I am sharing my story to raise awareness, both on a general level as well as from the perspective of a healthcare worker. My right calf had continued to swell and throb over the last several days, to the point where I…, In 2016, life was normal. Most individuals that I have talked to about recovery from a pulmonary embolism want to know, how long they can expect to be healing. For example, it may cause a sudden collapse. The short, uncomplicated answer is recovery is different for everyone. However, around 32 weeks into my pregnancy, things started to take a turn for the worse when I developed pain in my left hip. I started to increasingly coughing up blood throughout the day. Blood clots were never on my radar screen. I was balancing a full-time desk job, motherhood, and the excitement of a second pregnancy. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. After my … The ER medical team tested my blood for genetic disorders and did an ultrasound of both of my legs, looking for a sign or trace of a DVT but found none. For many affected individuals recovery/ healing will take a couple of years. Symptoms of a blood clot in the leg may also be present, such as a red, warm, swollen, and painful leg. Recovery can be very variable and may take a long time, but for inspiration, look to Serena Williams! Go to follow-up appointments and take blood thinners as directed. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. The day before, Victoria Roa, 38 weeks pregnant, had felt dizzy when she went to lift … But, on May 1, 2020, as I was walking to my car, I was overcome by dizziness and lightheadedness as I have never experienced before. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious lung condition wherein one of the main arteries to the lung gets blocked by any mass of material, such as an air bubble, a large speck of fat, and/or part of a tumor or blood clot coming from elsewhere in the body, most commonly, a blood … Amy and I were together since 2001, and we were married in 2004. Most patients with DVT or PE recover completely within several weeks to months without significant complications or long-term adverse effects. It begins when the patient has a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and is given blood thinners to stop new clots from forming. They believe that FVL, combined with being on birth control, is what caused the pulmonary emboli. For many patients recovery will take a number of months. What can I do to reduce the chances of me having a pulmonary embolism? My experience started with coughing up blood, only in the mornings, for a few days. But attending a basketball game almost ended his life. A pulmonary embolism (PE) is caused by a blood clot that gets stuck in an artery in your lungs.That blockage can damage your lungs and hurt other … Every patient has a story and NATF would like to invite you to share yours. Symptoms of a PE may include shortness of breath, chest pain particularly upon breathing in, and coughing up blood. A pulmonary embolism (PE) can cause symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness. Toll Free: 877.4.NO CLOT, National Blood Clot Alliance Pulmonary embolism recovery experiences vary greatly from patient to patient. During a visit with his primary care doctor of nearly 20 years, Rick Fedell mentioned he’d been feeling fatigued and short of breath lately. It may have no symptoms and be hard to detect. These symptoms continued whilst at home, where I only remained for a week. Revolutionary Device Clears Pulmonary Embolism An advanced clot-busting device saved Reginald from life-threatening blood clots. Having a pulmonary embolism (PE) can be a shocking and traumatic experience. Here's what you need to know about the condition. Saving Lives, Protecting People, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthcare Professionals: Training and Education, Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots with Cancer, Blood Clot Risk Checklist for Cancer Patients, Healthcare-Associated Venous Thromboembolism, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. When 45-year-old Reginald T. went to bed on a Monday night, he had no reason to believe the mild chest pain he was feeling was anything more than heartburn. Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. I am a healthcare worker, mother, and recent survivor of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins). The experience depends essentially on how prolonged the affected individual had the clots of blood prior to they were identified and cared for and how harsh the pulmonary embolism (PE) was. My legs felt heavy. I was not sure what exactly this all meant. Today, PE is seen as a modern-day medical dichotomy: we understand its minutia and yet, somehow, still fail to diagnose or tackle it appropriately. I had no shortness of breath. I had been doing Zumba exercise three times a week before this happened. Depending on how big a clot and number of vessels involved, it can be a life-threatening event. About a 1 in 3 people who have a pulmonary embolism have another one later. A 29-year-old mom recently died of a pulmonary embolism—a day after giving birth and with no symptoms. I will turn 30 in April, 2012, and before this incident was a very active person. Is it true that birth control pills cause blood clots? Pulmonary embolism (PE) recovery period or healing time differs deeply from individual to individual. They believe that FVL, combined with being on birth control, is what caused the pulmonary emboli. I saw a hematologist after being released from the hospital and he told me I tested positive for the inherited clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden (FVL). The Ride of My Life: Kim’s Story of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. I called the non-emergency services here in the…, Phone: 703.935.8845 July 2, 2016 by Angela Leave a Comment “I used to go running. What is a pulmonary embolism and what’s it caused by? PULMONARY EMBOLISM PROCEDURE. Tere Long Doris Coletta Rick Fedell. Pulmonary embolism. If you would like to contribute a Patient Perspective contact us at info@natfonline.org. Kristen, an avid runner, was unknowingly living with a pulmonary embolism – a dangerous blood clot in her lungs. October 11, 2017. Even on the pain medicine, I was in constant pain until almost November, which was when I was able to lay down again. Recovery from a pulmonary embolism often begins in an emergency room or an emergency squad. I grew older and started getting on young bulls until…, Can you be too young to experience blood clots? In other words, it was considered a ‘terminal event.’ 1. In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots in the legs or arms that travel to the lung, called deep vein thrombosis. Now during my hospital stay I had a pulmonary embolism on one of my lungs and was taking daily Clexaine injections to break the clot up. A PE can become life-threatening. With the help of a team of Yale Medicine experts, a near-death experience results in new life for a young family. view all stories. I had heard the term “pulmonary embolism” before but did not know what it was. Within minutes I was receiving my first blood thinner injection. Currently, I am still on blood thinning medication and back at work part-time, although fatigue is still a factor in my recovery. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to call the specialist nurses on our helpline. What are the symptoms? I was one of the lucky survivors, and was overjoyed to find out six months after mine that I was pregnant. Rick Fedell: Recovery From Potentially Fatal Blood Clots. Philadelphia, PA 19182-5687. “I got about halfway across and slipped. Assuming it was a pulled muscle from a workout the day before, I didn’t think anything of it. Will I ever be able to again?” and “Will I ever get back to normal?” are just two of the questions Paul’s been asked by people who’ve had a pulmonary embolism. A walk which usually takes five minutes took about 20. It was her healthy, active lifestyle and her proximity to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), however, that ultimately ended up saving her life. PO Box 825687 I quickly found out, though, on July 1st, 2020, when one tragically claimed the life of my wife Amy. Recovery for other people might be time off their feet due to a broken or fractured running bone, but even they always came back within a matter of months. I go to Crossfit five times a week. So, recovery was not a very deep word in my vocabulary and I soon found out, that I really had no idea what recovery from a pulmonary embolism … But when he awoke the next morning, it was still there. I have to take a moment to recover. My…, I was diagnosed with the genetic clotting disorder factor V Leiden, or FVL, when I was 15 years old. In January of 2020, I underwent an elective ankle surgery. Patient Stories Pulmonary Embolism During Pregnancy: A Mom's Difficult Decision. Wow. Pulmonary Embolism Recovery - What to Expect. The mask was precautionary in case I had tuberculosis or some other communicable disease.  My aunty (my dad’s sister) had a blood clot during pregnancy and she learned she had FVL, which led to members of my family, including me, being tested for it too. How do doctors confirm a pulmonary embolism? Salem is a small town with many people raising cattle. Until recently, I had no idea what a pulmonary embolism (PE) was. Throughout history, pulmonary embolism (PE) has almost always been diagnosed on the autopsy table. What’s the treatment? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is the sudden blockage of a blood vessel in the lungs by an embolus. In the photo above I’m at the emergency room at my local hospital waiting for the CT scan mentioned below. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Writing down an experience and sharing it with others can be therapeutic, as can reading about how other patients have handled their challenges. Because of the blood clot, the function of the heart can stop suddenly which can cause the sudden cardiac arrest or death. I was born, raised, and still live in Salem, Arkansas. I’m working on getting my endurance back; however, I am finding out that it’s a slow, long recovery process. If the patient finally has an answer to mysterious symptoms the diagnosis may be a relief. But we hope that providing some answers to … At 22 years old, I wasn’t, and neither are you! I walked home with my 5-year-old son very slowly. Symptoms typically improve within a few days of starting the anticoagulant. But by 4:00 in the morning, the pain woke me up. The Challenge: Multiple Blood Clots. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) & Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Blood Clots Patient Stories. Join the Public Health Webinar Series on Blood Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trust me, because I’m a two-time survivor of pulmonary embolisms, also known as PEs or blood clots in…, My Name is Frank. How long will I feel breathless? Pulmonary Embolism Left atrium Left ventricle Right ventricle Right atrium. My Dad always had a few heads of cattle and, growing up, I would get on calves trying to ride them. A massive PE can cause collapse and death. These are especially important if you were discharged home from the emergency department. But if these symptoms last for more than 8 weeks, talk to a health care professional. If the patient enters under extreme duress, it can be a very scary start to recovery. Panel Discussion: Blood Clots & Women’s Health, Stop the Clot, Spread the Word™ Hospitalization, Toolkit for Knee and Hip Replacement Patients, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Clot-Provoked Stroke, NBCA Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Survey, NBCA Sports & Wellness Institute: Team Stop the Clot®, ‘For Every Day in May’ Wall of Dedications, Medical & Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB), Even in a Pandemic, Take Care of Yourself: Sam’s Story, Birth Control and Factor V Leiden: Jenna’s Story, Seeking A Second Opinion Saved My Life: Kathleen’s Story, My Lifelong Experience with FVL: Gemma’s Story, Two Blood Clots, Twenty Years Apart: Tim’s Story, Blood Clots Do Not Discriminate: Heather’s Story, Be Aware and Care: Amy’s Story, as Told by her Husband Frank, The Spark for Advocacy: Michele’s Story. While growing up, FVL never…, My name is Tim. Worried, I went to the doctor, who, without fully examining me,…, I was the most fit I had ever been when I had my deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE) at 28 years old. Keep that in mind. I am 28 years old and fairly active. Pulmonary embolism is a very serious disease and it can cause serious complication