Just because you are anti coagulated, that does NOT mean your risk of a subsequent PE is zero. I have had three CT scans throughout the year, the first one showed atelectasia at the site of the embolism, but it was all gone at the 2nd and 3rd scan which they told me looked absolutely normal. I’m so fatigued and short of breath. They kept him and did a ct scan the next day where they discovered he had multiple PE and one of which was very large. It happens whether I am laying down or doing something. Unlike the first PE, IVC was placed n removed months later. thinking it was another clot because the pain was so intense and it hurt to breathe in. What do you think I should do other than bombarding the Emergency Room again with a possible false alarm? Emergency Services were called my blood pressure was 190 over 93. diagnosis, right up to the present time, I am experiencing chest pressure and tightness intermittently in the upper left side of my chest, towards the sternum. I really no nothing about all this but I know I’m really scared and nervous! I am a 28 year old female and these PEs were unprovoked, the doctors couldn’t find out why they occurred, although i believe that it was because i was smoking at the time. MEDS- Yale Medicine provides extraordinary expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism. Age 58. Everything’s good on my blood but only one thing I’m a little high on my cholesterol level that’s it. So after another 3 days in the hospital they send me home starting on Warfarin / Coumidin. Feels like you have another PE going on again. I too continue with discomfort and pain and can no longer lye on my left side. and the dreaded cta and any other form of xray. I sometimes wonder if I’m clotting even with the warfarin therapy and then after a short time, the clots are dissolving. I’m a lifer on Warfarin. I think I should see a hematologist also. He is now having anxiety, fear of death, shortness of breath, but no actual pain. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by a substance that has moved from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (). Then they ran all kinds of blood work on me. Questions about your doctor, hospital or how to navigate the health care system can be sent to AskLisa@Sunnybrook.ca. Computed tomography angiography in a young man who experienced acute chest pain and shortness of breath after a transcontinental flight. Good health otherwise blood levels ok some are just below normal. It has a few points that you may want to check. I was diagnosed with multiple clots in both my lungs. I was Immediately admitted for a overnight stay I have had every test for heart, get the D dimer test once a year. It’s very frightening, especially when it intensifies and there’s no way to know how bad it will get or how long it will last. Chest Pain. Chris, I am wanting to follow up and see how you are doing now? they sent me to the ER . Asthma. -hydromorphone I use very sparingly only when I really need it because I think that treating this with painkillers is NOT the way to go…..I worry more about being addicted! His family doctor was treating him for bronchitis and then after 4 weeks decided to get a chest X-ray which came back normal. I could run 5K, even 10K, before the clot episode. Thank you so much for posting, you gave me some relief. I too would love to discuss with people who have had a similar situation. I had a baby girl December 1st so the dr said thats probably most likely what caused the clot. Put another way, an INR of 1.8 is not acceptable, according to Dr. Geerts. So glad to find this site and read all these stories in July 2020 I became sick with headaches, fevers, chills, achy muscles, fatigue. Read more. However, you know yourself better than any one. Do your doctors think you will recover from your heart damage? Today (sun 13Jan19) ive been experiencing chest pains all day. Needless to say, I had a tough time on my mountain, felt extremely weak at some moments, and failed miserably at the mountain and also some other climbs after. I couldn’t believe it. Went to er & had suffered bi-lateral pe. I am concerned. My doctors assure me its not but you know your own body. Made myself an appointment to see a Pulmonalogist / Lung Doctor. I was sent home and told to relax. I sometimes am short of breath. I threw bilateral “very large” clots on Dec. 28th 2018. Pulmonary embolism can result in pulmonary infarction in which there is death of tissue. This blog certainly helps because others are going through the same things. It sounds like lots of people had the throbophylia gene blood test. Did you get any? Donations are tax-deductible. Finally get a room. In Feb 2002 had a real serious one, much chest pain and complete shortness of breath, ER doctor said I had strained a chest muscle. I also test positive for all 3 antibodies. Coughing blood? I have seen so many specialists and Psych’s, mental heath therapists and pain management people. This is a useful thread so thanks to all those commenting. I am functioning on Tylenol — so far. I had no previous symptoms that I was aware at the time. I am still in a great deal of pain having reduced my meds in the past weeks. The problem I suspect is that the pain is such that it absolutely creates anxiety as it feels like something is definitely wrong but the pain is the cause of the anxiety not the effect of anxiety. Thank you for your post. The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient, according to Bill Geerts, a thrombosis specialist at Sunnybrook. I always feel like there is a balloon in the middle of my chest and it does radiate to my left shoulder and my neck and sometimes is very sharp and lancinating. “It’s usually mild and there is no specific treatment for it, just time and exercise.”