What could it be?

[katoups]

I am  a 62 year old female.  I have been having health problems for a few years with no explanation.  I have never smoked.  I have been being treated for pneumonia for 3 months. The treatment is not working.  The doctor has told me that event though he sees some changes in the area where the pneumonia is, that there is a white spot on my right lung that has appeared in all my xrays.  He asked if I was sick before the pneumonia diagnosis and the answer is yes.  I have had a lot of breathing problems, weight loss, bone pain, shrinking in height, weakness, and stomach problems also. I have also taken a ct scan and I am waiting on the results.  Should I be worried and what other test can I ask for or specialitst should I see?  I am currently seeing a lung specialist and ENT(for polyps and nasal blockage)Please give me some direction and questions that I should be asking!!!

[National Jewish Health]

The signs and symptoms you describe are cause for concern, including the breathing problems, the pneumonia that has not cleared, your weight loss and stomach problems, bone pain and shrinking height.  The last 2 could simply be due to osteoporosis but could also be symptoms of other bone diseases.

The first step should be the CT scan to assess the "white spot"; then whatever other studies might be required to make a diagnosis of that and your pneumonia.  A biopsy might be needed.  If the "breathing problems" you refer to include cough and/or chest pain, the white spot could be the cause of both.

You should then have a bone scan.  Then depending on the findings, it is possible that you might need a bone marrow aspiration or bone biopsy.  Your doctor should also order a biochem panel or profile.

Finally you will need evaluation of your stomach and esophagus.  If your primary care physician is comfortable evaluating these organs, fine.  Otherwise he/she might want to refer you to a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist.

Your problem may or may not be serious but you have a lot going on.  You and your doctor should proceed to have all of the above evaluated, without delay.

Good luck.

[katoups]

In response to the comment, let me further elaborate.  I have excessive problems with  wheezing, counging, and shortness of breath.  My lungs are both infected. If you all can provide any  beneficial and crediable insight it is apprecitad.