42 year old male. I was released from hospital July 4 after suffering multiple bilateral PEs. My symptoms were only shortness of breath and feeling as if I were at altitude and, like many others, I was misdiagnosed for several weeks with asthma, pnuemonia, bronchitis, etc etc. MY GP sent me for a full cardiac workup (perfectly healthy) and a pulmonology workup. Ironically, on the morning I presented to the ER with severe pain on breathing, my GP said my CBC was absolutely perfect, and my pulmonologist said my lungs were fine (spirometer test = 95%, 02 sat = 99%). And that the pain in my side was just a pulled muscle from coughing.

4 days in the hospital, one of which was extremely painful. Took the next week off work but I went back to the ER a week after discharge with tachycardia and SOB, spent another night in the hospital.

They are not able to find a DVT, but my hematologist said that's common, especially with the time between onset of symptoms and the diagnosis. All the ultrasounds, cancer screen, and some blood tests have been negative. Turns out the hospital tested Factor V and AT 3, but did the wrong tests, so I am waiting for those, along with Factor VIII and antiphsopholipids.

And after (and depending on the results), just continue on the coumadin for 6 months. If everything is negative the thought is to test D Dimer at 6 months, then stop coumadin, and re test at 2 and 4 weeks. If there is a jump in D Dimer, back on the rat poison.

This is been very tough. I am sure many of you know. I got into triathlons a few years back to get in shape, and spent 10-12 hours training a week, both as training and as a social thing. Completed an ironman last November, and a half ironman just last May 2, just 20 days before the PE started. Now I am riding the couch and scared to do anything more than walk. I told my wife I feel like an invalid. She kind of understands, and tries, but I don't think you can really understand this without going through it. It doesn't help that I go to many docs offices and the coumadin clinic where there are truly people in bad medical straits (well, visible medical traits), where mine is so well hidden.

I know, I should be happy to be alive, blah blah. But I am afraid that I will not be able to do all the things I used to, the stuff that really gave my life meaning outside of work. Triathlons, cycling, diving, skiing, snowboarding, traveling, everything seems to be off limits. All my friends are out training and enjoying their lives, while my life has been turned on its head.

Hopefully there's a light at the end of the tunnel.