Upper abdominal pain and PE

Chest and lungs
1

Hi,

I'm 37 and have just been diagnosed with two PEs in both lungs. The doctor said they were fairly sizeable, but I'm not really sure where they are or how big they are.

From the bloods and leg/pelvis ultrasound they have ruled out DVT and genetic causes. I've had shortness of breath for about 3 weeks, but have had upper abdominal pain for about 5 months. The pain is right in between my ribs and is worse after I eat or drink alcohol.

I've been seeing a gastroenterologist and have had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, both of which have ruled out anything serious. 

When I went to hospital last week they started me on blood thinners, injections twice a day, 12 hrs apart. I'm unsure of the name, perhaps Clexane? The stomach pain disappeared and there was no pain after eating. However, I have noticed that today after eating breakfast, there is an uncomfortableness in my stomach again. I was wondering of anyone else had experienced this, and if it could be related to the clot? I mentioned it to the haematologist and he said he didn't believe that they were related and gave me a CT scan on my abdomen, which came back clear. 

I also wondered if anyone could explain why a CT scan was given to my abdomen and an ultrasound was given on my legs to rule out DVT?

Thanks in advance, Sarah

2

Well if they have done a cat scan of your belly then they could have seen if you have an aortic anurisum (sp) AAA they call it in the VA. They keep saying my PE didn’t come from my legs but it had to come from somewhere. The Lupus Dr ruled that out and said maybe it was just a freak PE. Ya think?  It’s been a year and finally I feel good. 

3

Hi Sarah,

Sorry to hear about your PEs, but at least it sounds like your people are doing the right things.  

The different tests are for different conditions: dvts are relatively big, so easier to see, whereas PEs in your lungs (even large ones) are really hard to see.

Causes of PEs are often never found. When causes are found, they are often quite prosaic, like contraception or short periods of immobility.  Dramatic conditions are much rarer, so (in the words of Douglas Adams) "Don't Panic".

One thing to be aware of - there is not much in the way of "post PE" services, so we are a bit on our own. Ask away if you need something, but get confirmation wink

All the best

Peter

4

Thanks for the response. I am glad you are feeling better.

5

Thanks for your response Peter. Much appreciated.