Life after a PE

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PFMarconi Posted: 04-03-2010 7:47 AM

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Four weeks ago I came v close to losing my 45 yr old wife to a PE.00 yds in total with me and

She had been very fit - walking about four miles on the Cumbrian Fells most

days, but now she is tired and out of breath from undertaking small tasks. A few days ago she walked about 400 yards and over did it, with a few pains, sickness and breathing probs which slowly eased off.

We have not been given any idea as to what to expect and in many ways life has been put on hold - although having been with her when doctors were fighting to save her, I words can't express how I feel that she is still with me.

If anyone could give me some idea as to how long recovery may take I would be grateful.

In truth, information from experiance would be most welcome.

Many thanks,

Paul

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PFMarconi replied on 04-04-2010 11:24 AM

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Many thanks June.

Last night she had to be taken into hospital, having visited the doctor earlier in the day.

She'd been feeling progressively worse during the day and when I arrived home from work I had to call

for an ambulance.

Still, thanks again.

Paul

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PFMarconi replied on 04-04-2010 5:36 PM

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Many thanks June.

Your first post has indeed proven to be accurate. Following all manner of tests, my wife is now at home and resting, with more medication to take.

Apparantly the pains and aches are to be expected as she had a very severe PE. Having been present at the time, I can only say how lucky I am to still have her with me.

So, we'll take the future one day at a time and see how things progress.

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply.

Kind Regards

Paul

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tessa replied on 04-12-2010 7:17 PM

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I am sorry you are struggling so much at the moment - I am sure it will get better. I had several DVT's in my arm and three PE's as a result of chemotherapy for breast cancer. I was only admitted overnight and came home with injections twice a day until I finished chemo - a badly bruised belly was worst side effect. I had another DVT in arm and PE about three weeks ago, I panicked as we had a holiday booked but a few more jabs and all is well. It did slow me down at gym a bit and I made sure I could move around on plane but other than that I am back to normal, going to gym and working etc. I know we are all different and react in different ways but PE''s once sorted aren't a huge problem. I suspect she'll get warfarin tablets rather than injections which is nicer ( I couldn't as it react with chemo). Then she will be at lower risk of clotting problems than the rest of the population. Hopefully, in a couple fo weeks she'll be fit as a fiddle again.

Tess

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Shirley Darlington replied on 08-09-2010 6:01 PM

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Hi Paul, I had a PE three years ago.  It's really scary.  Not only do you have to cope with the medical problems, but the mental stuff really takes a while.  I kept thinking I was going to have another one and panic attacks started the more I thought about it, I had problems sleeping and needed lots of re-assurance and cuddles of my husband.  He was such a huge support, taking over heavy housework etc, and just being there when I felt sad.  It was quite life changing, the breathing problems and pain in my lungs went on long after the 6 months of taking wharfarin was over.  I also developed a dodgy mitral valve in my heart, but thankfully it was only mild and symptoms are just palpitations occassionally.  I seemed to be tired for 12 months but was determined to start exercising again as before the PE I used to go to the gym 3 times a week and enjoyed long country walks.  At 52 I can report I'm back to the same level of fitness pre embolism, I did a lot of walking but started off slow (half hour twice a day),  I had about 8 weeks off work, but as my job is not too strenuous (sheltered housing manager), I felt able to go back.  Still occassionally think about it, hence always looking for info about it, I have been on 2 long haul holidays since, and take 2 shots of heparin injections for journey there and back, which makes me feel safer, also do exercises recommended in back of travel book on aeroplane!!  Hope your wife is recovering, don't forget lots of cuddles (You'll need lots of patience too!!)