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Can A Pulmonary Embolism Cause Recurring Pain Between The Shoulder Blades?
Question: just wondering if a pulmonary embolism can cause pain between the shoulder blades that would come and go, or would it be constant? I've had on and off pain in this area and sometimes down my left arm. the pain is an achey pain. I sometimes get tingling in both arms and they often fall asleep at night. I do not believe it to be my heart as I've had a full cardiac workup done 5 months ago and all was normal. I do not have any shortness of breath, but occasionally have a bit of a vertigo sensation. I've also been having episodes of nausea and a squeezing throat sensation. I suspect it maybe muscular pain due to carrying my 5 month old daughter etc. but wanted another opinion. I do have a primary appt on the 18th.
Brief Answer:
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Its very difficult to diagnose pulmonary embolism on symptoms alone. The description you gave puts you in very low risk category for pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms that are consistent with PE include
sudden shortness of breath
pleuritic chest pain
hemoptysis
increased respiratory and heart rate
With these symptoms and positive history for either of the following
i.e immobilization, pregnancy, acquired thrombophilia, malignancy history, recent surgery, the risk goes higher.
Spiral CT and/or V/Q scan can be advised for diagnosis. ABGS, Chest x ray and ECG is usually done before going for such investigations. Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs and d dimers are also done to aid the diagnosis.
In my view, this is most likely not Pulmonary thromboembolism though you can take the opinion of your doctor to be more sure.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Its very difficult to diagnose pulmonary embolism on symptoms alone. The description you gave puts you in very low risk category for pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms that are consistent with PE include
sudden shortness of breath
pleuritic chest pain
hemoptysis
increased respiratory and heart rate
With these symptoms and positive history for either of the following
i.e immobilization, pregnancy, acquired thrombophilia, malignancy history, recent surgery, the risk goes higher.
Spiral CT and/or V/Q scan can be advised for diagnosis. ABGS, Chest x ray and ECG is usually done before going for such investigations. Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs and d dimers are also done to aid the diagnosis.
In my view, this is most likely not Pulmonary thromboembolism though you can take the opinion of your doctor to be more sure.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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