After tripple by-pass surgery 6/2002 I developed left lower pleural effusion in hospital that was not noticed nor treated by doctors. Discharged with same.Recovery at home very slow. At echo cardiogram exam 7/2002 severly punched in left lower back rib cage by technician who said she was trying to move lung out of way to see heart. One week after echo exam and laying flat on back experienced extrem pain in same location that lasted about 30 seconds. Subsequent to that had tightness and rubbiing sound in same location. At start of rehab 7/31/2002 told nurse of tightness, rub and beginning to experience S.O.B. The nurse said fluid in lung but Dr. in attendance said no and oked me to start rehab. 8/5/2002 Rehab nurse said I should see my family Dr. who referred me to pulmonologist who sent me to emergency room. 8/9/2002 1.6 ltr. of fluid removed and 8/10/2002 1.0 ltr. of fluid removed. Subsequent treatment with Predisone, Lasik and Potassium did not resolve effusion until 5/2003. Continuing problems include constant tightness, pressure in same spot in left back lower rib cage that extends up rib cage to shoulder blade. Constant soreness along left rib cage and pain on cough.
Fast walking or incline walking brings on S.O.B. and seemingly shut down of left lung. Sensation is that left lung is plastered to left rib cage. Any help out there? Thanks. Bill