Pulmonary Embolism

[slaught]

Last week I was diagnosed with several pulmonary embolism after having shortness of breath and pressure in the middle of my chest.  I was given a CT Scan at the emergency room.  I've been on Lovenox injections and Coumadin since last Saturday.  I was released from the hospital last Sunday and have been giving myself the Lovenox injections.  I started on 10mg of Coumadin a day and after my first blood test it was changed to 15 mg.  After my second blood test, PT, my Coumadin was lowered to 5 mg a day.  I'm scheduled to have another blood test today.  Does the lower dosage mean I'm closer to therapeutice level of Coumadin?  Last night I started feeling "funny" in my chest.  It wasn't pain, but it feels like my heart is beating harder after activity and sometimes without activity.  My PEs are the result of surgery I had to repair a ruptured achilles tendon.  I guess I didn't move around enough right after the surgery, but my directions were activity as tolerated, whatever that means.  What are the chances of me having a reoccurence since I have a good idea what caused the PE in the first place?  I'm bruised up pretty bad from the Lovenox shots.  How long does it take for the bruising to go away and is there anything I can do to speed it along?  Thanks for your help.

[slaught]

I saw my doctor for a follow up after the diagnosis of pulmonary embolisms.  He said I had multiple small clots.  My first four blood tests showed the Coumadin was in the therapeutic range with scores of 2.4, 2.2 and 2.3.  My last blood test showed my score had dropped to 1.5.  I was told to take 10 mg for one day and then go back to 5 mg daily.  I told the nurse what I had eaten the past week and she didn't think there was anything I ate that should have caused a drop like that.  What could have caused such a significant drop in my PTT score?  After recovering from the surgery, what could cause another clot to form?  My doctor said the "funny feeling" I had in my chest is probably due to anxiety I'm feeling from the whole situation.  He said if it were something more what I was feeling probably wouldn't go away after a while.  I'm hoping this week's test will put me back within 2-3.

[National Jewish]

The lower dosage does mean you

[star queen]

Coumadin and Lovenox are blood thinners.  One of the side effects is bruising.  Depending on the blood and your body's health will depend on how soon the bruises go away.  Your blood tests being lower may indicate a balance and may indicate too low.  The doctor will explain the results to you at the time of your visit.  I suggest you write your symptoms and questions down on paper and ask your doctor so that nothing is left out or forgotten. good lluck

[cdausman]

I feel that those are questions you should be asking your doctor. Don't be hesitant. Your life depends on your assertiveness.