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Insight on pulmonary fibrosis

jz1
My husband was exposed to high dose of bleomycin & other chemo agents 8 years ago thru conventional chem and autologus bone marrow transplant. For 7 years has had increased fatigue & SOB with much worsening in symptoms since last summer. Local pulmonologist by PFT result monitoring feels pulmonary fibrosis with COPD-sees restrictive and obstructive components. Husband also exposed to asbestos for 2 years on job 20 years ago.  In seeking placement on lung transplant list at a university hospital, further testing done. PFT values somewhat better than previous testing (margin of error?)  TLC 60, FVC 58 and DLCO 75. 9 years ago values were above average- 98-104% in most categories.  Doc at university hospital says on high resolution CT "minimal subpleural curvilinear lines" also on prone views right worse than left. Bronchoscopy with biopsy showed no bacteria or fungus-only minimal inflammation. Chest xray normal. Patient is very sympomatic-SOB,cough,fatigued,gasping sensation.  This is a very enthusiastic,hard working man.  Doc wishes to give 3 month window to see if things worsen.  He feels most likely not pulmonary fibrosis but is not indicating what he thinks this is.  Still wants to redo PFT, CT and to an exercise test in three months. Could you provide insight? This is very confusing.  My gut feeling is that something is going on that just cannot be seen. Is this possible?
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Avatar universal
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Avatar universal
Like you I have often been told after scans, etc. some fibrosis present.

I am not sure what that means.  I have Bronchiectasis which damages lung tissue ( which we all know does not for lack of a better word, grow back. Once lung tissue is diseased...it is permanent.  

Any information on Bronchiectasis I would love to receive.
Also, I have been recently told that LUNG pain is specific, in other words only in certain areas because of nerve endings. Yet many of us as respiratory patients often experience pain, not in the lower lobe areas, but througout the upper back, and in lung when inhaling.  I wish someone would explain that concept to me.

Good Luck.  I suspect we could learn the definition of Fibrosis
through this site as well.

Judy
Helpful - 0
251132 tn?1198078822
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one form of interstitial lung disease (ILD).  This causes inflammation or swelling that leads to scarring of the lungs in the area between the air sacs and the blood vessels.  The most common symptoms of ILD are shortness of breath with exercise and a dry cough.  Some people also may have a fever, weight loss, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and abnormal chest sounds.

The PFT information suggests that your husband
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