Recovery from pulmonary embolism will usually takes about six months. Key components of a successful recovery include taking medications as prescribed, having regular checkups with your doctor, and, if instructed by your doctor, wearing compression stockings.
At home, you will continue taking blood-thinning medications. It is important that you:
Take medications as prescribed
Do not take any other medication, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or food supplements without first checking with your doctor
Continue to have regular blood tests as directed
Check with your doctor before changing your diet or taking any supplements
Wear your compression stockings as directed, if prescribed by your doctor.
Recovery From Pulmonary Embolism: Know the Side Effects
Medications used to treat pulmonary embolism may thin your blood too much.
This can cause bleeding in the digestive system. You should get immediate treatment if you:
Vomit bright red blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Pass bright red blood in your stool or have black tarry stools
Develop pain in your abdomen.
You must also get immediate treatment if you:
Have excessive bleeding from a fall or injury and you cannot stop any bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes
Have bleeding in the brain, which will cause a severe headache, sudden changes in your vision, sudden loss of movement of your legs or arms, or sudden memory loss or confusion.
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