Had empyema as a child, still have problems

As a teenager, I had a severe case of pnemonia (pneumonia) with empyema.  By the time the empyema was found (in the ER), it had already progressed to the loculating stage.  It was treated with multiple chest tubes and strong antibiotics, and I was hospitalized for several weeks.

Anyhow, upon discharge from the hospital I had follow-up care with a pulmonologist, which included follow up chest x-rays up to 6 months later.  From the day I left the hospital, however, I have been unable to fully inhale without feeling a catch--like I cannot take a deep breath.  When I try to take a deep breath, the side that was affected by the empyema feels like it cannot fully expand.  Whether this sensation is actually because I have scar tissue in that lung or is because of scar tissue around my chest tube sites (in the intercostal area) is unknown.  I've had normal chest x-rays since and I had a recent pulmonary function test which was normal also, however, I have not been able to take a deep breath for 15 years since the empyema started (and I'm in my 30's now).

Any thoughts about this?

[tina24]

I also wondered if anyone else has had problems from chest tube insertion--such as tightness around the area of insertion/problems taking a deep breath, etc.  Is there anyway to overcome this?

[huneybee41]

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