Could this be another PE?

[Elizabeth48]

Hi, I suffered a PE 18 months ago. I’m off all treatment now but three weeks ago developed a chesty cough, then this time last week I started with severe chest pain in the same spot I had the PE. My doc said it was a chest infection & prescribed amoxicillin which I have now finished. The pain in my chest is worse than ever, it hurts to breathe, cough & sneeze. It is in my left upper quadrant. My doc did say last week that it can’t be another PE as I’ve not had any leg symptoms of DVT. Should I go back to my doc or try sit this out and hope the pain settles. I can’t sleep and am struggling to work now. THanks in advance for any advice .

[Sara_MHModerator]

Elizabeth48, we are so happy to hear you are safe.  We are glad you were able to get properly diagnosed and all is well with you.  Stay in touch!

[Elizabeth48]

Thank you so much Sara. I’m being referred to haematology as both PE’s have been unprovoked and they need to find out if there’s an underlying cause (the doctor mentioned thrombophilia) I do have another question though? How soon should I return to work? I don’t get paid when I’m off so I’m keen to return ASAP. Any advice would be welcome xxxx

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hopefully your employer is understanding as you face a difficult health challenge.  The question of how soon to return to work would be best discussed with your treating physician as that is really dependent on your own circumstances.  If thrombophilia is suspected, you will likely need to see a hematologist to diagnose this and begin treatment.  There is a possibility that you will be recommended to start warfarin or given an injection of heparin or started on one of the new anticoagulants to help with excessive clotting.  Here is an article that discusses thrombophilia https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrombophilia/.  What is your next step?  This may help in determining how quickly you can return to work as you should discuss this with all doctors you now see.  Let me know what you think of the information in the article.

[Elizabeth48]

Hi, many thanks for the two replies I received. These both prompted me to go back to my GP and insist on a D Dimer test. I got the results today and sure enough, I have another PE. I’ve been in hospital today and had X-rays heart trace, bloods taken and tomorrow I am having scans including a VQ scan. I started on the clot busting injections today. I would just like to thank you very much for your advice and help. If it wasn’t for these two replies I could’ve died.

Thank you so very much!

Elizabeth xxx

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to MedHelp's forums.  I agree with ayl291 that with your history that you should be proactive regarding evaluation.  We shouldn't panic but it is much better to be safe than sorry.  So, that is primary to make sure another PE hasn't developed.  

If you are clear of a PE, something else to look into is pleurisy.  These are also symptoms of that.  https://www.medicinenet.com/pleurisy/article.htm

Let us know how you are doing.

[ayl291]

Get a scan immediately!  And a ddimer blood test.  Go to your emergency room!