Pulmonary Embolism

[MrTiTo1001]

QUESTION: According to research studies, what is my prognosis - of particular interest to me is knowing what is the likelihood of PE recurring?

BIO:

AGE: 40
SEX: MALE

PAST DIAGNOSIS: Erythema Multiforme, Recurrennt HSV, HTN, Allergic Rhinitis, Migraine, Benign Systolic Heart Murmur, Depression.

PAST SURGERY: NONE
FAMILY Hx: Hyperlipidemia, HTN, Cardiovascular Dsease, Prostate cancer.

MEDS: Plendil, Effexor, Acyclovir, Prednisone, Atarax, Warfarin, Flonase, Triamcinolone Cream, Imitrex.

BACKGROUND:

Thanks for your time. I recently collapsed, spending 1 week in hospital (telemetry and Med-Surg).

I was diagnosed with : Bi-lat P. E. in segmental pulmonary artery branches to the lower lobes, and in the right main pulmonary artery, including the bifurcation and extending into the bifurcation of the right main pulmonary artery. Wedge shaped area in the posterior aspect of the right middle lobe is indicative of infarct. Right Pleural effusion and bibasilar areas of consolidation may also represent infarct.

Also, doppler studies of legs showed: persistent occlusive DVT of left popliteal vein.

I'm now home and currently managed on Warfarin, analgesia and anti-embolus stockings.

I have no previous history of DVT or PE - MD's are baffled to the cause (still pending some lab results, but as of yet, all bloodwork is relatively normal).  

Hope you can help - look forward to your response.

Tim

[Sami2004]

Hi Tim my name is Samantha. I had a PE when I was 16 years old and pregnant my PE came from my pregnacy. I am now 20 but I am still scared to death that it will return one day. I went to a blood specialist and he couldn't even tell me why this occured. Other doctor's have told me that it will prolly never happen again but hey i was 1 in every 100,000 women that got it I wish the best for you and it does help ease the mind when you go get a check up and a second opinion.

[caregiver222]

Whoa, Nelly. Let's not become a hypochondriac. A pulomonary embolism can occur in a normal healthy person who is a bit dehydrated and sits in the same position on a trans atlantic flight. The chances of this happening again are slim to non-existent. On the other hand, a pulomonary embolism can result from a number of other events. A pulmonary embolismis dangerout and life threatening, but they tend to disappear over time and become reabsorbed into the blood. Go see your family physician, and if that doesn't satisfy you, get a referal to a specialist for a second opinion.

[borninquisitive]

I don't know the answer (stats) other than to to say that my Uncle had one in his 30's, he is now in his 80's and hasn't had another.

Best to you!

[vriss]

I will not even attempt to try to pretend that I understand all of your symptoms and problems, but I do want to tell you that I wish you very much care and luck in dealing with your health problems.  I hope you feel better very soon.  Vicki T