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

Four years on, think may have chest infection

Posted , 4 users are following.

ann55375
ann55375

i had bilateral p.e.s four years ago, which they caught on catscan and i have been on warfarin ever since.

i have developed a pain between my shoulder blades which comes when i cough, no catarrh.  It also hurts after eating.  I think its just a cold infection as i had a slight temperature last night and gp thinks it could be ex gallbladder pain so have omeprazole.

since pe i have become very anxious and my hubby says i probably have a bug and if it were a pe i would be breathless, he thinks i both the gp too much and i should ride it out.  I am trying not to get.worked up about this, can anyone relate to a post p e cough?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • samuels
    samuels ann55375

    Posted

    Hi,

    ?I haven't even got rid of my cough from my PE, diagnosed about 9 months ago, I was told it could take ages for all symptoms to fade away as we get better which could be anywhere from 6 months to over 12 months.

    • ann55375
      ann55375 samuels

      Posted

      Have you had any infections since the initial pe? I have now been prescribed amoxicillin for my chest  which i will,have to take for a few days.  Its such a pain as it raised the INR and i now need to go for more monitoring.

      i just feel they dont give you any guidance or help on all of these things which have to be taken into account.

      i cant be the only person on warfarin having to use amoxicillin.

    • samuels
      samuels ann55375

      Posted

      No I have been extremely lucky, I haven't had a chest infection for a few years now, I think it might be the high doses of angina medication that keeps it away, also *touch wood* I haven't had a cold, flu/virus for close to 5 years now.

  • carrie27300
    carrie27300 ann55375

    Posted

    I had bilateral pulmonary embolism in March this year which needed to be thrombolysed as I was so u stable and then a new DVT on leg 2 months after whilst on warfarin. I’m now on daily injections of daltaparin and will be on treatment for life. My haematologist is referring me to a specialist up at St Thomas’s. I understand exactly where your anxiety is because every ache and pain you feel you worry in case it’s another clot. I had symptoms last week which were similar to symptoms of a pulmonary embolism and my haematologist done a D Dimer blood test which gives a very good idea of you have blood clots and mine came back normal. I’m full of cold at the moment so my symptoms were probably because I was coming down with a virus. It’s slways better to be safe than sorry. Blood clots can be fatal if not treated and if you are ever worried go and see your gp. I feel that physically I have come along way but physiologically I will never be the same again. I don’t understand why patients are not given counselling as it is a life changing event and your life will never be the same again. Doctors are great at treating the physical symptoms but there seems to be no support for the physiological issues. 
    • ann55375
      ann55375 carrie27300

      Posted

      Hi, so good to talk to someone who understands this condition.  I agree with you that they dont give you enough information about what has happened and how to deal with normal life afterwards.

      i have now been on warfarin four years and stable.  Had a couple of head colds during that time but just dealt with them.  I reas that virus infections will be worse and take longer to go after a pe.

      i have had this pain inbetween my shoulder blades for several days, then a cough appeared.  I am treating it like a viral infection, staying inside, using paracetamol etc. I have chils and a bit of a temp, keeping it down using the paracetamol.

      what i dont know is if the back pain when i cough is a) a chest infection or b) a prelude ro another pe.  Its so hard to tell.

      i have bought a pulse oxometer which shows my oxygen level is ok, heart rate a bit up. Also bought a digital thermometer which says temp is up a bit.  And bought a digital blood pressure monitor.  I would suggest that you have these things at home to reassure you that every ache and pain is not a pe.

      then you only need to worry if the readings are high and you are breathless or have pain.

      i have used all of these during the last few days but the pain in my back is still there and worse if i cough, no sore throat, no cold.  Thats why im wondering if i should get my chest sounded out for a chest infection, i know they dont give antibiotics out easily but i dont know when to call it or just struggle on.  I feel I could turn into a person who just crys wolf for nothing but i am not a professional so not sure what to do.  Like you i am just so sensitive to all of this and my gp is treating me for anxiety due to it all.

      damned if we do, damned if we dont situation.

      i am sure am x ray or a dr sounding my chest would prove what to do. 

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.