HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Could Persistent Shortness Of Breath Suggest Recurring Onset Of PE?

I am a 67-year-old, male, I weigh 218 and 5 9 . I am in relatively good health. In May 2011 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. And in July of 2011 I underwent a prostatectomy. Within less than a week following the surgery, I started having shortness of breath. My primary care physician called to do a follow-up to see how I was doing. When he heard me struggling to talk and breath, he told me to come into his office immediately. I was later diagnosed with a saddled PE that traveled from my leg to my lungs. I was placed on medication for the PE. I no longer take any medication for the PE. Lately, I have experienced shortness of breath. I went to the ER about 2 months ago, and no problems were detected, discovered. But I continue to have shortness of breath with doing things like climbing the stairs at home, tying my shoes, or minor physical activity. I don t have chest pain. My Fitbit shows that my heartrate ranges from mid 50s to upper 90s. I workout at the gym every other day...walking 20 minutes on the treadmill, stationary bike about 10 minutes, and weight lifting. I can go for 60 minutes with no problems. But the shortness of breath comes and goes. Could this be the onset of another PE or something else? Thank you, Gerald Thompkins
Fri, 5 Feb 2016
Report Abuse
Pathologist and Microbiologist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Pulmonary embolism needs to be ruled out since you have already had an episode of pulmonary embolism.
I suggest you to consult your treating doctor for a clinical assessment.
First line investigations - d-dimer should be done to look for recurrence of pulmonary embolism.
A positive d-dimer is suggestive of pulmonary embolism.
In case there is evidence of pulmonary embolism, appropriate medication should be taken.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Could Persistent Shortness Of Breath Suggest Recurring Onset Of PE?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Pulmonary embolism needs to be ruled out since you have already had an episode of pulmonary embolism. I suggest you to consult your treating doctor for a clinical assessment. First line investigations - d-dimer should be done to look for recurrence of pulmonary embolism. A positive d-dimer is suggestive of pulmonary embolism. In case there is evidence of pulmonary embolism, appropriate medication should be taken. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri