Treatment of Pleural Effusion

[Tony1928]

Until September 2008 I was a non smoker, energetic youthful 79yr old feeling great and full of enthusiasm for days ahead.Sudden acute shortage and gasping for breath was diagnosed as Pleural effusion.--Repeated attempts to
Aspirate fluid were unsuccessful.Keyhole surgery was performed results lasting only Two or three days. Hospital tests revealed no cancers, tumours, T.B., Asbestosis, Lupus or any sinister problem other than the
Thickening of the pleural cavity. At the present time, I have had, -----14 Chest X Rays, - 3 C. Scans, - 4-5 Ultra-sounds, Bronchospy,-(both lungs clear)-various E.C.G.’s and appointment at the Lung Function clinic.
It appears that the walls of the pleura (lung lining) can’t expand as far because the fluid is taking up space that the lungs would otherwise expand in to, and in my case, is Becoming thick and unable to be aspirated.

The treatment, for the past 3 months has been 8 Steroids a day, which do not appear to be helping my breathing, which requires daily oxygen. Everything is a real Effort and I am soon gasping for every breath. Is there any
Successful treatment for this condition??
                                Waiting in desperation, Tony