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Problem after1st flight following long haul flight induced P/E

Posted , 3 users are following.

Allexie
Allexie

Hi all

I was diagnosed with a large saddle P/E in January 2015 after 2 x13 hr flights.  Now on warfarin for life but my INR has been very unstable.  Went on holiday 3 weeks ago which included 2 x 3 hr flights.  3 days after the outbound flight I started with a cough and chest infection as well as slight chest pain and SOB.  Now, almost 3 weeks later, things don't seem to be getting any better.  I can't get an appointment with my GP for 5 days, (thinking antibiotics maybe?), but I can't help worrying that I might have had another P/E.  I remember being told it was unheard of to have another P/E whilst on warfarin but I am sure I have read of people who have had it happen.  I do not have the DVT symptoms in the leg this time though.  My last blood test was 3 1/2 weeks ago and my INR was 3.3, (supposed to be 2.5).  I am due my next blood test in just under a week's time.  Just don't know what to think or do!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • acrdpt
    acrdpt Allexie

    Posted

    Hi, I had bi-lateral PE's in feb 2015 and my INR is only now beginning to stabilize. I have continued to have chest pain and heart palpitations since diagnoises and now and on tablets for that. sad

    I am beginning to think the symptoms of PE's last longer than Dr's admit to.

    It would be great if there was more information readily available for us.

    • Allexie
      Allexie acrdpt

      Posted

      Hi there

      Yes...I was told approx six months to get back to 'normal'/'full fitness' but I'm starting to despair of ever feeling truly ok again.  There is always the worrying niggly thought that the ache/twinge/cough etc is something more sinister!

    • cathy428
      cathy428 acrdpt

      Posted

      Hi I agree with your comment that doctors think PE symptoms only last a few months.  I may have mentioned before but my GP wrote I was "a rather anxious patient" to a Consultant when referring me for another issue when asking advice about coughing up blood and bleeding gums some months after diagnosis of the PEs!  I have not seen that GP again and will not, thankfully there is another decent GP in that practice.  I still have the cough, and now have had it over 3 years, 2 of these years are post PE, also occasional breathing problems, but have given up asking GP for advice.
    • Allexie
      Allexie cathy428

      Posted

      Hi there

      I too am concerned about being labelled a 'worrier' or a 'time-waster' which makes me feel very reluctant to seek help these days.  Since my initial diagnosis, 6 months ago, I have twice been referred to the acute assessment unit, once by my GP and once after making a call to 111.  Both times I was made to feel that I was being a nuisance and wasting their time.  So sorry to hear that you have had a cough for such a long time....I am now wondering if a lingering, persistent cough is another of those things they they don't warn you about!

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