. I’m wondering if this could be a sign of Pulmanory Hypertension or is this normal and to be expected. How do I know this is not a new clot? So I’m taking note of the air quality and weather patterns for myself. I pretty much feel a sensation of pressure all the time. Many people don’t appear to experience these pains, but those of us who do find each other on these forums. (Complete blood panel,EKG and X-rays) and each time the hospital would discharge me because “Everything looked good” according to them, it’s your anxiety they would tell me. I am taking xarelto as well. They say I have Costochondritis. I am about 3 months out from having it and I have really bad days with this chest pressure and weakness. I’m not sure if a similar service exists in the United States. The ache turns to pain with exertion. My INR is at 3.0… its been about 2 1/2 months sense my second PE in February of 2019. I responded, “dizzy” and then passed out again. If the clot breaks loose and moves through the bloodstream, its called a venous thromboembolism (VTE) and may represent a life-threatening condition. Jeremy, No shortness of breath, or sweats, nor nausea. Let me tell you I just had an attack this night as I’m writing this to you all. Chest pain is knife-like and especially gets more severe with breathing. Lisa…….please assist me in the search for answers……Dr. My right lung was 80% blocked and my left lung close to 70% blocked. My main complaints are that when I do something that’s physically straining on my upper body (eg. I’m in pain everyday, and it’s not getting any better. Can’t help to think that if I was on blood thinners and still had the IVC filter, the 2nd bilateral Pulmonary Embolism would not have happened. Then come end of Sept 2013 with sweating and shortness of breath becoming almost unbearable, I the went to the ER , after having chemical scans and tests; pulmonary and heart……, sent on my way Oct 1 2013 from the hospital (2nd ER visit kept for observation) …the ER doc telling me to “Go home. Thanks for your comment. I have no idea what else to do, I try to live a normal life, but there are days I feel so helpless and alone. It is a complication of deep vein thrombosis. My follow up is in one week…anything come to mind on what I need to ask? I really didn’t know what was going on. Each time the hospital would take my vitals which were always normal with the exception of elevated blood pressure. Anyway, eventually she was properly diagnosed and subsequently treated at hospital for nearly 10 days. Mary, Hi I hit with pe will pain ever go? For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). It’s hard for us and hard for our loved ones too. I’m a runner… athletic…I work out and lift weights…( Not at this time) They don’t know what from. You may also have pain, redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf). I’m not so sure. Thanks for your comment. This prompted the doctor to order a CT scan of my chest. I spent 5 days in ICU and 2 days in a regular unit. Thank goodness things happened the way they did, maura! starts with pain in the middle of my back then goes through my chest and its hard to breath at times. *Rapid heart rate It must be treated quickly to be lifesaving. Other than that – nothing. The Answer: You are a very well informed patient and yet, as you have found out, the more you dig into this complex issue, there are even more questions that require answers. I also say I want my body back and wonder if and when I will feel like “ my old self” again. I’m a 46 year old female.. athletic and totally Healthy…2017 I sadly got 2 blood clots in my legs and 2 in my lungs.. After a while those shots hurt. I am really scared of a pulmonary embolism.How strong would the chest pain be?Huge pain? Im on Eliquis, 10 mg. After the year, no further symptoms, hematologist took me off Eliquis, and within 3 weeks, I got another clot in right upper lobe of lung. Is it possible to have chest pain after a tiny clot was discovered in a subsegmental artery of left lung. I have seen so many doctors: vascular surgeons, pulmonologists, cardiologists, hematologists, and urologists. Va.and would be …. This pain is far more disturbing than just normal “chest pain.” I am finding that the pain in my chest three weeks later is worse than the pain experienced the first three to four days in the hospital and the first day I was admitted I was way behind in my pain medication schedule for at least the first 12 hours. I still often have pain in my chest and upper side of my back, coughing and feeling dizzy frequently. My