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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Bacterial pneumonia and surgery
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Bacterial pneumonia and surgery
by Caye, Apr 12, 2005 12:00AM
I had bacterial pneumonia that wasn't treated quickly enough - I had surgery - thoracoscopy - decortiction - Sclerosis - 30 days in the hospital. This was 2 years ago. My chest is always heavy and I feel every breath I take. The Dr. now says COPD - Emphysema - but also says I will be fine? I don't think he knows. I know there is scar tissue that restricts my breathing. I just want to know how much of an impact this has on the length of years I have left, I'm 55 and was in great health until this. Does lung surgery always leave you with a heavy chest and poor breathing? Anyone else out there been through this?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Apr 23, 2005 12:00AM
, Apr 23, 2005 12:00AM
The feeling that your chest is "always heavy" and you "feel every breath" is probably from scarring. Such symptoms occur with some frequency, following extensive chest surgery. You could also have COPD-Emphysema and that could give similar symptoms, but not pain.
You should see a lung specialist. You probably need a Chest X-ray, a CT Scan and complete pulmonary function tests. Then will you be able to get an educated opinion regarding the effect of your lung condition on life expectancy.
You should see a lung specialist. You probably need a Chest X-ray, a CT Scan and complete pulmonary function tests. Then will you be able to get an educated opinion regarding the effect of your lung condition on life expectancy.
