My mother had the same complaint as yours. She too had worked in a clothing/shirt factory for over 20 years and it possible that she could have developed something from the dust and fabric; however, shortly after she was diagnosed I did some research and contacted the American Lung Association about her condition. There is currently no cure. She had seen several doctors and finally underwent a Lung Biopsy which is what we were told a sure way to detect and give a diagnosis as Pulmonary Fibrosis. She had the lung biopsy and the diagnosis was confirmed, the drug of choice was steroids; however, because she was diabetic they had to use other medication which was experimental type of drugs. My mother was diagnosed in December 2004 and passed away in February 2007. Have the biopsy done and seek your own research from the American Lung Association. We were told that it was a debilitating disease and expected a longer life span, if you're healthy enough transplant is an option, but don't wait too long like my mother did. I had to beg her to get up and go seek medical attention. She just thought she had a cold or bronchitis and would get better. She went when one day she was too weak and faint and was diagnosed with Pneumonia, it looked like pneumonia on her x-rays. This condition is rare and often misdiagnosed. Please seek into the biopsy and go from there. Best of Luck,
I have a similar history, with scarring, fibrosis, unknown origin, etc. Just today was told I have mycobacterium in my sputum (chelonae or abscessus) and that I need a year of antibiotics. Could this be relevant to your situation? Did you have sputum testing as well?
L.
You have made a very wise choice in getting a second opinion. If one doctor cannot provide answers, then it is best to dump that doctor and seek another opinion. I cannot really say what you have. But, my mother had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Idiopathic means cause unknown. And many times, doctors cannot tell a patient, what caused the pulmonary fibrosis. My mother had a lung biopsy. Even with the lung biopsy, doctors could not determine, just what had caused her lung disease. She had worked around metal dust for 15 yrs. They could not determine, if that caused her pulmonary fibrosis. According to my research, many things could possibly cause pulmonary fibrosis. But, ask this new pulmonologist all the questions that you can. If he cannot provide answers, then seek another doctor. From 2001 to 2004, my mother kept getting misdiagnosed. Doctors said she had asthma. Even possible heart problems. And all the time, it was IPF. I myself was diagnosed with the lung disease COPD in late 2007. So, I do understand your great concern. But mainly, asking questions and finding the right doctor, is what I suggest at this point. Not enough is known about lung diseases like IPF and COPD. Simply because there is not enough funding into research. Which needs to greatly change within our system. I am truly wishing you the best. When my family doctor diagnosed me with COPD, I did get a second opinion myself. My family doctor even confirmed the COPD with tests. But, I still wanted that second opinion with a pulmonologist. I am truly wishing you the best outcome. Please post what this new pulmonologist has to say about your condition.