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.

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When should I see specialist after discharge?

Anichols381
Anichols381

I just found out I had a PE May 9 and was hospitalized until May 12.  The discharge papers told me to follow up with pulmonologist (whom I saw while in hospital) in a week.  I called the pulmonologist and their office said theres nothing in my chart about seeing them but they went ahead and made me an apt for June 13.  I just want to be sure that's a normal amount of time after being discharged to see a specialist.  I was prescribed xarelto upon discharge but dont have results of genetic tests back yet.  Also, they think mine was from birth control.  It was very large and was "killing" my right lung.  I'm just scared and dont want to die waiting for an appointment.  Thanks.

TGrove
TGrove
A hematologist is the most important. Make sure to make an appointment in the near future. Typically your pcp will also make an appointment with a cardiologist to make sure there was no heart damage. For the moment, you are fine on the blood thinner.
notsopatient
notsopatient
Basically the treatment is anticoagulants to prevent any clots getting worse while it gives your body time to break down the clot on its own like it does for any bruise. So you are already getting the full treatment for the clot itself and it's a matter of letting time do its thing. June should be fine.
Anichols381
Anichols381
I met with Primary last week and she never said anything about these other docs - probably because I told her I was supposed to see pulmonologist soon. I think I'll link back up with her and have her refer me. I'm just so frustrated feeling like I have no answers and I'm scared. Thank you so much for your reply!!

Oh! I do know that my ekg tests, and my echocardiogram were perfect, however, my BP was 196/105 with 143 heart rate when I was admitted. BP has been perfect until now - it remains low until I do anything (walk, laundry, stand a bit). So I def think it wouldn't hurt to cover all my bases. Thank you again!
notsopatient
notsopatient
Yeah you're still in the stage of healing from the trauma to your lungs. Over the next few months you should see the severity and the frequency of your physical symptoms decrease. Many people find the emotional side tougher than the physical side, think about seeing a counselor to help with strategies to manage your fear if it is affecting your life.
Anichols381
Anichols381
I ended up calling another pulmonologist in a better city where I work (Charlotte vs gastonia, NC for any familiar) and they're getting me in on Thursday morning. The way this lady spoke to me was SO different from the other office. Definitely feeling better about everything. Thank you so much for your replies - I really appreciate them!
Foxglove
Foxglove
I had multiple pe on 13February and my first follow up was on Monday 4 June and the next will be in 9 months time. Had no tests of any kind and was to!d I will have to carry on injecting myself with blood thinners for the rest of my life, not the news I was expecting!
rmb
rmb
Foxglove, what reason did your doc say anticoagulant injections were called for for the rest of your life? I’m curious why shots vs pills? Is this your first clotting event?
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