cant breath in, left side if i sleep on rightside

sir, i have had this problem for about a year now.a little history first,i had a partial skapulectomy about 15 yrs ago,for an  old injury that had built up calcium deposit on the edge of the shoulderblade.i dont know if this is related but thought it might help. my probem at hand is if i go to sleep on my right side, (i should have mentioned the operation was on the left).i will be awakend by not being able to breath in, because it feels like something is sticking into my left lung.after i get up and move around it gets better but sometimes it will ache for days after as if i injured something. any help would be apreciated thanks ,wayne p.s im a 50 year old male

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without examination.  You want to be evaluated to rule out the more serious causes - such as a blood clot.  This can be done with a CT scan.

Other considerations would be pleuritis, a musculoskeletal strain (i.e. with the intercostal muscle), an underlying lung disease or anxiety.

I would consider a chest x-ray or pulmonary function tests for further evaluation.  If negative, physical therapy can be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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