PM & Blood Clot

Hello to all~ I've been scanning the internet the past few days searching for clues. I was deeeelighted to find this site this morning! I've read through some of the postings and was relieved to see that I'm not imagining my symptoms. What seems to be a common theme here is that the health care providers don't always know what is going on. This will be very helpful when I feel I'm getting the runaround (which fortunately I haven't experienced...yet). I am 54 and have been in very good health all these years. So healthy that I thought my shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue for the past 3 years was due to menopause. I've had my PM since July 26, 2008. I didn't know I was sick until they fixed me. ( I had bradycardia from sick sinus syndrome). I've been feeling great until last week when I developed swelling in my left hand and arm. My doctor suspected a clot and ordered an ultrasound which was negative. She then ordered a CT scan; which was also negative. She decided to repeat the ultrasound and look near the subclavia which is where they finally found the elusive clot. I'm on heparin injections twice a day and coumadin. She will be consulting with my heart surgeon ( who adamantly denies that the clot has anything to do with my PM) after all my blood tests come back. I'm busy making a list of questions for my follow up on Friday. I am SO happy to have found this site. I feel like I now have a great source to rely on when I start to feel like I'm imagining things. I ignored serious symptoms for years and very lucky not to have had a stroke or heart attack. Thank you for making my day and God bless each and every one of you. :):):)

Catherine

2 Comments

oh our great subclavian vein

by kcruz - 2009-03-25 11:03:10

Hi Catherine: you are the first person that I have crossed paths with that has had a subclavian clot. In 2005 when I had my device upgraded the following day I was concerned with pain in my neck, it was blown off and 48 hours after surgery I was back in the hospital with a huge clot, maybe it is the name mine is kathy too :) anyway I wish you well on your present challenge

Welcome

by maryanne - 2009-03-25 11:03:33

Catherine....

Let me say hello and welcome. I am sorry you are experiencing what you are. Good for your doctor for requesting further investigation and that they found the source for your swelling.

Blood clots can be caused by many things as I am sure you are aware. Blood clots most often manifest as a deep vein thrombosis in a lower extremity. But blood clots can also be a as a result of surgery or trauma to a site, medication, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, or physiological such as cholesterol or blood disorders.

So I can see why at this late date post PM implant that the surgeon might be hesitant to say it was the PM that caused the clot.

Regardless, I am glad they investigated further and that treatment is in place.

Again welcome to the club.....Mary Anne

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