in the human body. With treatment, the body has a cha… Patient Stories. DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS: Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if: You feel … This blockage causes problems with gas exchange. In addition to dealing with what can be a very painful condition, you may also feel scared about how it could affect your health and worried that it could happen again. Up to 30 percent of people with pulmonary embolism will die within a month of diagnosis. A loyal alumnus and resident of State College, Pennsylvania, he loves going to Penn State events. Currently, I am still on blood thinning medication and back at work part-time, although fatigue is still a factor in my recovery. I ran marathons, competed in triathlons, and had just recently completed my first 100-mile bike race. I had been doing Zumba exercise three times a week before this happened. Making A Full Recovery: Aimee’s Story I was the most fit I had ever been when I had my deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE) at 28 years old. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by a substance that has moved from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (). A pulmonary embolism (embolus) is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. 22 percent of patients were found to have a pulmonary embolism. I thought I was finally feeling a little better until I threw up at 4 am and realized I was throwing up blood. My legs were dangling from the patient table as I sat anxiously at an urgent care facility waiting for the doctor to come in. I forgot to mention extreme fatigue and lack of energy is another major symptom of PE recovery. Patient Stories. Late at night on Feb. 11, 2015, an ambulance raced up I-95 toward Yale New Haven Hospital. CDC would like to thank Sarah for sharing this personal story. I now know that a pulmonary embolism is a very serious condition that takes up to about 100,000 lives each year in the US, and needs immediate medical intervention. The survival rate of a pulmonary embolism increases with early detection and proper treatment which is actually based on … CDC twenty four seven. A few patients will be lucky enough to have a short recovery of a few days. “On the way into the arena, I took a shortcut across a section with icy patches,” he says. Monday night I hardly slept and I started a low-grade fever. A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that gets into blood vessels in the lungs and prevents normal flow of blood in that area. However, long-term problems can occur, with symptoms ranging from very mild to more severe. I was also fatigued from walking…, It was 6:00 p.m. on a cold Wednesday night in February 2014. Most people are treated for pulmonary embolism for at least 3 months, and some may be treated for the rest of their lives. Then my lungs started hurting and quickly progressed to where I could not lay down. It’s common to feel breathless for a few weeks or months after a pulmonary embolism. Now, going to work and moving around is enough to tire me out. Ted E. Ted E. is an avid Penn State fan. Around half of patients with DVT will have some degree of chronic discomfort, and ≈15% will … At…, My story begins in February of this year when I felt a sharp, intense pain in my ribs. Now, going to work and moving around is enough to tire me out. If it’s not your first PE, you may even feel angry or frustrated that blood clots are still a problem for you. But a large pulmonary embolism is serious, and can cause heart problems, lung problems or even sudden death. Most…, My name is Michele. This had made my breathing laboured and this also came with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. I spent the night sitting up on the couch sleeping vertically when I could. Managing Anticoagulants Before, During, and After Medical Procedures, Helping Women Make Choices About Contraception Following DVT Blood Clots. I’m working on getting my endurance back; however, I am finding out that it’s a slow, long recovery … I ran marathons, competed in triathlons, and had just recently completed my first 100-mile bike race. We have five beautiful children together. With timely treatment, most people can recover. I will soon be meeting again with my hematologist to discuss how I can best live successfully with FVL in the future. I have heard “you are too young” at every medical provider’s office, but blood clots do not discriminate. If you look at the survey on this site and on my hub recovering from a pulmonary embolism what to expect during pulmonary embolism recovery, you should get some ideas about what others have experienced. I saw my doctor on a Monday and she ran some tests and ordered a CT scan to determine whether there was a blood clot. If you have been sick at all remember to add that sick time back in because it sets you back and you have to gain that time back. Pulmonary embolism treatments. It is due to a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs. Patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher are nearly three times more at risk for developing a pulmonary embolism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. After my bike race, I was struggling to recover. Patient Stories. I was released from the hospital after three days and spent the next three months unable to work while recovering. The experience depends largely on how long the patient had the blood clots before they were diagnosed and treated and how severe the pulmonary embolism or embolisms were. Marie Bussey Updated January, 2013 According to the American Heart Association, up to two million Americans are affected annually by deep vein thrombosis 1.Of those who develop pulmonary embolism, up to 300,000 will die each year 2,3.That is, more Americans die annually from DVT/PE than from … That statistic just hit me like a ton of bricks. Pulmonary Embolism recovery looks like this. I’m Sarah Cook and I was diagnosed with multiple bilateral pulmonary emboli on October 4, 2011. Pulmonary embolism affects around 1 in 1,000 people in the U.S. every year. Shortly after the CT scan was completed that afternoon a doctor came in and told me I had multiple blood clots in both of my lungs and that I was being admitted to the hospital. I returned to my doctor’s office first thing in the morning and she sent me straight to the ER.