Respiratory Rally

Pulmonary embolism causes permanent lung damage?

November 15th, 2009 | by admin |

I’m a 21 yr old female, never smoked, average weight.

Last October I found out the hard way that I have a genetic blood clotting disorder (Factor V Leiden heterozygous) and ended up in the hospital for a few days with bilateral pulmonary embolisms. I’m on warfarin therapy for 6 months.

After 5 months, my chest pain is completely gone but I’m still experiencing shortness of breath. Just from walking across campus, up a flight of stairs, or even having a fast-paced or high-stress conversation (say in a job interview for example). I’ve told my hematologist twice now that I’m still short of breath, but she keeps telling me that we’ll run some tests in June after I’m off the warfarin.

I just read online that permanent damage can be done to the lungs. My left lung was the worse and was only getting about half the bloodflow. My attending at the hospital said it had already shrunk a little but he acted like it would go back to normal.

I didn’t go to the hospital until 5 days after my pain started (stupid, I know).

So a few questions, would the permanent damage caused by my embolisms make me short of breath?
Is a PE likely to cause permanent damage?
Since I’m young, is it possible I will be able to completely recover with more time?
Any idea why my doctor is making me wait/suffer until June?
What kind of tests can they do to see if I have said damage? I took a V/Q test when they first diagnosed me.

Any help will be appreciated

Note: I know I should talk to a doctor, but mine won’t answer my questions and I’m already in a ton of debt because I have crappy insurance since I support myself.

i know you’re feeling kinda worried about your health right now.
first, follow your doctor’s advice-he/she knows what’s best for your health.

first question:would the permanent damage caused by my embolisms make me short of breath?
Ans: could be.shortness of breath results from the oxygen deprivation of the lungs. the emboli (a blood clot that had dislodged and is freely traveling in the bloodstream), which is now in the lungs, can cause blockage for the blood to flow to the area blocked. this may lead to hypoxia (decreased oxygen to the tissue (since the blood carries the oxygen), lung tissue in particular), and may cause destruction of the lung tissue. This may be the ’shrinking’, of which may cause the lungs not to be fully expanded.

2nd question:Is a PE likely to cause permanent damage?
Ans: again, it could be. PE (pulmonary embolism), if not corrected (or removed) may lead to a progressive destruction of the blocked tissues and cells, which may cause death of these tissues (I don’t want to scare you, u know).

3rd Q: Since I’m young, is it possible I will be able to completely recover with more time?
A: of course! your still in your full vitality of health. If you observe the diet recommended by your MD (if any), perform LIGHT exercises, don’t strain (if you know what i mean), manage stress well (or avoid stress! =)), and religiously take you meds, you will be able to recover your health well.

4th Q: Any idea why my doctor is making me wait/suffer until June?
A: hahaha! your doctor doesn’t want u to suffer. after completely taking the full course of your warfarin (a medicine that prevents the formation of blood clots), he just wants to reassure if your body had responded well to the medicine and see if the clot in your lungs had been ‘dissolved’, which is verified by some lab tests.

5th q: tests?
A: it depends upon your doctor and the results (such as in blood .. chem or CTBT (clotting time bleeding time), etc., until further tests or procedures are to be done

hehe. i hope u don’t get depressed after reading this. well, i know you’re the only one who can fully help your body well (aside from the meds and test, and MD’s advice), plus the support given to you by your family and friends.

actually, i don’t like giving advices or suggestions, after all, i’m also human. hm..

well, good luck and God bless!

as norman vincent peale said, "you can if you think you can!"

i’m a 4th yr nursing student (a graduating one). =D