I wanted to get back to normal asap, so went back to work after a 1 1/2 weeks, then did slightly reduced hours for a couple more. After that was pretty much normal full time, with an occasional day off if I overdid it, which I did a lot. It was exhausting, but felt SO good to be busy & not think about being sick.

I was only on Warfarin, so can't speak to Eliquis.

I took about 6 weeks off exercise beyond to & from work, errands etc. Then I started slowly & worked my way up to my usual regime, again to just feel normal & help my lungs/leg recover. On top of working, I was pooped, but I was on a mission to get my life back to what it was.

In the beginning I was so focused on recovering, it didn't hit me emotionally until later on, then I had some tough times, & found that part was much worse to deal with than the physical symptoms.

If it helps, I'm over 5yrs out now, & perfectly fine (albeit a couple of minor reminders here & there), so push yourself when you can, step back when needed, & don't be afraid to seek help to cope. This is a nasty illness where on the outside you look ok, but inside you are really sick, & no-one really understands that unless they have been there. Please know it will get better in time, so hang in there. :)

Moolar -
Thanks for the response. It is all overwhelming because I am a healthy 47 year old. This is only 2nd time in my whole life I have been to the ED - last time was when I was 12. I saw the hematologist today and she said I could go back to work even thought my blood pressure was high and I told her I got tired easily. She would not approve any FMLA. I get short of breath at times. She kept saying it was a "small" PE. It's frustrating because I felt like I wasn't heard at all. It's been 1 week since I was in the ED. I guess I'll see how tomorrow goes.

Do you have regular sick leave or short term disability benefits you could use?

I had applied for our EIB (extended illness bank) but the hematologist said I was fine to go back to work bc it was a "small" PE. I am extremely frustrated that I feel like the physicians aren't listening to me about my shortness of breath and tiredness. I guess I will see how today goes.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get your short term disability approved?

Being emotional and having anxiety is totally normal. We all had it. As far as Eliquis, I had terrible side effects on it. Mostly chest and joint pain.

Thanks. I went back to work Thursday and Friday. I saw the hematologist on Wednesday and she cleared to go back to work. I work as RN and know intellectual that I'm on blood thinners but I still find myself wondering if there is another clot somewhere. I did make myself go to the gym and walk on the treadmill and do some very light weights.

How long did it take people to get over the emotional part? It kind of freaks me out that sometimes I will just start crying for no apparent reason. I'm never sick and haven't had any major illness so this is all new to me.

I am now 2.5 years out since my PE. Like you, I was ready to jump back in to work as soon as I was out of the hospital. I'm not sure what you mean by "emotional part". The experience was an eye-opener in regards to paying attention to my body. I'm a bit more "aware" of aches and pains as well as shortness of breath (onset of a cold or allergies). I have occasional twinges or a dull ache over my heart...likely attributed to the right ventricle damage that continues to repair itself. I also have regular check-ups with my doctor (and have had 3 post-PE CAT scans to monitor my lungs). However, I am now more grateful for every healthy day I have and try to remain active. My best advice is simply to take one day at a time. Your breathing will continue to improve. If something doesn't feel right...get to your doctor.

The emotional part will get better, it just takes time. I was the same way, very emotional for what I thought was no reason. But there is a reason. It's scary, you suddenly think about your mortality. But like the above commenter said, it makes you more grateful for every day, and appreciate things more. Keep a smile on your face and take it one day at a time

Thank you for all the encouragement. Sometimes, it just hits me. I am seeing an internist tomorrow and hopefully, he will more willingly to listen to my concerns and questions. I'm so thankful that is was caught and I am so more appreciative of my health.

Do any of you take Eliquis? It seems like I have been getting headaches.

Obxbeachgal, I was incredibly healthy before this, never got colds even, so it was a total shock to get that ill. I did have intermittent FMLA, but didn't use it that much, (because I'm stubborn), but it was nice to know it was there if/when I needed it. The emotional part was being aware of my mortality for the 1st time ever, & because it showed me how quickly things can change! On a daily basis it was taken care of in a few months as I had educated myself a lot, it was when I was traveling it was the worst. Took a lot longer to get over that, but I love traveling too much to quit.

Today I found out that I have a Factor 5 Leiden mutation. Who knew? Supposedly it is only 1 copy. Anyone know anything about this?

Hi there. I have two copies FVL. I didn't have any clotting issues till age 61, when after a 13 hour drive, I ended up with bilateral PEs. My understanding is that it's the most common of the genetic
thrombophilias. My mom had 2 DVTs in her later years. My Dad never did experience any clotting issues, even though he had several orthopedic surgeries and cancer, both of which increase risk of clotting. Neither one knew they had FVL.
Here's a link to more info. https://www.genome.gov/15015167/learning-about-factor-v-leiden-thrombophilia/

Thanks for the great info. I'm going to read it today.

With your FVL, you should probably continue your blood thinners for a longer time, But its totally worth it i believe to avoid a second episode of DVT or PE as these attacks definitely do some irreparable damage to our bodies.
I hope you feel better from your PE now. For one month you should be more watchful and then it can get better to normal. Have a greater focus on your health than your work or anything else.
I was back to work after 5 weeks because i had both knee surgery and DVT nd PE as its resulting complication. Exercise i started after a couple of months again because of the knee surgery as i was scared and the knee could get painful and still it does. now i do more cycling and swiming in specific. and my breathing seems affected becoz of PE but its getting better.
i m on xarelto so cannot comment on your blood thinner but your body will get used to it dont worry.
The emotional part is normal and i think it takes the longest to cope with. Exercising and keeping ourselves busy do help us overcome it though.

Thanks for the great info. I really appreciate all of you reaching out to me.
It's nice to know other people have experienced the same things I am going through.