right ventricle was extremely enlarged from the clots. Required fields are marked *, I agree to the Healthy Debate Community Guidelines*, Interesting reading, I am in the same boat as you say. Some of these conditions are serious and life threatening. As the clot starts to disolve, the nerves begin to receive blood and work again, it could be that they are responding to the clot with pain signals. Did u travel recently? Common symptoms include unexplained dyspnea and shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, irritability, panic with a sense of impending doom, hemoptysis, cough, and palpitations. explanations? Sometimes it feels like someone is pouring hot liquid down my lung. They say clot is almost completely gone. Hi Jeanette The overwhelming feeling of passing out is frightening but if dude effect I’m ok waiting it out. You said you went to the ER last October, and it sounds like you went home without clear answers. After a new doppler scan, they found new occlusive clots. If this is a normal reaction to the PE… I can live with that for now. The pain will also deteriorate if … So, of course I am on warfarin. I was told at that point, I didn’t need to be on any blood thinners. A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in your lungs. I’ve had to go to pain management now because of the pain in my back and my chest. I hope to do the same. We need more information on post PE care because it can be scary. I think it’s time for you to book an appointment with your own doctor who should have a better understanding of your case than an ER MD. They had me in the hospital on heparin for the weekend. Take care. They also placed me on Eliquis 2x a day. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Hi Sonia, And they think because they have resolved that the patient should be back to normal! Hi. Thank God I came back negative for cancer. If not you should. Ihave known this since blood tests at 16! Pain is the body’s alert system…. Whats worrying me is that twice, including last night when I have barely slept, I have had new and relatively severe right sided chest pain, previous and ongoing pain is left sided, been unable to lie flat or deep breath, sitting up in bed still its moderate like a fist in my chest. I was told in 2017 that I had multiple extensive clots in both my lungs, I was 21 at the time and am now taking Xarelto for the rest of my life. Hi There I am quite new to PE, I was diagnosed with PE 7 weeks ago and I am now on warfarin for 6 months. DBT. The next day I show up and get my CT scan two hours later they tell me head to the hospital you have a right upper embolism on you right lung. The next day he callapsed and I took him to emerg. Or maybe I’m confused about what you wrote. Maybe that is something that’s happening to you too? Should I see a pulmonary specialist? on my right lung in Jan of 2019. Lise. I started having left side pain. Finally I got a CT scan of my chest which picked up all the multiple small clots I had in both lungs. Especially nothing the night before I collapsed. Heart problems has been rule out by several tests and angiography. It is also significant in upper left chest area and now left side of sternum. Hi Shelly I had been taking an Aqua Fit class,, for several classes,,and my thoughts that I had pulled muscles My chest pain has never went away. Due to the covid-19 pandemic I was unable to book a appointment for a in office visit with my primary care physician so I was forced to book a telemedicine appointment. Ever since the initial clot, I’ve been experiencing a lot of chest pain in the left side of my lungs. I spent 14 days in the hospital bleeding for 12 of those days and passing very painful clots from my right kidney. I have read anecdotal patient reports on the internet about post P.E. I am 2 years off the blood thinner but I still have sharp stabbing pain under my right breast constantly. I hope for the best for all of us. I am to see a pain Dr this week. I hope yours will return to normal functioning as well. Even if you had a second pulmonary embolism, there is nothing to suggest you would not survive again, as you had suggested, said Dr. Geerts. I started having PEs in 2000, I was a runner and mountain climber, had quite a few of them, doctor always said I was in great physical shape, which I was of course. Hello Larraine, Please tell me if your diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress disorder is because of what you went through with the blood clot and its treatment,. Anxiety, that’s the reason for my symptoms, the doctors from the ER sure seemed to think so given my history of severe anxiety and PTSD. I’m sorry you too have had to deal with such significant PEs. Did they fix or diagnose you? But I stopped taking warfarin many years ago after a second apinion, this happened 2012, anyways just had a second bout again, clot in leg groin and both lungs and in a recovering state, got that little pain in my chest that comes and goes, now I’m taking Rivaroxaban and it will be the rest of my life. Chest pain in pulmonary embolism. I’m always told “panic and anxiety” no, it’s not. 2 weeks ago I went to my dr with left chest pains from back to front she said it was muscular come 3days later I was in more of the same pain…no other symptoms! I was taking 7.5mgs. I was in ICU for four days. They placed the IVC filter back in permanently and blood thinners for life. Alternatively, patients may present with symptoms including dyspnea, tachycardia, dizziness, chest pain, cough, or hemoptysis. I’m from NY and currently live in Texas, I was just released from the hospital 9/21 due to pulm.emb that happened from dvt after taking birth control. Perhaps others might find the same. To learn more, please visit our. Small clots may cause no noticeable symptoms. -as per Emerg. 