Where do I go next - any advice ?

[Zak11]

Evening all

I am 52f and 7 months into recovering from a bilateral pulmonary embolism. I am slowly getting back to some kind of normal but I seem to be suffering from ongoing pain in the middle of my chest, and back, especially if I exert myself eg swimming, running and now just general housework, I don't suffer with any breathlessness and the pain builds over a couple of days, so much so that I cannot move - burning, aching and pressure, paracetamol does not work and

I have been back and forth to my GP and recently been back in touch with the ambulatory care team at the hospital, but unfortunately I haven't had a confirmed diagnosis. I haven't had any follow up scans but I have been given some anti-inflammatory medication to take for 2wks to see if this helps, but I don't think it's working, I know it's only early days but I'm wondering has anyone else suffered from this. I had a lung function test and it was good, but I have read that you can still have ongoing issues due to having had clots in your lungs, so I'm confused, who can I look to for help with this Respiratory, Cardiologist or Pulmonologist or do I just need to be patient ?

Thanks 😄

[peege]

I'm sorry I know nothing to help, I can only suggest that if you're in UK to give the helpline a call tomorrow to speak to a respiratory professional. Theyre open 09.15 to 5pm Mon to Friday. It sounds as though you might have been left in the lurch, you deserve & need some support & advice asap. In the meantime NHS website might offer some information on treatment you can expect after Pulmonary Embolism. Good luck, P

[Zak11 in reply to peege]

Thank-you for your advice - I will give them a call today and see if they can help 😁

[stan_25]

I have the same problem but, hopefully, not as serious.I have had a rough few years with various problems, bowel and prostate cancer, pacemaker fitted, constant problems with a blood disorder.

Everything was being overcome and in September I finally had a 'routine' hip replacement.

Throughout all these problems I was also diagnosed with copd and I kept complaining that I was not being treated properly.

My hip op was the final op which should have allowed me to concentrate on my copd treatment.

The hip op was fine but unfortunately I was discharged with a lung clot.

I have been admitted to hospital twice since September allegedly with copd flare ups when I believe that the problem is the clot.

They have now agreed not to mention copd until the clot has been successfully treated but the clot has given the copd people chance to say 'not my fault guv'.

I shall have to take it step by step but I have little faith in any of them at present...

[Zak11]

Good morning - thanks for your reply.

It sounds as though you have been through quite an ordeal, it's so frustrating and difficult to move forward when you're not sure what your really dealing with.

I wish you all the best with your recovery.

[Apollomycat]

After having a chest infection I was left with terrible pain in my back, doctors or hospitals didn't do anything. I couldn't even sleep for the pain. One day a friend suggested I take two Codeine pills with food, they were wonderful, after about 10 or 15 minutes I felt the pain ease away. This was some years ago and I have never had the pain back. It's just a suggestion as you sound in great pain at times. Take care x

[Zak11 in reply to Apollomycat]

I am taking etoricoxib which doesn't seem to help, but to be fair it is only early days, I know this treats some arthritic pain but it's not a condition that has been mentioned in any discussions I've had so far.

Thank-you for the suggestion I really appreciate it.

All the best 😁

[Izb1]

Has anybody checked for acid reflux. I had the same type of pain in my back between the shoulders which felt like a heart attack . Maybe try Gaviston and see if it helps. I would ask your gp to check for this x

[Zak11 in reply to Izb1]

I have been asked if I suffer from acid reflux and to be honest it's not really an issue, but maybe I could look into this a little more.

Thank-you for taking the time to reply.

All the best 😁

[Dottie11]

Sometimes a symptom can cover so many possibilities. It might be a process of elimination. Get your Gp on board and see what referral he thinks might suit. List your symptoms, what makes it worse or better. Good luck.

[Zak11 in reply to Dottie11]

Good morning - thank-you for getting in touch - I did wonder if I should go back to my GP.

I listed my symptoms at the hospital and was told that I was being sensitive, I just wanted to give as much information as I could so that maybe it would help with a diagnosis. I have started a diary whilst taking this new medication, maybe as you suggest it might help to identify what makes it worse or better.

Thanks again 😁

[watergazer]

I’m sorry I know of nothing to help you but I wish you well. X

[Zak11 in reply to watergazer]

Thank-you for your support that's very kind of you.

All the best 😁