In hospital

PanamaPineapple · November 2013

I'm being tested for Pulmonary embolism. I am told this can happen in pregnancy. It's a blood clot in the lung. I'm scared because I have to do a VQ scan and there is some radiation involved. Anyone know anything about this?

katieharpiceland · November 2013

I don't know about the effects on baby, but, I'm sure its minimal compared to the possible risk of pulmonary embolism. I've had the scans with radiation done before (not while pregnant), and it is a tiny amount. You'll just feel some warmth and then its over. Definitely worth the risk because PE is very dangerous. I hope it all turns out ok!!

thomas930 · November 2013

I'm so sorry and hope everything is ok.

I'm sure that if your doctors thought there were too many risks with a scan like that then they would try something else first.

Marusika · November 2013

During my last pregnancy they scanned my feet because I was suspected to have a blood cloth in my feet. But they found nothing.

Godd luck!

sayysayy13 · November 2013

They wanted me to do a vq can a while ago because I was having trouble breathing. Did they do a d-dimer blood test to make sure you don't have a clot (blood wise)

RubiksElf · November 2013

No experience here, but I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts. I hope everything goes well!

zoopsiedaisy · November 2013

That is so scary! im really sorry. The danger of an embolism outweighs the radiation from a vq IMO. I bet they can put a cover over your belly. If I remember correctly, you lie still and the machine moves around you. Sending thoughts and prayers to you!!

ETA: I had one years ago, like 10 years, and did not inhale anything or have anything injected. It was just a big rotating machine. I didn't realize it had changed. Hoping you have some answers soon.

lcr23 · November 2013

Hope everything is ok!

katieharpiceland · November 2013

I think its the contrast radiation dye that is the "concern." You either have to inhale some or have it injected. But really, it just needs to be found fast and then treated :-) That is the safest thing for both mother and baby.

PanamaPineapple · November 2013

The said I have to inhale the radiation and then have it injected. They lower the dose for pregnant women which makes me feel better but still paranoid. Just waiting now to go in for tests. Thank you everyone for your prayers.

katieharpiceland · November 2013

PanamaPineapple said:

The said I have to inhale the radiation and then have it injected. They lower the dose for pregnant women which makes me feel better but still paranoid. Just waiting now to go in for tests. Thank you everyone for your prayers.

Its ok to be paranoid :-) But I'm sure you'll be fine from the scan. Keep us updated about the outcome! :::sending good healthy vibes:::

Katiecave · November 2013

Praying for you and baby. Hope everything turns out fine.

MamaFantastic · November 2013

Praying all is well VERY quickly for you! How scary... but I'm really glad your doctors are being proactive and aggressive for your benefit.

newter135 · November 2013

Hope you are ok and feeling better soon. As others said the risk of te radiation is far less than the risk of the PE.

J&NL · November 2013

Praying for you!

Rogue237 · November 2013

Hope everything is ok!

Asljoc · November 2013

Thoughts & prayers!

CalinAZ · November 2013

sending prayers that everything goes okay!

jennk09 · November 2013

They thought the same thing with me back early during this pregnancy. I was very scared and concerned for baby. They did a cat scan, shot the contrast dye in an iv and put a shield under my back and over my belly. Hope all is well

Heeb918 · November 2013

Hope everything goes well. Let us know how you are feeling and how the tests go!

Amyboxer · November 2013

I had a patient at work who was pregnant and had a blood clot in her head. She got a few CT scans and had a interventional procedure with contrast. We fixed the clot but she was still taking some narcotics for pain. Baby was fine. She had to take a low dose blood thinner for the rest of her pregnancy though. But her baby was ok and so was she! I hope that makes you feel a little better. Good luck with your test!