Generally a Nissan Fundoplication will stop aspiration caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A pH probe would be one of the simplest ways to sure that the GERD is under control. As long as your GERD is under control, it can no longer be assumed to be the cause of your numerous pneumonias, especially your most recent bout. This suggests that there is some other cause of your lung problems.
The lung is covered with a very thin membrane, called the pleura. A similar membrane covers the inside of the chest wall, the ribs and muscles. As the lungs expand and contract, these lubricated membranes glide over each other. There is normally no space between them. Following surgery it is possible for fluid to build up in between these two membranes. This can also be caused by infections such as pneumonia. There can be 1 to 2 liters of fluid in this area. The fluid can be watery, clear, cloudy, bloody or purulent, containing pus. This collection of fluid is called a pleural effusion. This fluid compresses the lung making it hard to breathe and causing shortness of breath.
You are correct in stating that one must treat the underlying cause of the pleural effusion. The physical, biochemical and microbiological characteristics of the fluid will most often provide clues as to the cause of the fluid. Other tests that can be helpful in finding the cause of the fluid are cultures, including cultures for tuberculosis (TB), checking for a variety of biochemical markers, and looking at the cells in the fluid. Usually this testing would have found the cause. Since it has not, you should have a biopsy. This is not an emergency. It
I've had pleurisy for about 4 months constantly, but I'm sure there were occurrences before. I saw tons of doctors and hospitals. All they give me are anti inflammatory that have done nothing. I've been taking Vicodin (seems to make it worse), and now Ambien just to sleep because of the pain. I even took 2 tonight and noticed blood in my stool. My breathing sucks, but the worst pain is the pain on my sides, it kills, usually on my left side, but its constant, never goes away. I can't live like this. Can someone help me, or relate to what I'm going through?