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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)

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Pulmonary Embolism - afterwards

Answered by

National Jewish -

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MedHelp Member's Question

Pulmonary Embolism - afterwards

by Naomi A, Aug 10, 2006 12:00AM

Tags: pulmonary, embolism, respiratory, clots, PTSD

Hello

I am new on here and found you as I have been researching PE's and PTSD on the web. I wondered if anyone out there was able to help.

I suffered a 'major' PE in Dec following an operation to remove my kneecap and immobility for 7 weeks in plaster - the consultants don't think I am prone to blood clots, although I have my final scan on Monday to confirm that.

My question is this - what damage or after effects, if any, is there - have I damaged my lungs or veins or anything - will I be more prone to infection or anything like that?

I will be talking to my consultant on Monday, but I often fear they don't tell you all the facts in case you worry....they didn't tell me I was having a PE until I was being infused with blood thinners and its not until a few months later I realise the seriousness of it all....

I am now worrying about it - hence PTSD research

I look forward to hearing from you.

Doctor's Answer

by National Jewish

, Aug 17, 2006 12:00AM

For the moment, put aside consideration of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to having had pulmonary emboli (PEs). Instead focus on the PEs and your ongoing risk, if any. Your "final scan" will have no bearing on determining if you are or are not prone to blood clots. To know your risk of clots now and in the future you will need to have a coagulation work-up done by a blood-clotting specialist. This is usually a hematologist with a special interest in clotting.

Member Comments (5)

by caregiver222, Aug 12, 2006 12:00AM

Here's the good news kid. In my humble opinion you are perfectly normal and will suffer no lasting effects. The biggest problem is heart damage (i.e. - an infatct). Assuming you have had normal cardiac enzymes and do not show a depressed ST on your EKG, you are in the clear. Anyone can experience such a clot from immobility, even for a few hours in an airplane. Usually the immobility is paired with dehydration to hit the magic gong. Cheer up, thank the lifeforce, and don't be concerned.

by caregiver222, Aug 12, 2006 12:00AM

I meant to spell "infarct". I had a minor stroke recently and my spelling ocasionally becomes confused.

by Naomi A, Aug 16, 2006 12:00AM

Thanks so much for your comment!

I saw the consultant on Monday too and she suggested I might be suffering from mild PTSD and therefore coming across as wary and worried about life - I am going to have a chat with someone about 'getting over it'!!

I feel much happier than I did - thanks!

by enf, Sep 07, 2006 12:00AM

I just read your comments and found them to be very informative. My partner is being released today after suffering PE plus clots in the right leg the day before planned release from the hospital after suffering a hemmoragic stroke and being on a respirator for 2 weeks. A filter was implanted on Tuesday 9/5 to help with the clots in the leg as he is not a candidate for blood thinners. The hope is that the clots in the lungs will dissolve over a period of months without causing problems. Today 9/7, he is being released from the hospital as he was able to walk about 100 feet with the aid of a walker this morning. He had been on meds to lower his BP but now it is too low 90/52 so they are being discontinued as of today. I am nervous about his release so soon after discontinuing the meds all at once and the fact that he is to be released on oxygen as his levels are too low I assume from the clots in the lungs. I will definitely request a coagulation work up when he goes to his primary care doctor next week and will try to schedule a full cardiac work up as soon as I can.

by Jami78, Jun 18, 2008 09:20AM

A related discussion, PE and anxiety disorder was started.

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