Can someone explain d-dimer to me please?

[giraffescantdookforapples]

A few weeks ago mine was 233 and now its 288.

GP was concerned by 233 and sent me to hospital but Dr didnt seem very concerned by 288 and let me home, but thats higher.

Fools guide anyone? I am googling but its been a long day.

It is mostly used to rule out blood clots, but lots of other things can give a positive result.

I don't have experience of the lab test/normal ranges but have used the hospital ward test which comes out only positive or negative, many times. It is great to rule stuff out but not at all specific once you have a positive result, so more used in conjunction with other tests and when considering all the symptoms.

Are you being investigated for anything in particular?

On going chest infection, chest pain, tachycardia (awaiting monitor) and today been diagnosed with asthma.

GPs concern was a PE. So sent me in but hosp Dr seemed to think unlikely. Mentioned infection could cause the rise in levels and so be the cause.

There was some discussion at hosp over the threshold recently being changed to 230.

Ah yes, wanting one to rule out PE would make lots of sense, as symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain.

Sometimes they will walk you round with a Sats monitor on to see if your oxygen levels plummet when you are active too. But asthma would also explain the symptoms.

PE not that common, luckily.

Hopefully if it is asthma then getting on the right treatment should perk you up quickly, have you been put on steroids?

thanks. Got inhalor. And its amazing how much better i feel with it. Less breath less. Had just got used to feeling that way. Still sore and coughing but id rather asthma than pe!

Good Glad you are feeling better.