1. Community
  2. Chest and lungs
  3. Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism, Apixaban and lung damage

Posted , 6 users are following.

mackerrs
mackerrs

i am a 49 year old woman diagnosed two weeks ago with a pulmonary embolism. Unknown cause, no sign of DVT but I do work long hours and drive some distances and had been on HRT for several years, family history of mother and son having had DVT's.  Docs suspect the clots had been there for some time and X-Ray shows the bottom section of my right lung has been damaged due to lack of oxygen? I have been prescribed Apixaban and advised this may be for life.

i thought it would be a quick recovery but only just found out about the lung damage? Lots of lung pain still but told this will just relate to damage caused.

I'm currently signed off work but does anyone know how long I am likely to be off in future? I'm not sure 

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • -.a-way_forward
    -.a-way_forward mackerrs

    Posted

    When I had DVT/PE first time round, I preferred not to breath because of the pain. I had very shallow breaths as I did not want to breath or move. When you do abdominal (the whole lung increases in size) breathing, then the lower lung can absorb more oxygen.

  • s29338
    s29338 mackerrs

    Posted

    In my case, I was out for two weeks: the week that I was in the hospital and the week that I had to wait before I could fly again.  Wish there was more info out there on post PE issues. 
    • mackerrs
      mackerrs s29338

      Posted

      thanks, certainly around symptoms and post PE issues and of course the use of Apixaban x
  • barbaraG
    barbaraG mackerrs

    Posted

    Don't know how long it will take you to get better but as I tell everyone.  Be proactive amd make sure yu are seeing  a hemotologist and a heart lung specialist
    • mackerrs
      mackerrs barbaraG

      Posted

      Thanks certainly waiting for the referrals to come through x
  • steve_1966
    steve_1966 mackerrs

    Posted

    Hi, my PE's were similar and I'm 49 too.. ( no HRT though biggrin

    your recovery will depend on so many factors - how big the clots were, what damage they have caused and your overall health during your PE's .

    i thought I'd be off for a couple of weeks - that turned into a couple of months - I've been lucky that I've been able to have that amount of time off and I know not everyone is able to do this.

    take the time that you do have off to research clotting and try to get appointments and tests to find out why you have had PE's. There is usually a reason - not just bad luck - and a lot of it seems to be genetic.

    one thing I have found is that the recovery time isn't too bad and can be almost fun. Ok - not fun, as it's a bit frustrating but at least it's good to be here and I'm a bit more appreciative of things now.

    good luck and let us know how you get on 

  • christie2610
    christie2610 mackerrs

    Posted

    hi can i ask have you stopped taking HRT? and if so what alternative are you using? i had PE 2 weeks ago and have had to come off my HRT and im struggling with night sweats again
    • mackerrs
      mackerrs christie2610

      Posted

      Hi there, 

      im exactly the same but just letting the dust settle just now.  I have a couple of autoimmune conditions and the think the PE's might be another, so for the moment I haven't even asked as I'd like this sorted first.

      However, as well as hot flushes I'm also experiencing other symptoms, low mood, tears/ anger  etc, essentially instant menopause s any ideas or advice any one has to offer would be welcome x

    • mackerrs
      mackerrs

      Posted

      ps, and I did have to stop HRT immediately x

       

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.