Breathlessness and a negative VQ for PE

[Rubberyduck]

Has anyone experience with this? I'm only half way or so into second pregnancy and suffering from extreme breathlessness the past couple of weeks so breathless talking, having a drink, let alone a flight of stairs. Had a blood test which came back with elevated d dimer which saw me sent to A&E. Ecg, chest xray and a VQ came back negative/low. Slightly elevated white cell counts.

I've been discharged from hospital and told to go back to GP on Monday if no better. She couldn't offer any insight or advice. I just don't know what to do from here as I can't see what else they can test for? I just can't imagine being so out of breath and getting bigger for another 20 weeks!! Plus I have a two year old to chase

I had that. I think mine was mostly anxiety as they'd given me some other test results (not so great) that turned out to be wrong...

Oh I see. It may have been made worse by anxiety I guess.

That must've been so awful for you physicskate

I had similar and even ended up having a ct scan which showed no PE. They concluded mine was an issue with my diaphragm (I think they said it separated but I think they meant stretched not torn). I also had severe diastasis recti. But I admit the anxiety about the scans in pregnancy exacerbated the breathing issues. Hope you get some answers

I had this at 24 weeks was admitted and had VQ and leg ultrasound and chest X-ray. All negative.
Think it was anaemia, although never really got a definitive answer and had a scan of baby who was positioned very high under the ribs and they assumed she was pressing on lungs plus anaemia.

Am I mad for going back to GP? I'd have to call in sick. I haven't had a sick day yet (I work part time and ironically hospital landed on days off). I just feel they're going to tell me it's just pregnancy and make me feel like I'm OTT. Its rather embarrassing trying to talk to people on the phone/meetings and wheezing like I've ran a marathon.

One of the docs mentioned anaemia but nothing more said about it really. Maybe I could up iron intake. It wouldn't hurt would it? I could ask.

I think you should go back to your gp if you’re worried. It can’t do any harm and might put your mind at rest.
I suffer with anaemia generally and it makes me breathless (although it pregnancy this wasn’t my issue) so it’s worth mentioning that to the gp too. Good luck - being breathless and anxious about your health in pregnancy is horrid and I really sympathise xx

Thanks for your kind words. I just don't want to feel like I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill

My breathlessness was related to low iron. Can you find out what your iron levels were from your recent blood test? Ask them to compare to what it was when you had your 6 week blood test and perhaps your previous pregnancy. You will be able to see how much you have dropped. I hadn't reached the anaemic stage but was a couple of levels away from it starting so although I was in the low of what was considered normal range it really affected my ability to function. GP gave me iron tables and within 2-3 weeks felt much better. Still breathless now and again but nowhere near how I felt previously.

Well I went back to the GP today. Iron levels were fine. But the doctor can hear wheezing in one of my lungs. I've been given an inhaler to use overnight but have to go back tomorrow. I've never had asthma. Sigh