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I think I passed a pulmonary embolism, should I be concerned?

Posted , 6 users are following.

Soconnor91
Soconnor91

I have a higher pain tolerance. As a result it’s been difficult figuring out what I should take seriously. I almost had both my kids in the car because I couldn’t really gage my labor pains as compared to others. I also almost had a full force kidney infection because I didn’t really feel any symptoms of a UTI until it reached my kidneys. 

That being said, a year and a half ago I had SEVERE chest pains and not ever really feeling pain that severe it freaked me out. It was difficult to walk, breath, I could only sleep in one very specific position and even then it was painful. I didn’t have health insurance and since I didn’t really have any symptoms I kind of kept quiet. Figured maybe I bruised something or pulled a weird muscle. After about 8 days, the pain slowly started decreasing. I was so relieved. However I also started coughing up blood and it freaked me out so I finally asked my paramedic brother and nurse friend for advice. They advised me to go to the emergency room so I did. At this point there wasn’t much pain anymore. They did blood test and say my coagulated blood levels were high so they did a X-ray and cat scan on my chest to check for a pulmonary embolism. They found nothing that required emergency attention and cleared me to go home. But they told me I should follow up with my primary. 

I haven’t been able to pay off some debt I owe to my last insurance company so I still don’t have insurance.

In my opinion I feel like I probably had a pulmonary embolism that broke up on its own. I didn’t have any kind of cold and don’t really have any idea of what else could have happened. 

Anyways my question is, since it’s all said and done with, should I still be concerned? Or does it sound like I didn’t have one to begin with? 

I plan on going to the doctor when I can, but as of now the costs don’t seem to justify going since it happened so long ago, I doubt anyone would be able to figure out what happened. 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • moon53540
    moon53540 Soconnor91

    Posted

    Did you have contrast put in your arm with the CT? Were you put on any blood thinners?

    As far as I know, I don’t think a PE could break up on it’s own. I am from the UK so I don’t understand how things work with health insurance, but I assume if you had a PE they would have told you.

    You could possibly be at higher risk, so maybe you could take some natural blood thinners like turmeric, ginger or garlic extract.

  • elizabeth1826
    elizabeth1826 Soconnor91

    Posted

    What you’re describing is similar to what i felt with multiple embolisms. I had to hold onto things to walk, it was agony and I felt so much pain when trying to breathe. I could only take shallow breaths. I don’t have the medical knowledge to say that you passed an embolism but certainly coughing blood may have been you getting rid of it. Did they give you any blood thinners or investigate any further? If you did have one then it would be critical to look at the cause to prevent another. 
  • TGrove
    TGrove Soconnor91

    Posted

    If you don't have, or don't think you have a current clot, I wouldn't worry about it . Just be mindful in the future if you have symptoms.

  • jen86183
    jen86183 Soconnor91

    Posted

    If you really have a problem with medical care in the states and you think you may be at risk or have clots, natokkinase is a natural clot buster. For maintenance drink plenty of water, ginger tea made with ginger root, olive oil, exercise is most important, keep moving.
  • sue28123
    sue28123 Soconnor91

    Posted

    This is heart breaking. Talk to the financial counsellors at the hospital you went to and tell them your situation. Sometimes they can help. I know at the nonprofit hospital I work at, they help people who are struggling, even up to wiping off debt. Sometimes these embolisms can stress your heart. You can develop pulmonary hypertension from PE's. You sound young, a lifetime ahead of you with your babies and your grandchildren. Is there anywhere you can go, where you live, you trust to follow up on your heart and lungs......make sure they are ok....or needing treatment......

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