collapsed and partially collapsed lungs

[sue35]

So I have a horrible shotting pain in my back/side area. I can barely move that side of the body. I called my doctor and she said that it doesn't sound like a full collapse because i can do my treatments and breathe deep (although it kills when i do that or when I cough)

Is is possible that I could have a partially collapsed lung? I heard that there is nothing to do about that and that it heals by itself. I know it is not a muscle thing becuase it hurts way to much and it doesn't feel like a pulled muscle.

I just don't know when the pain becomes too much

Sue 24w/CF

 

[coltsfan715]

Hi there Sue,
I had a partial lung collapse last year about July. I didn't have any pain at all just very short of breath and I was coughing til I was bright red and not able to get anything up. I finally went to the doc when what little bit of junk I was coughing up had blood in it. I went to the doc and he took xrays and PFTs to determine it was collapsed.

Once he figured out what the problem was - partial collapse of the upper left lobe- and what was causing it - a mucus plug/blockage - he set me up for a bronchoscopy. I went in the next day and they did the bronch. He sucked out a ton of junk that was festering in my lungs including the problem blockage. Within 24 hours I was breathing easier even though I was coughing alot from the irritation of having the bronch done. I had to go on a few weeks stint of oral antibiotics, and to be honest it has taken me about a year to really get over it.

I am not trying to question your doc saying nothing can be done, but that seems crazy to me. My doc told me that we needed to get on top of the blockage and remove it before the lung fully collapsed be because a partial collapse is a lot easier to take care of than a complete collapse. I would make an appointment to go in and have something done because if it is a collapse of any kind the longer it is that way the more scarring you are going to have because of it, which is that much more lung you are going to lose the ability to use.

Lindsey

Not trying to scare you, but I just know from my experience last year that there IS something that can be done for a partial collapse. At least there was in my case and I hate to see you sit there in pain waiting for it to pass when they may be able to do something.

 

[treehugger]

Sue,

I agree with Lindsey-there are things that can be done to help. I had a partial collapse and it was very painful and I needed pain pills and cough meds it was so bad. The worst pain was when I rested on my side. There is no reason to suffer needlessly. I also had a bronch to get it checked out and the plugs removed. It does heal slowly but your doctor can help. A CT scan would be helpful in determining the severity of the collapse and what is needed.

Lisa

 

[ladybug]

Sue,

I hope you're feeling better. Are you going to go in to have this checked out? I guess I don't know how bad the pain is and havne't really had a collapsed lung that I know of, but I sometimes get these sharp pains with breathing in and out and do everything short of holding my breath to make it stop. My doc told me it was normal in CFers to happen once in awhile and that ibuprofren should help. For some it lasts hours, others it lasts days. I hope your problem is that simple. I would certainly have it checked into futher, however.

Good luck and positive vibes!!!

 

[anonymous]

hi Sue

I have had a partial collapse and a total collapse. With the partial one I was able to breathe completely normally, and just the pain and the strange crunching sensation (which I later learned was air on the outside of the lung) were the only symptoms. I dont know what protocal over there is but over here (UK) my team advise always getting an Xray if there is a query pneumothorax, as symptoms can vary so much. I hope you are feeling better soon <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

Thanks you guys. I called my doctor but have yet to hear back (not so happy about that) I don't feel any crunching sounds so maybe it just is a horrible muscle. That is what I am hoping because I really don't want to go into the hospital. I just wish I could take a breath!

Sue 24w/CF

 

[anonymous]

It could be a collapsed lung, but it could be lots of other things:
pleurisy?
broken rib (can do this just from coughing)?
etc.

 

[Jem]

Hi Sue--I hope you heard back from your doctor by now. Three times (with the last time being July 4th 2005) I have had sudden onset of intense cramping pain in my lung (I only have one lung) and the first time I had it, 4 years ago, I was very scared. It started at 11 pm and I was up all night with it. After the kids went to school in the morning (my husband was out of the country on business) I just drove myself to the hospital. They did all sorts of tests and it was determined to be a mucus plug causing the problem. THe pain lasted a good week but lessened each day. They said I should be active when this happens to helpl open up the area having the problem. It is difficult to do that when you are suffering but in doing so the other two times, it was much less painful and of shorter duration. Reguar exercise is so important to help prevent and lessen these incidences. I hope you get some information soon on what your problem is and that this passes quicky. Let us know how things are going when you get a chance.

 

[anonymous]

Thanks again everyone. Janet was right, it was/is a mucus plug. the pain has lessened a lot and my doctor wants me to try and get it up. I have never spit anything up really so that is not going to happen but at least the pain isn't as bad. Thanks guys!

Sue 24w/CF