In april of last year I had a large, acute, pulmonary embolism diagnosed. I had symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, lethargy) for about ten days. I had gone to the doctor twice during that time but she failed to diagnose the problem. I ultimately ended up in the er where the embolism was diagnosed.
It turns out that the embolism was caused by thoracic outlet syndrome. My rib and clavicle bone were pinching my subclavian vein causing blood clots along my arm which broke off and traveled to my lung. I have had surgery to remove my rib since that time. But I am still constantly feeling winded and short of breath. I have a sharp pain in both my left and right ribs along the bra line, which prevents me from wearing a bra.
The doctors keep telling me I have costochondritis. But I am skeptical that this would cause such intense feelings of breathlessness. Sometimes I must stop and pause after walking up a flight of steps (i am in my 20s and this doesn't seem normal). I have been testing for pulmonary hypertension but the doctors said I do not have it.
Has anyone that had a pe suffered since their initial diagnosis? I'm not sure what could be the cause of my problems and whether or not I should be seeing a specialist. I am not certain which type of specialist to see to help me.
