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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Pulmonary Embolism
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Pulmonary Embolism
by Evelyn__0__0, Jun 30, 1998 12:00AM
I have had pulminary embolism twice. The first occured after a burst
ectopic pregnany, the second, recently, just happened. I was maning
my own art exhibition for three weeks, which meant sitting on a gwad
awful chair for hours, six days a week. I experienced deep calf pain
during this time. (ignored, ofcourse), then a couple of weeks later-
the problem. My question is- should I have long term treatment on
warfarin. If so, how long? Should it be for life?
I would really appreciate any imformation.
Thank you
Evelyn Dillon
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Dear Evelyn:
Yours is a difficult question. You certainly seem to be at risk for developing blood clots in certain settings (prolonged immobilization, surgery, pregnancy). I suspect you have an underlying clotting disorder that you may have inherited. There are blood tests (some of which are quite new) that can detect many [not all] of these disorders. A hematologist (a doctor that specializes in bleeding and clotting disorders) could order these tests and, depending on the results, advise you on the risks and benefits of lifelong coumadin therapy. This would be the most scientific way to proceed (and what I would suggest).
Alternatively, some doctors would say that you have already had two pulmonary emboli. A pulmonary embolus is a serious, life-threatening event. The next event could be fatal. Therefore, they would prescribe lifelong coumadin.
I wish you the best of luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
ectopic pregnany, the second, recently, just happened. I was maning
my own art exhibition for three weeks, which meant sitting on a gwad
awful chair for hours, six days a week. I experienced deep calf pain
during this time. (ignored, ofcourse), then a couple of weeks later-
the problem. My question is- should I have long term treatment on
warfarin. If so, how long? Should it be for life?
I would really appreciate any imformation.
Thank you
Evelyn Dillon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Evelyn:
Yours is a difficult question. You certainly seem to be at risk for developing blood clots in certain settings (prolonged immobilization, surgery, pregnancy). I suspect you have an underlying clotting disorder that you may have inherited. There are blood tests (some of which are quite new) that can detect many [not all] of these disorders. A hematologist (a doctor that specializes in bleeding and clotting disorders) could order these tests and, depending on the results, advise you on the risks and benefits of lifelong coumadin therapy. This would be the most scientific way to proceed (and what I would suggest).
Alternatively, some doctors would say that you have already had two pulmonary emboli. A pulmonary embolus is a serious, life-threatening event. The next event could be fatal. Therefore, they would prescribe lifelong coumadin.
I wish you the best of luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
