Pluersy

[Boo17]

Hi guys, IV just been told I have pleural effusion (pleurisy) on my right lung following from provoked pulmonary embolism due to surgery. I'm on blood thinners, and was told no nsaids however today told the a couple of them to help with pain should be fine. I'm awaiting to see anticoagulant clinic on Monday but wondered if anyone has any self help ideas to relieve pain and get rid of it as laying down is a nightmare at the moment. Thanks

[Traz60]

Hi Boo17, While I'm not on blood thinners myself, my Mother is and my MIL was before she passed away a few months ago. One takes Warfarin and the other took Xarelto. So, over the years I've become pretty well versed in what you're allowed to take and what you're not. Unfortunately, the only thing they were allowed to take for pain was Tylenol or Tylenol PM. Stronger and very addictive meds were given to my mother when she had to have any surgeries and they were also prescribed for my MIL for about a year before she passed away (for pain in her hip.) I've heard the pain caused by pleurisy can be pretty bad, so I feel for you. I do hope your Dr. is willing to offer you something a bit stronger, but please realize you will become addicted if you need them for an extended period of time. Being on blood thinners also restricts you from eating many foods (primarily those with Vitamin K like greens or beets), unless you're on Xarelto, then the restrictions aren't nearly as bad. You also don't have to go and have your blood tested at the anticoagulation clinic when you're on Xarelto. However, Xarelto is quite expensive compared to Warfarin and there can be complications that arise from taking it. I wish you all the best in finding a way to battle the pain you're going through. I'm not very familiar with pleurisy, therefore, I'm not sure whether or not you'll have to be on blood thinners for the rest of your life. I hope not, but you'll get used to what you're allowed to have and what you need to avoid. Wow, I'm so sorry this reply was so long for such a simple question. I get carried away. Again, I'm wishing you the best of luck!

[Boo17 in reply to Traz60]

Thank you for replying I appreciate your input, I am on apixaban so I don't need to have regular check ups thankfully. The CT scan yesterday showed small plueral effusion which they have said has been caused by the clot which has now dissolved. Very frustrating timesxx thanks again X

[soppysokes]

Hello boo is it a pleural effusion you have or pleurisy,? they are very different conditions.

[Boo17 in reply to soppysokes]

The Dr said I had plueral effusion, small amount of fluid at the bottom.of my right lung which has inflamed the lung causing the pain. X

[soppysokes in reply to Boo17]

Hi ok I have in past had pleural effusion and yes it can be painful! Have you tried co-codamol (prescription strength) 30/500 it helped a lot for mine.Am surprised nothing has been offered to help taking into account the surgically induced embolism there should be pain relief offered if substantial pain if still bad tomorrow praps call and request something to help?

[Boo17 in reply to soppysokes]

Thank you X I certainly will X