I am new here and pretty new to dealing with PE. My diagnosis happened when I went to the ER for chest and arm pain. I had the standard work up of blood and then a chest xray and then they wanted a CT with contrast. The diagnosis was small blood clots in the lower left lung. Needless to say I was confused and unsure about what was happening and of course why. A generic explanation was given to me including the need for me to be admitted. I was told they would administed Heparin via the IV and would see another doctor in the morning. However the Heparin was changed to 10 mg of Lovenox once a day. The goal was between 2.0 and 3.0 .Day one was 1.2. Day 2 was 1.7 at which time the dosage was reduced to to 7.5. Day 3 finally 2.5 and I was able to go home. While in the hosital an ultra sound was done on my legs to confim or rule out a blood clot in my leg. There was no indication of a blood clot in my leg so I was told the PE may have been caused because of a previous breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I am waiting on results of a more detailed blood work up that was sent out to determine possible genetic cause/reason given I do not know my familiy history as my paretns are no longer with us. So I was told to take 5 mg of Coumadin/Warfin once a day, avoid all green leafy vegetables, and see my doctor. My husband already had my appointment made before I was discharged.

A couple days later I was at my doctors office and he was very good with informing me of how all of this works. Over the past few weeks my blood has been from 3.8 to 1.6. My doctor told me to eat a typical diet reffering to including the leafy green vegetables I would normally eat. We are trying to regulate the Coumadin/Warfin.

Right now I am on the low side at 1.6 and I am a bit nervous. I am scheduled to have surgery in 9 days and was told to stop the Coumadin/Warfin 5 days before surgery. I have already contacted my surgeons office and they are agreeing to my doctors recommendations. I have been cleared for surgery. EKG is normal, BP is great, no signs of illness at all. Labs are pending. My doctror has ordered a shot of Lovenox be given in recovery and I am to start the Coumadin/Warfin the next day. My dose has been adjusted for when I resume and I will have my bllod checked 4 days after the surgery to see where my numbers are.

I am not sure about having the surgery with numbers like this. This is to be the last surgery after a long 6 years of surgeries that originally started with a breast cancer diagnosis and then repeated attempts at reconstuctive surgery. Please understand this is not about vanity, it is about me finally being able to move on. Closing this chapter to resume a new normal. I know this last part maybe a little TMI but I felt it important to include for the reason of the surgery.

I am just so confused about this. I don't think my doctor would have cleared me for surgery if he thought there would be an increased risk. I had simlar feeling right before the last surgery but that was before all the issues with PE. Just needed to write this and talk with people a simlar way.

Thanks for allowing me to do this. I look forward to being a part of the group and welcome sharing and comments.

Jen