Help! I am a non-smoker and suffered my 1st tension pneumo (right) in 1993, and a second a few weeks later with a VATS surgery. Not much fun! All was good until the fall of 2006 when I had a 3rd collapse of about 30%. A chest tube was not used since I wasn't in huge distress. A CT scan indicated that while the collapse healed, a small bleb remained. We also tested for alpha-1 trypsin deficiency = negative. A thoracic surgeon indicated that another collapse would warrant a 2nd surgery. In January I started to have stabbing back pain which felt like another collapse - but chest x-rays proved different. My doctor, who is a very good friend, indicated that this could be nothing more than scar tissue formation. Still the pain continues. By no means does it stop me in my tracks - but when does one decide if further evaluation might be necessary? I've had asthma since 13, but its well managed. I also have Ebstein-Barr. I run regularly and would hate for this to put a damper on my running season. I am nuts or should I be concerned? Thanks! e