How to Help a Loved One After a Pulmonary Embolism

When someone you care about has a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that blocks an artery in the lungs. Also known as PE, it’s a sudden, life-threatening event that doesn’t end when the hospital stay does. Recovery takes weeks to months, and your role as a supporter can make a huge difference—not just in healing, but in preventing another clot.

People recovering from PE often feel scared, tired, and unsure about what they can do. They might be on anticoagulant therapy, blood thinners like warfarin, rivaroxaban, or apixaban that prevent new clots and need help remembering doses, watching for bleeding signs, or scheduling blood tests. They may also struggle with shortness of breath during simple tasks like walking to the kitchen or climbing stairs. This isn’t laziness—it’s the result of damaged lung tissue and reduced oxygen flow. Your job isn’t to fix it, but to be patient, observant, and encouraging.

Many don’t realize how much post-PE support, the ongoing care needed after the acute phase of a pulmonary embolism matters. Simple things help: preparing low-salt meals to reduce swelling, reminding them to move every hour (even just standing up), helping them track symptoms like swelling in one leg or sudden chest pain, and listening when they’re anxious. Depression and fear of another clot are common—don’t brush it off. Ask how they’re feeling, not just physically, but emotionally. Some need help arranging follow-ups with a hematologist or pulmonary specialist. Others just need someone to sit with them while they watch TV, because the silence after a PE can be louder than the symptoms.

You won’t find magic fixes in the articles below, but you will find real, practical advice from people who’ve been there. From how to manage blood thinners safely, to what exercise actually helps after a PE, to why certain foods matter more than you think. There’s guidance on spotting warning signs before they become emergencies, how to talk to doctors about long-term risks, and how to rebuild confidence without rushing back into life too fast. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re lived experiences, backed by medical insight, meant to help you show up better for the person you care about.