Question 1

is a pulmonary embolism life threatening?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A leading cause of initially unexplained death.

Question 2

is pulmonary embolism still life threatening if it's diagnosed and treated?

Accepted Answer

It can be: A pulmonary embolism is potentially fatal.  A 2002 study looked at people admitted to the hospital with PE and found that people who were unstable when they arrived at the hospital (CPR, on ventilator) had very high mortality rates (80%).   People who were stable enough to have a CT scan had very low mortality rates (1-2%)

Here is a link to the study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12416281

Question 3

66 you old fem, pulmonary embolism (1 very large, several small clots), deep vein thrombosis,  just started xarelto.  what is life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

Good: Depending on other co-morbidities etc, the answer may be slightly different, but basically if you are treated well, stay healthy, take care of yourself, and take your medication as prescribed. you may live a normal healthy life.

Question 4

what should i expect after a pulmonary embolism (pe)?

Accepted Answer

Improvement: The vast number of patients improve within 2-4 weeks after a pulmonary embolism.  This means that exercise capacity returns to normal and breathlessness resolves.  You will likely require 6-12 months of anticoagulation (blood thinner) if this is your first pulmonary embolism/dvt.

Question 5

how long do i have to wait before traveling after a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

PE: Before travelling after a pe we would want to have the patient's evidence for pulmonary obstruction cleared as well as ongoing effective anticoagulant therapy in place to minimize chances of a repeat event. The time frame can vary from patient to patient and is best discussed with your treating physician.

Question 6

can i wear a push up bra after a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Such up bra: This type of Bra actually lifts the breasts and takes the weight effect off the chest and shoulders. Theoretically this should not be an issue. There have not been any studies on using this Bra ager a PE

Question 7

which common otc drugs are no-no after a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on what medications you are placed on.If placed on blood thinner then do not want to take ibuprofen,naprosyn or any other NSAIDS.Aldo would not be prudent to take any meds that increase risk of clots.most of these are prescriptions such as birth control or testosterone etc

Question 8

how many hours a day should i sleep after a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Sleep and PE: I don't believe there is any need to alter your hours of sleep following PE.  Sleep apnea is a risk factor for PE.

Question 9

when will i get my perfect lungs back after a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The goal should not be perfect.I do not think anyone can answer that-depends on what damage was done by the PE.Some tissue can heal and there may also be scarring as well as how large area was damaged.The goal now is to make sure does not happen again and make sure no further damage.Maintain a good weight,no smoking,good diet and exercise.

Question 10

when is it safe to travel again after a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Very soon. : Pulmonary embolism occurs on a wide spectrum. If your daily exercise tolerance is reasonably good and you do not require supplementary oxygen, you should be able to fly.

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Doctor answers about:

Life after a pulmonary embolism

A member asked:

Is a pulmonary embolism life threatening?

A member asked:

Is pulmonary embolism still life threatening if it's diagnosed and treated?

A member asked:

66 you old fem, pulmonary embolism (1 very large, several small clots), deep vein thrombosis, just started xarelto. what is life expectancy?

A member asked:

What should i expect after a pulmonary embolism (pe)?

A member asked:

How long do i have to wait before traveling after a pulmonary embolism?

A member asked:

Can i wear a push up bra after a pulmonary embolism?

A member asked:

Which common otc drugs are no-no after a pulmonary embolism?

A member asked:

How many hours a day should i sleep after a pulmonary embolism?

A member asked:

When will i get my perfect lungs back after a pulmonary embolism?

A member asked:

When is it safe to travel again after a pulmonary embolism?

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