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.
Hi all-- I'm nearly 4 years out from a massive bilateral PE/DVT in 2010. I was extremely lucky to have minimal damage and to lead an active life, mostly going back to normal. However, spring is in full force and for the past few days I've been feeling light-headed, feel pain/heaviness in my chest area, congested and panicky. I attribute all this to a reaction to ambient pollen, possibly dust in my house, or other potential allergens, but the feeling of wooziness/dizziness/pain and difficulty breathing sets off panic in me.
Have any of you experienced greater sensitivity to pollen/dust/allergens since your PE, and if so, how have your systems manifested? I had discrete scarring on my lungs, so I know it's possible that I do actually have a harder time breathing when my lungs are working to filter out a bunch of excess particles. I'm trying not to freak out, but when I feel that heaviness/difficulty breathing, it triggers memories of how I felt before and in the months after my PE. Do you think seeing a doctor is warranted? It comforts me to visit this board and see what others' experiences are. Of course, once the panic sets in, some of the symptoms are heightened by my worry...
Many thanks!
Have any of you experienced greater sensitivity to pollen/dust/allergens since your PE, and if so, how have your systems manifested? I had discrete scarring on my lungs, so I know it's possible that I do actually have a harder time breathing when my lungs are working to filter out a bunch of excess particles. I'm trying not to freak out, but when I feel that heaviness/difficulty breathing, it triggers memories of how I felt before and in the months after my PE. Do you think seeing a doctor is warranted? It comforts me to visit this board and see what others' experiences are. Of course, once the panic sets in, some of the symptoms are heightened by my worry...
Many thanks!
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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.
Have you tried taking over the counter allergy meds to see if that helps. Otherwise, you can talk to your doc to see if an inhaler is warranted for the allergies.
The more you panic and get anxious about, the more you chest will feel heavy and what not. So just keep that in mind.
It's definitely good advice to check in with your doc for allergy management, especially if the breathing issues are setting off anxiety and panic. Your regular doc might have some guidance, or you might see someone who specializes in allergies specifically. Either way, best to get things under control.
Also, if you're heading outside, you might consider keeping a bandana or scarf over your nose and mouth. It might help keep some of the breathing issues at bay.
Good luck and hope the season soon ends.