Recovery after a pulmonary embolism is about more than blood thinners and check-ups.

• It’s the fear of recurrence that shows up in every skipped breath.

• It’s the loss of safety that can shake our sense of self.

• It’s the grief, the questions, the identity shifts — alongside the fatigue, anxiety, and changes in the body.

This workbook was created to honor all layers of recovery: medical, emotional, psychological, and embodied. Inside, you’ll find not only somatic practices, but also reflection prompts — to help you pause, listen, and find meaning in what you’re experiencing.

Healing is not just surviving — it’s learning to feel safe again, to connect, and to rebuild trust in your body and life.

Inside the Workbook

This workbook is designed to support both body and mind in the journey of recovery after a pulmonary embolism. Here’s a look at what’s inside:

Part I: Sorting the Signals

• How to recognize the difference between a heart attack, PE, panic attack, and anxiety

• Why subtle symptoms matter — and why they’re often overlooked

Part II: Listening to the Body

• Understanding body signals and interoception

• The line between awareness and hypervigilance

• Health anxiety and fear of recurrence

• Cues of safety vs. danger, defensive vs. exploratory orienting, beginner’s mind

• The stress feedback loop

Part III: Core Symptoms of Recovery

• Breathlessness, fatigue, pain, and heart rate changes

• Sleep and lying down difficulties

• Brain fog and concentration challenges

• Depression, anxiety, and sense of dread

• PTSD and trauma responses

Part IV: Emotional Healing

• Grief and identity changes

• Existential questions and liminal space

• The role of community, presence, and connection in healing

Part V: Living with Recovery

• Medication & long-term safety (blood thinners, bleeding precautions, red flags)

• Hormones & recovery (birth control, menopause, gender-affirming care)

• Nutrition & hydration for circulation, mood, and energy

• Support systems and the importance of social engagement

• Returning to work and daily life

Closing & Integration

• Practices and reflections for integrating your experience

• Rituals for transitions and moving forward

• Notes pages, resources, glossary, and appendices

This workbook isn’t just information — it blends psychoeducation, somatic practices, reflection prompts, and further resources to help you build safety, resilience, and trust in your body again.