I've had the same problems. Since December '12 when I had my PEs, I've been on oxygen; at first all the time, then later and now just at night and when I exercise. When I lie down to take a nap without oxygen, my O2 levels go down to 82 to 85. While I'm up they stay around 92-96. I live at high altitude (7500ft) so that might have something to do with it, but my doctor said that it takes time for lungs to reroute around the clots and/or encapsulate and dissolve them, even as much as a year. I had massive clots that blocked the arteries in my right lung. I get frustrated that it's taking so long to heal, but on the other hand, I'm lucky to be alive.

The way I look at it is that the oxygen machine is helping preserve my heart, to keep it from becoming oxygen deprived and damaged. I'll use it until I'm no longer in danger.

Talking can be very taxing on oxygen levels as can any kind of activity. Using a portable oxygen machine at work might be a good idea. Trying to push through the SOB isn't doing your body any favors and isn't going to make your healing any faster.

After feeling ok for two weeks without oxygen, it seems odd that you'd have a relapse- is the only thing that's different the amount of talking?

I haven't had this exact situation, since I never used oxygen during my recovery, but I did have many times where I had just pushed myself too hard to get back to normal and wound up with increased SOB and exhaustion for a few days.

I mean, I had no pain when diagnosed. I was recovering well and felt pretty pleased with myself that I hadn't had the pain and exhaustion that most folks on here had dealt with. I was back at work, slowly increasing my work day from four hours to a full ten.

About a month out from diagnosis, I trotted across my workplace to get back to a customer quickly. Jogging for like 50 feet or so. Almost immediately, I started a downhill slide. SOB, exhaustion. Two hours later, my boss said I looked like I was going to pass out and he sent me home. By the time I got home (less than 5 minutes), I was so exhausted I was crying. It took 2-3 days on the couch sleeping and resting to really feel better.

I had bouts like that on and off for the first 11 months of recovery. I'd be doing really well and suddenly I just pushed too hard and my body couldn't take it and I had to do a couple days of R&R to really get back to where I was.

I know it seems like talking is a tiny thing compared to everything else going on, but maybe it is just the straw that broke the camel's back for your body. You're clearly still healing and all the talking is just a little too much. It is totally frustrating to have that "two steps backwards" feeling, but it seems to be a common part of recovery for most of us. Give yourself permission to take it easy for a day or so, and then try again. Over time, the bad will come less often and for less time... and the good days will increase.

And hey, if you need the oxygen again for a while, so what? It's just a tool to give your body as much help as possible and make sure you recover as well and as quickly as possible. Hang in there!

I'm 7 months into my recovery and I still deal with SOB. And, yes, talking is one of the major triggers. I think it's because, while we talk, we do not breathe as deeply.

I have multi-chemichal sensitivity and we have a lot construction going on in our building. Added to that, the heating/ventilation system has been crazy heratic since they "upgraded" it last year. Earlier this week, the AC wasn't working and the temperature on our floor was is the 90's. I would talking with a co-worker and, suddenly, would be unable to breathe and had to go out for a little while.

Needing the O2 is the best way for YOUR body to heal. Just use it as needed.

Yes, recovery is long, very long.

Extreme SOB while talking is what made me seek treatment and led to the diagnosis of my PE. I was never on oxygen. For the first few days speaking more than a few words triggered the SOB again. Gradually I could speak longer, and when the SOB would come it wouldn't be as severe. Its still occuring 2 1/2 months out, but not as often. It is worse when I have been pushing to do too much. My lungs have a different definition of 'too much' then my brain has, so I'm trying to listen to my lungs. I had planned activities this weekend, but my lungs said work last week was too stressful, so its been a weekend of rest for me. Recovery is certainly taking longer than I would have believed. I'm so happy I found this group to help me understand just how long recovery can take.

I want to thank each of you for your response & feedback --very helpful & almost made me cry ...b/c the reality, the frustration, the joy of being a survivor --alive! and the fear of ...uncertainty....

I went to my Dr Monday & got put back on O2 at work as needed when ox goes below 90%...I talk alot at work...also notice increase chest pains ....& also use ox at night again. I do see the need; when ox is in the 80's, my body really feels distressed in a terrible way.. Its just frustrating b/c I can walk all day --no probe ---but talking! sheesh! lol!

Also had INR check Monday & INR was 4.7! Think bc of antibiotics bc caught strep throat at work first week back... I'm going to refocus and consider these 'minor setbacks' & keep pressn on..

*** I thank God for each of you.... Wishing each of you the best in your journeys!