Concern Over Lack of MRI After Previous Pulmonary Embolism
I'm reaching out about my husband, who experienced a pulmonary embolism six months ago. At the time, he struggled with severe leg discomfort followed by tightness in his chest, which we initially dismissed as simple gas. However, after some convincing, I had him visit the emergency room where they diagnosed the embolism. Fortunately, he received timely treatment with blood thinners for approximately three months, and the blood clot eventually dissipated, leading us to believe everything was fine. Currently, both of us are in the military and are stationed several hours apart due to his orders. He recently confessed to feeling similar chest tightness along with increasing knee pain, raising alarms as it mirrored his earlier symptoms. While medical professionals reassured him that he is no longer at risk and discontinued his blood thinner regimen, I cannot help but feel uneasy about his situation. I constantly worry if he has sustained any irreversible damage, as the past experience was quite alarming. We suspect that the initial embolism may have resulted from his previous use of steroids, which he has since stopped. He had been injecting them into his thighs, which led to prolonged numbness in the area. Around that same time, he developed the embolism, and while he has regained feeling, I remain skeptical about the root causes of this condition. After his recent visit to the emergency room, where they noted his elevated blood pressure and conducted blood tests, the nurse informed him that there were no clots present. However, they did not perform the MRI with contrast that we were expecting. I recognize the importance of trusting medical professionals, yet I find myself grappling with anxiety over whether they are taking adequate measures. Does the bloodwork alone completely exclude the possibility of a clot? Given his medical history with pulmonary embolism, why would an MRI for thorough verification not be conducted?
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 6:30:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about your husband's health, especially given his history of pulmonary embolism (PE) and the recent symptoms he's experiencing. Let's discuss the situation and clarify your concerns, addressing most critical aspects first.
Key Points:
- Elevated blood pressure and knee pain need to be assessed but may not directly indicate a new pulmonary embolism.
- Blood tests can provide important information, but they typically do not replace imaging like an MRI for comprehensive evaluation.
- The absence of visible clots on blood tests is reassuring but doesn't completely exclude all risks.
Explanation:
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot obstructs a pulmonary artery, and your husband's previous PE was indeed a serious condition. His current symptoms of chest tightness and knee pain can understandably cause concern, as they mirror previous issues. However, it’s important to recognize that muscle pain, stress, and anxiety can also manifest with these symptoms and may not always indicate a new clot.
An MRI is often used to get a detailed image of internal structures but is not the first-line test for detecting blood clots. Tests such as D-dimer blood tests are frequently used to evaluate for clot presence, as a significantly elevated level can suggest clot formation. The fact that the ER didn’t perform an MRI could mean that the healthcare team assessed his symptoms and determined the risk of another clot was low at that moment.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of any changes in your husband's symptoms. If they worsen or if new symptoms appear (like difficulty breathing, high fever, or rapid heart rate), seek immediate care.
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Follow Up on Elevated Blood Pressure: Encourage him to follow up with his primary care provider or a cardiologist about the elevated blood pressure. It’s essential to evaluate and manage this appropriately, especially with his PE history.
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Communicate with Healthcare Providers: If there are lingering concerns about his knee pain or chest tightness, encourage your husband to talk to his healthcare provider about these symptoms, and express your worries about the adequacy of the evaluations conducted.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If ongoing anxiety persists about his care or if you feel his concerns are not being addressed, seeking a second opinion from another healthcare professional can provide additional reassurance and clarify any uncertainties.
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Emotional Well-Being: Supporting each other's emotional health is crucial. Consider discussing your concerns with a counselor or support group, as navigating such medical histories can be stressful.
This dialogue will help to foster reassurance and ensure proactive health management. Remember, maintaining open and clear communication with his healthcare team is vital for both of you.
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