I went to the ER this afternoon after I had a sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, dizziness, tingling and feeling as if I were going to pass out.
After 4 hours, all labs were normal with the exception of my d-dimer, which they said was very elevated. I don't recall the exact number. They did a chest CT with contrast to check for a Pulmonary Embolism. CT was clear.
I was sent on my way with no explanation as to why my d-dimer level is so high or what to do about it. They have no clue
I called my llmd--they said it's not related to lyme. However, my friend google says otherwise. Not sure what to do, which doctor to turn to, or if this poses a serious health concern at this point. Scared to death, yet again.
Not sure if it matters, but I've been back on antibiotics for about 2-3 weeks, slowly working my way up to a full dose of Zithromax--my first full dose was yesterday. I'm to start the other meds one at a time. Could today be a herx reaction?
Confused!!!!
Posted by MamaMelvis (Member # 26818) on :
No one has experience with this???
Posted by joahsark (Member # 20598) on :
my doc says this is directly linked to lyme and extremely common, i have it also and take Bolouke, natto and serapeptase to fight it. Others i know with lyme test the same. hmmmmm, wish the docs would agree on something like this.
Posted by LymeCFIDSMCS (Member # 13573) on :
I think that test is specific to pulmonary embolism, right?
Babesia can cause pulmonary symptoms too, and Dr. B. told me he is seeing more pulmonary symptoms in bartonella as well. So you may want to treat the coinfections as well as Lyme.
It also sounds like you need to see a cardiologist for a more thorough cardiac workup?
Posted by MamaMelvis (Member # 26818) on :
I've had lots of cardio work ups. I actually had an ablation about a year and a half ago. Sadly, I've been dealing with cardio symptoms for far too long
I will begin treating coinfections soon.
Thanks.
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
Melvis,
I went to the ER with chest pain and all checked out ok except for a highly elevated d-dimer as well.
They gave me a CT scan with contrast to r/o a pulmonary embolism- all clear.
So, IMO, elevated d-dimer was related to my infection(s). It's been 2 years since that incident and while I have not had my d-dimer values re-checked, I'm still alive
Doctors' thought nothing of the elevated number as a stand alone value.
Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
D-dimer is not specific for pulmonary embolism (PE), although if PE were present, D-dimer would be positive.
D-dimer indicates clots SOMEWHERE in the body. This test actually is identifying proteins found in the blood when fibrinogen (a chemical "clot buster" your body makes) is breaking down clots that have formed.
People who are bed-bound and not able to walk around are at risk of forming clots, as are patients recovering from surgery and certain types of fractures. Irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation may also put you at greater risk of clots.
I hope your doctor is continuing to follow you closely. Are you on aspirin, heparin, Coumadin, or any other type of "blood thinner?"
Clots can form anywhere in the body, and may somehow become dislodged and travel through the bloodstream, ending up in the lungs (Pulmonary embolus) or the brain (ischemic stroke), among other places.
If your d-dimer is very high, make sure your doctor finds out why, and that you receive the appropriate follow-up care.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
I've been through that scenario many times. There are several things that can cause an elevated D- Dimer and many of them are absolutely nothing at all. Do not worry. As long as you don't have a pulmonary embolism, you are probably perfectly fine. At least that is what I've always been told!
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
"False positive readings can be due to various causes: liver disease, high rheumatoid factor, inflammation, malignancy, trauma, pregnancy, recent surgery as well as advanced age."
Most of us with Lyme have inflammation. I now remember being told it could be elevated just due to inflammation. Don't worry.
Posted by Maryland Mom (Member # 2043) on :
Tracy9, Your statements are quite valid, and if MamaMelvis had an elevated d dimer as just an isolated out of range lab value, I would agree it may be nothing...BUT she experienced a cluster of symptoms suggestive of pulmonary emboli at the same time, which is another matter. I'm just saying it is very important her doctor rule out other causes before just chalking it up to Lyme.
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