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.
Thanks for all the replies to my first post. I am only one week out from the PE event. And, actually, I have been sob for about 4 months prior to them figuring out what was going on. So, I guess I shouldn't be surprised this is hitting me harder. Yesterday, was not a good day. The pain was coming back. However, I have to admit I did a few things around the apartment that I probably shouldn't have. So many things are becoming more clear, now that I have a diagnosis. The one thing that is the most bothersome to me is people saying "you are one lucky lady". I really don't want to be reminded that I could have died. Along with this latest development I have congestive heart failure, a stent, asthma and kidney disease. I didn't need one more diagnosis and one more "illness". I want to say "enough". I'm going through the "why me". As far as being tied to INR testing. So far, not a problem. I did my first test at the lab and the doctor told me wait 2 weeks for my next one. I am lucky in that the lab is right down the street from where I work. Now, just need to find the best time to go. This time I had to wait 1-1/2 hours and I have NO patience. Even though I'm supposed to be "taking it easy".
I'm there with you in being tired of being told how lucky I am. Colleagues and friends kept saying it, and it just made me feel worse. I still have the "why me's" and I'm 2 months out. I'm thinking I might need to see someone (therapist) to deal with that and all the other head stuff. So, I think what you're going through is "normal." It sounds like you're getting things under control, and being careful about what you do. Hang in there and keep posting!
KS
You're only a week out, so the exhaustion might be around for a while. I only really got it when I pushed too hard (which was a lot in the beginning) and it did start to recede once I got further out from diagnosis.
As for the lab, I can totally understand that! I've had waits that long at my old lab too. I usually tried to get there either before they opened (although I was still sometimes third or fourth in line) or tried to go in the afternoon mid-week. They told me they are always busier in the morning because everyone who has been fasting all night comes in to get blood work. Give them a call and see if they can suggest the less busy times for you to come in for a draw.
Best wishes!