3 weeks ago i was in the hospotal for PE today im having mild chest pains should i be concerned? I still have discomfort and chest pain and fatigue every day. Was given Lovenox in the hospital and then on Eliquis for one year. More tests done and a chest c t scan revealed I had numerous pulmonary embolisms in both my lungs, one doctor described me as “loaded” another said “ you have a really good case of it” and another said “ numerous in both lungs”. The chest and arm pain scares me as it’s severe and very uncomfortable. Dr. Tracy Berg and another doctor agree 2 doctors agree. I’ve brought this up with my new Dr and so far in the past year shes had me do a basic lung function test which was normal, I’ve also had another ct scan which was normal. *Mild dry cough. Like many of you, I didn’t want to “bother” anyone or be labelled as an anxious person. It really helped me to know that I wasn’t the only one who has pain/dizziness/headaches/trouble breathing deeply/short of breath- because all the doctors kept saying that after a year there should be no more pain from a PE years later. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The first signs are usually shortness of breath and chest pains that get worse if you exert yourself. Chest pain. But I was already recovering, so they put me on warfarin and I went home. I have had 10 PE’s over the last 5 years. They recommended me having an IVC filter put in my artery for precaution sake. I just dont want it to be affecting my heart. Deaths due to PCE are rare but reported. When I go to the doctor now they say I’m fine but I still suffer from Post PE. Im hoping my heart is not affected. I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. We represent one of the few medical institutions that has a dedicated team of specialists focused on treating pulmonary … He has had many procedures and even has a spinal cord stimulator now which gives him about 25% relief but not enough to provide quality of life. I had a pulmonary embolism last week and my chest/side pain was gone but now it is back and severe. All the best. Further investigation by a TEE revealed 3 holes in my heart…which the cardiologist said “has no effect on my blood clots.” I am really scared as I continue to have left side chest pain. Now it is 2/2018 and I continue to have significant pain where initial pain was during PE onset. I find it very frustrating. A Google search on pulmonary embolism yielded more than 4.9 million hits. You cough up blood. Infarction is uncommon because the lung tissue has three potential sources of oxygen: the pulmonary arteries, the bronchial arteries, and the airways. I am not that active a person, I sit all day at a computer, in bed by 9 every night, I try and get a walk in every day. I agree, I believe there is more damage to the lungs than I am told. I had a massive OR in my left lung, and I still suffer from pain with deep breathing, and have shortness of breath. One night was really back, off to the hospital, i was taken. X-ray? I will believe in My God. When I arrived at the ER, I was diagnosed with multiple massive bilateral PEs. The individual may even need to stop halfway through their breathing due to chest pain. Checked my blood pressure and said it was fine. *chest pain I have been referred back to specialists … x-rays were normal; echo was normal; ECG is normal … Another VQ scan showed scarring of the lower lobe of my right lung but a follow up CT showed nothing ‘significant’. I’m glad to hear that so many of you have made it years out. instead needing 3 new stents in my heart. You will want to discuss the duration of your anticoagulation therapy, make sure that the specific anticoagulant you are on is the best one for you and answer any other questions you may have. Sending you prayers from Long Island, NY. I am on blood thinners for life. had intense chest and right upper back pain last night, had a right lung ablasion in may this year followed by collapsed lung and chest tube inserted followed by pulmonary embolism, on warfarin 2.5 mg daily, went to healthcare facility had ekg, was ok, chest xray showed spot on right lung was told to go to er and given paperwork, had another ekg was ok bloodwork ok had cardiac enzymes checked ok too so was told to call my dr. about the chest xray, so my question is could the pain be caused by the warfarin. I have only been told from a couple of doctors that they never heard of anyone experiencing post PE pain for this length of time . 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