Pulmonary Embolism

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

Hello,

I am just curious if anybody has flown after suffering a pulmonary embolism? I was hopsitalized on Saturday with a PE and released with blood thinners. My doctors who treated me said they see no reason for me not to go to WDW on Friday. They said I am on blood thinners and things should be just fine. I am a little nervous, and could just use some reassuring

 

[KathyRN137]

So glad that you are OK! I am an RN who adores WDW and who had a PE last year as a complication following surgery, so I probably know where you're coming from!

I agree with your doctor that it is highly unlikely that you will be at risk for another PE since you are currently on anticoaggulant therapy (blood thinner).
The main reason that airplane travel has been linked to development of PE is due to the long period of sitting during the flight. The decreased circulation can lead to a blood clot (usually in the leg) that breaks free and travels through the bloodstream until it gets lodged in one of the big arteries that supplies oxygenated blood to one of the lungs. Your medication inhibits the formation of clotting factors in the blood (the blood doesn't actually "thin").

It is a good idea to get up out of your seat on the airplane from time to time to stretch and "get the blood moving".

You should also practice deep breathing and blowing exercises to help your lung to heal. The blood clot can cut off blood supply to some of the lung tissue temporarily and it takes awhile to heal. How is your breathing? You may get some shortness of breath when you exert yourself.

I would be more concerned about fatigue and shortness of breath while touring WDW than I would be about the airplane flight. Modify your touring to a slow pace with plenty of rest stops, and don't forget to take your medication daily! You may want to consider renting an ECV (Electric Converience Vehicle) if endurance is an issue.

for your recovery!!

Kathy

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

Kathy! You made me cry!! LOL I can not say thank you enough for explaining to me about the airplane ride! That is what I did not understand.
I actually went in for a routine CT Angio and the radiologist told me he spotted a clot in the lower right lobe of my lung(on the pulmonary artery). I was admitted, and started on heparin via IV and oxygen. I have to tell you I did not really feel that bad. I do have a slight cough and exhaling does have a little pain. The doctors said they caught this as it was just forming. I am waiting on some test to see what caused this little booger!

I was petrified, I have two little girls and a my wonderful DH. The thought of leaving them frightened me so very much.

I am doing my INR blood test tomorrow to see if we can discontinue the Lovenox and just do the 6 months on coumadin. I will be getting orders to do a blood test at Celebration Hospital while I am at WDW.

I am also going to rent the electric wheelchair while we are at WDW, and we will be going back to the room to rest in the afternoons. I am already constantly drinking(I find I am also very thirsty), so I should be pretty well hydrated while there.

Again, thank you so much Kathy! I hope this cough will leave me soon. It wakes me at night. I will also do some breathing exercises as you suggested to help my lungs.

This really can be a very scary experience!

I hope you are doing!!

Karen

 

[Angel16]

Karen,

WOW, that is a amazing story. Thank God your PE was found before it caused you a problem. My DH had one a few years ago after having surgery. He was still in the hospital at the time. We almost lost him.

You received excellent information from KathyRN. I would second her suggestion for getting a ECV. If you check the stickies up top of this board you will find different companies where you can rent the ECV for your stay. They will deliver it right to your resort and pick it up there when you are ready to return home. It makes things so much easier. If you rent from the parks you may not get a ECV depending on the crowds and time of day you go. Plus, the private company rents much nicer units that are faster and far more maneuverable as well as more comfortable. You have the added ability to use it outside of the parks if you should go to Downtown Disney or Beltz outlet. They are easy to park on a bus and will make going from your room to dinner or the bus stop a breeze.

My DH had shortness of breath and became tired easier after his PE. He did have major surgery, but the PE kept him in the hospital for over two weeks. I was surprised how worn-out he would become with just a little mall waking Your going on vacation to WDW you want to enjoy, not be tired out from being a trooper.

I am sending you best wishes and pixie dust for a wonderful vacation.

 

[SueM in MN]

Sounds like you are taken care of. Have a good trip.

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

Karen,

WOW, that is a amazing story. Thank God your PE was found before it caused you a problem. My DH had one a few years ago after having surgery. He was still in the hospital at the time. We almost lost him.

You received excellent information from KathyRN. I would second her suggestion for getting a ECV. If you check the stickies up top of this board you will find different companies where you can rent the ECV for your stay. They will deliver it right to your resort and pick it up there when you are ready to return home. It makes things so much easier. If you rent from the parks you may not get a ECV depending on the crowds and time of day you go. Plus, the private company rents much nicer units that are faster and far more maneuverable as well as more comfortable. You have the added ability to use it outside of the parks if you should go to Downtown Disney or Beltz outlet. They are easy to park on a bus and will make going from your room to dinner or the bus stop a breeze.

My DH had shortness of breath and became tired easier after his PE. He did have major surgery, but the PE kept him in the hospital for over two weeks. I was surprised how worn-out he would become with just a little mall waking Your going on vacation to WDW you want to enjoy, not be tired out from being a trooper.

I am sending you best wishes and pixie dust for a wonderful vacation.

Hi! I am very lucky....Someone was definitely watching out for me up above...
I hope your DH is doing better. I agree the fatigue and the slight cough are the only thing that is giving me any real problems.
I am going to look at renting the ECV off site...I thought it was a pain trying to get them on the buses....Since you said it was not that bad I am going to try it....
Thank you again and tons of well wishes for your DH!

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

Thanks SueM...I am just about done getting all my ducks in a row! Now I am just about ready to bust with excitement!

 

[Angel16]

Hi! I am very lucky....Someone was definitely watching out for me up above...
I hope your DH is doing better. I agree the fatigue and the slight cough are the only thing that is giving me any real problems.
I am going to look at renting the ECV off site...I thought it was a pain trying to get them on the buses....Since you said it was not that bad I am going to try it....
Thank you again and tons of well wishes for your DH!

Karen, Thank you for you wishes for my DH. He is doing very good.

I am sure you will have a wonderful trip. Just don't over-due and remember to stay hydrated. Have fun with your family and make memories.
Please drop a note and let us know how your vacation went. I am sure you will have a great time. Best wishes and lots of pixie dust.

Angel

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

Karen, Thank you for you wishes for my DH. He is doing very good.

I am sure you will have a wonderful trip. Just don't over-due and remember to stay hydrated. Have fun with your family and make memories.
Please drop a note and let us know how your vacation went. I am sure you will have a great time. Best wishes and lots of pixie dust.

Angel

Thank you Angel....I will take lots of pictures and try for a trip report when I get back....I can't believe this time tomorrow we will be WDW!!