Pain under left rib?

[lukothomo]

I was diagnosed with effusion on left side. X-ray showed "lower lobe infiltrate".  Second x-ray (take after one month):

Findings: There is less density in the retrocardiac left lower lobe than there was previously. Left costrophrenic angle remains blunted with some pleural thickening which may be due to small amount of residual fluid or scarring.

Impression: Small amount of residual fluid.

My physician said that the fluid has reduced and I am improving. I told him about the pain on my left side and he said the healing process is slow and gradual.

Anyone experience this? Does it take long time for the pain to heal? I was on antibiotics.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Lukothomo,

I am so sorry you are still having pain. And I am sorry you have effusion. I looked back on your post in July when you stated you had pneumonia. I apologize that I don't know you better. Is this Pleural effusion (I assume that is what you are referring to) from the pneumonia dating back to July? If so than indeed this is taking sometime to resolve.

I trust you are seeing a pulomonologist. If not please do so asap.I would imagine that you are still on antibiotics (at least prophylactic) and diuretics. Have you had a thoracentesis? Once a pleural effusion is diagnosed, the cause is usually determined from withdrawing a sample of the pleural fluid.

As you indicate there is always pain with effusion. If your physician is confident that this is resolving than the only course he/she has is to monitor you closely and treat your pain. If your pain is not controlled than please discuss this with your physician so it can be properly treated and controlled. The amount of time you will experience pain will depend on the cause of the effusion and the severity of it when it was diagnosed.

Again I am sorry for you pain. Please keep us posted and let us know how you are doing. And please take care, Tuck

[sandee1818]

I have read many cases like your and it seems that recovery is a very long process and also you should report anything new to your Dr ASAP as there can be complications.
The fluid or residue can be very painful and it just takes time to heal.My Mom had these problems and she was in a lot of pain and there really wasn't';t much the Dr's could do except treat her pain I hope your feeling better very soon:)