Shortness of breath after non-massive PE

[Torrente01]

Hello, I’m 43 year old male, non smoker, training 5x a week for past 25 years. 10 days ago admitted to ER due to sharp chest pain and shortness of breath.

Diagnosed with PE on both lungs and a small lung infarction.

PESI class 1, HAS- BLED score 0.

Non-massive PE, low risk, no leg swelling, no deep vein thrombosis, all veins on ultrasound are clear. They don’t know the cause of thrombosis

Got released from hospital 3 days ago, was put on apiksaban 2 x 5 mg.

Doctor said I got lucky and should make full recovery, just to take it easy with getting back to my training (running, boxing, lifting weights).

Chest pain went away after few days in hospital.

What I’m concerned about is my breathing. I still sense shortness of breath, even when I’m sitting and doing nothing. I can take deep breaths, have no chest pain, but despite deep breaths, I still sense lack of oxygen. It is making me anxious and I cannot fall asleep at night, since it is forcing me to take deep breaths every minute or so.

My doctor says it is relatively normal and that it will go away in few weeks or months.

Did any of you had something similar, what to expect in long term, how long will last this shortness of breath? I have a feeling that I’ll never be back to normal again with my breathing.

[Brookiebiceps]

Yes, this is normal and should settle soon. Get a pulse oximeter to measure your 02 levels. This will give you peace of mind. Be well.

[bikebabe]

Totally understandable that you feel anxious because the PE came out of nowhere. Have they done any haematology checks to see if you have an underlying blood clotting disorder such as factor v Leiden.

A pulse oximter is a good idea for reassurance. Don’t get too obsessive with it - just log the result twice a day. My normal is 93 at night and 96/97 daytime. I was told to go to docs if <90.

Your body is brilliant at healing itself so try to distract your mind to let your body get on with that healing. Anxiety stops you doing that. New hobby - musical instrument, family history, games, reading walking - whatever

Finally try introducing a new routine of breathing using your disphragm to pull the air in as you push tummy out and focus on using alternate nostrils to breathe in and out. Like an Indian yogi. You can learn this at a class.

Best wishes