The statement below is from the study referred to by the questioner. Her/his statements about this study are correct. The study that you are referring to is fairly persuasive with the demonstrated reductions of 21% of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and 28% reduction in pulmonary embolism, with even higher reduction, 40 to 49%, in women at high risk because of prior history of VTE.
The investigators suggest that Vitamin E, for secondary prevention of VTE is worthy of consideration, because of the bleeding risk and necessity of monitoring with Coumadin® (warfarin). My initial reading of the study is that a person would take one or the other but not both. The dose used in the trial was 600 IU of natural source vitamin E on alternate days.
Given the information we have, it would not be unreasonable to substitute Vitamin E for the Coumadin® (warfarin), with the caveat that studies of Coumadin® (warfarin) show that, when adequately dosed, it provides protection somewhat closer to 60%.
I suggest you discuss this with your mother's doctor.
I had a PE a few years back and found that my 02 levels did get better after time. Your mother will probably take longer given her COPD...at least that is what I think. I take coumadin, have been for 4 years now and was told not to take excessive amounts of Vit E as it will increase my bleeding times unpredictably. That study sounds interesting though....would be interesting to see what the doc says. Sunny