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.
Haven't posted here in a while. PEs July 2009, Coumadin for 6 months. Been off since Jan. Still get some shortness of breath/can't get a full breath, but I've had 3 d dimer tests since then, all normal. My pulmonologist is frustrated I think because of my occasional symptoms, but I think we're all so different in our presentations...
Anyway, just posting a little nervous, just booked my first post PE plane trip, and a dive vacation at that to Cozumel (also nervous about that, but cleared by the pulm.)
I was able to convince my pulm to give me a small scrip for arixtra to inject prior to the plane ride, just to give a little added protection (in addition to walking around, drinking water, etc.)
Other than that, there are several days where I feel all the way back to normal, back to all my old regular activities. I do get a little anxious, as if I am waiting for the shoe to drop, and having it all start over again. But that comes and goes.
This board has been great through the whole process.
Chris
Anyway, just posting a little nervous, just booked my first post PE plane trip, and a dive vacation at that to Cozumel (also nervous about that, but cleared by the pulm.)
I was able to convince my pulm to give me a small scrip for arixtra to inject prior to the plane ride, just to give a little added protection (in addition to walking around, drinking water, etc.)
Other than that, there are several days where I feel all the way back to normal, back to all my old regular activities. I do get a little anxious, as if I am waiting for the shoe to drop, and having it all start over again. But that comes and goes.
This board has been great through the whole process.
Chris
I am newly out of the hospital and beginning my 6 months on Warfarin. I dream of the day that like you, I can be off and feel confident enough to fly - I love to travel overseas! And your reminder regarding water and walking is always good...
Have a great time! And hope you will post when you return :) isa
Prior to the PEs I was a frequent international traveler especially Japan and Asia as well as Scandinavia, so I've been concerned about booking my first trips. Please keep in touch and let me know how it goes for you. Did they give any other advice other then stay hydrated, possibly compression socks, getting up and walking or stretching exercises every hour ect??
What did your pulm say about the arixtra prior to the plane ride? Is that needed, just precautionary...how much can that be helpful?? I have left over arixtra injections anyhow, but I never though to to use them prior to travel.
I do know what you mean about normal days and normal life and then some days I feel like i'm anxious and worried things will start up again.
I have booked my first trip in April for Southern Cali and Disneyland. Not a long plane ride only 2 hours. We'll see how that goes. I'm more nervous about an upcoming Argentina flight possibility. It's 18 hours of travel and the second flight is 10 hours straight. Which I've done easily in the past, but now i'm worried post PE.
Please let me know how it goes, i'll be curious to hear before my trips!
best wishes
-drink lots of water
-dont drink alcohol or caffeine within 24 hours of flight
-move around on the flight if possible
-dont sleep for more than 30 minutes if in the sitting position
I know these sound like they suck, but it has not been too bad. I also got an airogym which allows me to keep my feet moving the whole flight. I dont wear compression socks but just do this the whole time. Havent had a problem. This also lets me sit by the window without disrupting the others in my row by getting up all the time.
Dont know if that helps, but it puts my mind to ease by keeping hydrated and my blood flowing.
Have a good trip