tram flap procedure 2003 & serious breathing issues

I had the procedure in 03, was  a disaster, had to have nearly all redo by another surgeon,getting 2nd opinions was difficult also, thats another story in itself.  I was having stitches coming out above new belly button and upward for like 3-4 yrs.  In 2007 or 08 I started having severe breathing issues and no longer able to wear a bra, regardless of how lose it felt like it would start restricting my breathing and I had to take it off after 1-2 hrs.  General Drs say I have mild copd now, a large fungal mass in my upper right lung lobe, while in the hospital recently, 1 Dr said the tram flap proceed it was like having a built in corset, he's the only 1 that was even brave enough to respond to my question.  I've been working on the fungus and believe its near gone, but still have serious breathing issues.  On inhalers, nebulizer, oxygen at night, have frequent lung infections so antibodics and steriods also.  Anyway  I've wondered if anyone else has had breathing problems way afterward, as I am clueless, and there is also a bludge where the stiches were coming out as well.  Its just been horrible.  

[SueYoung55]

Are you sure you don't have cancer in your lung? That would be my first thought... and worry. Though I'm sure they did testing, yes?

I have a friend who's never had cancer that has a fungus in her lung too and she got it while following her husband around the world and living in third world countries. Her's isn't treatable but it's also not causing her the issues you're having.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Razebaby]

All the problems have been on the right side also, reconstruction with tram flap and lung issues as well as fungus.  Just thought there might be a connection.

[SueYoung55]

Are you sure you don't have cancer in your lung? That would be my first thought... and worry. Though I'm sure they did testing, yes?

I have a friend who's never had cancer that has a fungus in her lung too and she got it while following her husband around the world and living in third world countries. Her's isn't treatable but it's also not causing her the issues you're having.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Razebaby]

Well I've had opinions, cancer wasnt ruled out, however when I had a broncosphy in Jan 2011 it did show Candida fungus on the right upper lobe.  I did have an ER dr tell me how rare it was and I havent been out of the states.  Regarding your friend did they tell her what kinda of fungus it was?  There is some relief if its candida.  However I've found majority of Dr really are clueless on curin it.  So I've sought relief thru herbs and such.  I would love to know more about your friends fungus.   Thanks for your reply!

[SueYoung55]

I'll check with her to see what kind of fungus among'us it is and get back with you. I know she sees a Dr in Ocala, FL for this twice a year because he specializes in this.

What about an MRI or something for your lungs? I'd want to know. Can you contact your oncologist for further testing? They'll be the ones to get things done.

[SueYoung55]

Her fungus is called Histoplasmosis.

[Razebaby]

I thought so.  Its the same as candida fungus same as me.  Diet is the most critical, NO sugar, yeast, and I forget the rest.  Drs dont seem to acknowledge how critical diet is.  The fungus feeds off sugar, antibodices, and steriods!  Ive studied this pesty fungus since February, and o my god, its crazy.  Then after diet is to get a Dr to give long term anti-fungal meds...thats difficult to do.  I havent found one yet, but still looking.  I thought I has the fungus beat, o yea right, the wkend of my duaghters birthday, cant have a birthday with cake and ice cream right?  I went on a sugar benge Thus-Sun, and get was I was in hospital Tues with lung issues.  Of course whats so funny there were giving me antibodics, steriods and anti-fungal.....is that crazy.  I requested the anti-fungal, so that was for 4 days.  Anyway I figure since Drs are so stupid I would have to treat myself forever, and also stay on the diet.  OMG I so love sugar, cholocate and etc....that is the hard part.  But I do have some here and there, just not over doing it.........lol  What does the Dr do for her?

[Razebaby]

REgarding checking for cancer, I dont know why when I had pneumonia back last Nov-Dec, they didnt do a bio-but they didnt.  Then in Jan when he did the broncosphy he mentioned it, but was afraid he would puncture my lung......so I sad forget that.......I just think it seems so strange all my problems are on the right side.  Right boob, right lung, blab blab...My histoplastomis is on the left lung, obviously they dont know how to measure or it has grown.  From 1 mm to 7 mm....but all the stupid reports say its stable....hummm.......
Cant wait to hear back from you.  

[bluebutterfly2222]

I imagine you've already searched for in ormation on this disease, but since you are anxious to hear about Sue's friend's tx, here is the "party line on tx. As you caqn see, it makes a big difference whether the person has acute or chroinchistoplasmosis, and whether the person has an intact immune system, or is for some reason immunocompromised.

Treatment
Acute primary histoplasmosis generally requires no treatment other than rest. Non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used to treat pain and relieve fever. Avoiding smoke and using a cool air humidifier may ease chest pain.

Patients with an intact immune system who develop chronic histoplasmosis are treated with the drug ketoconazole (Nizoral) or amphotericin B (Fungizone). Patients with suppressed immune systems are treated with amphotericin B, which is given intravenously. Because of its potentially toxic side effects, hospitalization is often required. The patient may also receive other drugs to minimize the side effects of the amphotericin B.

Patients with AIDS must continue to take the drug itraconazole (Sporonox) orally for the rest of their lives in order to prevent a relapse. If the patient can not tolerate itraconazole, the drug fluconazole (Diflucan) can be substituted.

Alternative treatment
In non-immunocompromised patients, alternative therapies can be very successful. Alternative treatment for fungal infections focuses on creating an environment where the fungus cannot survive. This is accomplished by maintaining good health and eating a diet low in dairy products, sugars, including honey and fruit juice, and foods like beer that contain yeast. This is complemented by a diet high in raw food. Supplements of antioxidant vitamins C, E, and A, along with B complex, may also be added to the diet. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria will replenish the good bacteria in the intestines. Antifungal herbs, like garlic, can be consumed in relatively large does and for an extended period of time in order to be most effective.

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly

[SueYoung55]

My friend is diabetic and has limited sugar as a result of that. She see's a specialist twice a year and other than that and a stupid little cough, she has no issue with it. They say it's dormant. She's lucky.

As for you, please contact your oncologist and go see them about this lung issue, ok? Don't just let it ride until you know for sure that it's not cancer. :)

[Razebaby]

I'm glad to hear she really doesnt have issues, I wish I could say the same thing.  Well I'm limited to drs as I have no insurance any longer.  So its cash and pay.  So I dont have that opportunity available.
Thanks for your concern!

[Razebaby]

Thanks for your reply.  Believe it or not I have tried all of that and currently still on majority of it.  I figure at this point it going to become part of my life style.