Chest Pain?

[swataz]

Thank you for the feedback!

It's now almost 6 weeks after being diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia of the left lung and 4 1/2 weeks after my antibiotic course. The horrible malaise is gone, and I have had only occasional bouts of 'throat clearing'.

Unfortunately, I have had intermittent throat pain and now a dull pain or discomfort radiating from my upper left chest sometimes when I swallow, sing, try to project my voice loudly, or even when I have to lay down or turn a certain way. It really doesn't happen when I breathe deeply though.

I don't believe it is muscle pain as it feels too 'deep', and it is starting to freak me out a little. I think I am going to demand my primary doctor give me a neck and chest CAT scan immediately, since my gastro discounted it as anything related to HIS area of expertise after I saw him for a GERD follow-up yesterday.

I could understand if it were part of the lung inflammation left over from my pneumonia, but the condition seems to be gradually getting more prominent, rather than going away.

Any thoughts on this?

[National Jewish]

Since your condition seems to be gradually getting more prominent, rather than going away, you should definitely see your doctor.  As you know, your symptoms should be gradually improving not getting worse.  A follow-up chest x-ray may be all that is needed to show if the pneumonia has not completely gone away or you are dealing with something different.  If the pneumonia has not completely gone away, it is important that the reason be found and treated.  Otherwise you will continue to have an infection and your symptoms.

[swataz]

Thanks. I actually saw my pulmonary doc today and he said that not only were my x-rays clear, but I 'scored' very normal on the pulmonary test he put me through today.

Sadly, the pain remains and he is dumbfounded.

In fact, now it DOES hurt ESPECIALLY when I breathe.

Anyone here know about perhaps if lung pluera can 'adhere' to chest wall muscle after trauma, or something like it?