Submassive Pulmonary Embolism...recovery?

Nearly 5 years ago (October of 2002) I had a near fatal PE. I was in ICU for 4 days and stayed in the hospital for an additional 7 days (totaling 11 days). The PE "cause" was due to a broken ankle that req'd surgery to set. It was set with screws. 3 days after, I couldn't breathe and ended up in the ER. I had taken 2 regular aspirin a day from the day I left the hospital (the day after the surgery). I was put on shots and oral blood thinners while in the hospital and continued the warfarin pills for 6 months. Here's my question...It's been a long time now and I continue to have real problems getting my cardio stamina back. I have tried and tried. I tried starting slow (just walking) and working up, but my heart and lungs sort of feel like they are 'seizing up' when I hit the wall. ... I am 5'1" and always weighed about 100 lbs bfore this. ... Is my problem related to any residual effects of the PE? How do I get stamina back to excercise and lose weight?...I am so frustrated!

Complicated question. I will take a stab at some possibilities. One, explore the possibility of permanent lung/heart damage.

Are you off the blood thinners besides the asprin? Those drugs would really knock you back. One of the things that perscription blood thinners can do is knock down your hemoglobin .... that's what transfers oxygen around your body ... have it checked. Make sure you are getting enough iron. With possible blood problems ... have it checked by a doctor, you don't want to over do it with iron after a PE.

Try some strength training to ... boost testosterone and your bodies ability to repair itself. Make sure your protien intake is sufficient.
Go to the attatched website ... good info on just what to do.

I don't think it would be related to the previous PE...once you've completed the anti-coagulant therapy, the clot should have been reabsorbed by your tissues. I don't know your age or other conditions you may have as well as meds you may take daily. It sounds like you should consult your doctor and have a stress test.

Please see the web pages for more details on Warfarin (generic name) Coumadin (brand name). You may discuss all your medical problems with the cardiologist. If necessary, you may seek a second medical opinion in your case.