roommate but that person was toxic. I had back surgery prior to the PE and had to depend on my sister for help. I also spent the majority of my time alone. I feel like I've isolated myself not wanting to bother others. I did love to crochet but haven't felt much like doing anything I loved. I have to wait until fall to start classes. I just feel so detached.
I know the heart stuff is a bit scary but be aware that most of the time it does clear up on its own once the body has healed.
I hope you can find some meditation or modified youtube yoga or even plain old breathing exercises or petting a pet to help shortcircuit the anxiety feedback loop.
Do not give up there are good people out there. And sometimesveven though we do not like to we need to ask and let others help.
That has been a big lesson for me. I have always been the one helping others.
Keep up positive thoughts and you may have to stat with short walks slowly increasing in length that might be a way to start.
You are in my prayers.