can you get a pulmonary embolism 2 times?

Question

I am 35 years old and last year I had a pulmonary embolism. I did not have surgery prior to. the drs. still don't know what caused it. Before it happened I do remember my legs feeling tired and charlie horse like feelings. maybe a dvt. but isn't that odd for a 35 year old?

Answer 1

Yes.

The symtoms you feel on you legs are probably called claudication.

Yes, DVT is a possibility but what is causing your DVT's if you have it. Is there something causing you blood to be more viscous than normal like an autoimmune disease. Do you have varicose veins on your legs. Might want to get a vascular ultrasound of blood vessels of your legs.

IF it is DVT, some preventive measures are taking of medication that will make you blood less viscous (pls. ask your doctor), wearing support or anti-DVT stockings and maybe considering having an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placed to prevent blood clots from going into you lungs again.

Answer 2

You surely can get a PE two times...or more. You are right that it is nothing to fool around with. At the age of 22, I suffered a massive PE that left my lungs permanently damaged. They put me on high dose blood thinners (Coumadin), and three months later I suffered a second episode. Three years later I suffered a clot in my left arm. I have a clotting disorder called Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome. It is rare, affecting only 2% of the American population, and it can be progressive. You really need to be tested. Please visit the web site below, and consider joining their support group, if only to learn more. Please, never ignore your symptoms, even if you are afraid that the doctors will think you are a hypochondriac! Your life is worth it! Good luck to you, and I'll keep you in prayer. I know how frightening it can be.

Oh, I also wanted to mention that Birth Control pills may also cause blood clots, in case that's relevant to you.

Avoid overeating leafy green veggies, as they contain vitiman K, which naturally clots blood.

Answer 3

Yes, especially if you have a clotting problem or a history of clotting.