Glad you found this site, as all the posters here have been there, young, old & somewhere in between. It’s really scary in the beginning, as there is not a lot of post PE information out there, & I spent hours trying to find out information on what to expect next. This site was a life saver as there’s a lot of information from people in the same boat. Reality is, you are going to be tired a lot, & feel like crap right now, but little by little it will improve. This is not an illness like a cold where you are better in a few days, it takes a lot longer, so just take one day at a time & cut yourself some slack, & definitely “hang in there” :)

Thank you for responding. I will take your advice, learn to take a day at a time. I appreciate your encouragement.

Hi! I just turned 67 this year and a couple of weeks before my birthday in June, I was also diagnosed with P.E, I understand how you may be feeling because this is one scary illness. Went to the E.R. several times with chest, upper back. and rib pain. Drs. dismissed it as anxiety and panic attacks, but I knew there was something else going on. Finally, a lady doctor made some additional tests and found the clots in both of my lungs. They can't be operated and I am limited as to what pain medications I can use. Drs. have told me that it will take time to recover, but I would have to learn to manage my pain, because it doesn't go away. I will tell you what I tell myself, don't allow yourself to become consumed with worry. Take care of yourself. Try to exercise every day. I walk my dogs every morning and go to gym 3 times a week. Eat healthy and keep a positive attitude. You are not alone.

I feel blessed to have found this site. Sorry that you are having pain with your P.E. This certainly is a scary illness. I'm thinking more about taking care of myself and trying not to worry. I will be starting Pulmonary Rehab next week. I'm looking forward to it. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Most helpful!

Good Evening Lucy,

I just joined, and know very little regarding the 'hows,whats,and why's of this group. I was diagnosed January 15th, 2015. What a life changer... I am younger than you said you are, but I have been through a lot in the past 2.5 years. If you need advice, I might be able to help.. . And maybe not, but I can try.
I joined myself today, as the last few days have been troubling, (health wise) and today from a wound in my leg, a clot came out.
I am fearful and I will call my doctor tomorrow.
Back to you. Ask and I will tell you if I know. If I don't, I'll tell that

I will keep you in my prayers and respond if you would like.
Swanone ☺

Hi Swanone, I'm new too, but the responses have been very helpful. This fatigue is supposedly "normal," as well as shortness of breath. I hope you were able to resolve the issue with the clot from your leg. I will pray for you as well. Lucy

The fatigue is real, I would wash dishes & feel like I just ran a marathon & need to take a rest afterwards! I also could sleep a good 12 hours without waking up once, when sleeping 3-4 hours at a time is my norm. It was actually the best sleep I'd ever had, & I knew it was my body just healing itself. Worst part is, you don't look ill, so people don't understand how you really feel inside.

Light and healing to you

Chante2017 - Pray that you will experience the same.

Had a lung function test prior to starting pulmonary rehab, results showed diagnosis of asthma. Now . . . asthma and P.E. I'm using two inhalers. How much can these 77 year old lungs endure?? Just venting.

Sorry to hear that lucyharp, when it rains it pours sometimes doesn't it! I read that having asthma may increase the risk of a PE, but didn't see anything on the other way around, but I suppose it could happen. I don't know how healthy you were prior to this, but sounds like your lungs are hanging in there regardless, so don't under estimate their strength. :) I hope the medicines will make you feel better soon, & do try to stay active somehow, even if just a little walk here & there, as it will help with healing. The early days of this illness is really tough, but it does get better, so try to stay positive, & always come here when you need to vent. Hugs.

Thank you, moolar, I needed that. I did have some health issues prior to my P.E. diagnosis, but nothing involving my lungs. I have resolved to deal with it, stay as active as I can and keep moving. Hugs and Hope!

Happy Labor Day, friends! Is anyone dealing with fatigue and depression? P.E. is really a complicated condition. I'm still experiencing heart palpitations as well as occasional shortness of breath. Trying to hang in here.

I'm 51 and had my 3rd bout with PEs in April, though these were VERY large and profuse this time, and I also Had ansplenic infarct ( clot passed through heart to spleen) as well as a DVT. I just want to encourage you. PE recovery is complex., and it is not linear. I still have up and down days. I try to review recovery as an arc,...if I am making progress over all with strength, then I am making progress even though some days are much better than others with energy, mood, stamina. I learned from reading that a PE can cause anxiety and emotional stress- it literally affects your. Body like a warning signal. Fatigue is normal as you recover, of you haven't had blood work recently, you might also get vitamin D levels and iron levels checked-- mine were both low recently and that can contribute to fatigue. Depression can also be a part of recovery, or of the emotions and fear and trauma experienced from the clots. Please, PLEASE share those feelings with your doctor as well. They can provide help with counseling or medication, even temporarily. Being able to speak to someone like a counselor about how you are feeling about what happened as well as how you are feeling physically, without having to censor what you are saying can be very helpful. I will be praying with you for your complete recovery.

jmb02- thank you so much for that wealth of information. I will look into speaking with a counselor. I really want to feel better. Sounds like you've been through quite a battle. You have come through with a positive attitude.
I will also pray for health and wholeness for you as well. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with me.