Recurring Pneumonia/Spots on CT-Help!

[babysmaid2]

For the past three years I've had a chronic cough. I went to an allergy doctor, and was tested for allergies, and nothing.

For the last year and a half I've had pneumonia four times, the last two were double pneumonia. I had a CT scan done in October and they found vague cloudy patches on both of my lungs (scary). My pulmonologist doesn't think it's cancer, though they can't rule it our yet. I took Zithromax for three weeks in November when I had the double pneumonia, and the pre-existing cough went away, 100%. Now, four months later I am recovering again from double pneumonia (three more weeks of Zithromax), and it's getting a little scary.

The pulmonologist thinks I have a drug resistant bacterial infection, and I have to go for another CT, and bronchoscopy after I recover from this current bout.

Anyone experience anything like this? It's really unnerving. I am in my 40's, and have small children. My mind can't help but wander out to the dark side...

Any input would be appreciated!!

[babysmaid2]

To answer your question, no I don't do vigorous exercise, though I'd like to. I can't breathe comfortably enough to engage in exercise. I don't have a weight issue, but I would like to be more physically fit. As soon as this mess is resolved I am going to pursue some sort of exercise!

Isn't this process SO frustrating?! I hate being sick all of the time. I have two small children and it takes all of my energy, it's all I can do to keep up with them. While I am an older mom (47) I am not old, and to feel so physically inept is very depressing.

One of the MD's in this forum suggested a walled off sinus infection could be an issue, have you checked into that?

Keep me posted, and good luck!

Sorry it took so long to respond.

[babysmaid2]

I have a follow up CT on Monday, and the pulmonologist will do a sinus scan. I should have a little more information soon. I'll let you know.

Thank you.

[EJMMMM]

I can't say i have an answer for you. I've had numerous bouts with pneumonia-like symptoms that responded to various antibotics but came back a few weeks after antibiotic was stopped. Evidently wasn't a bacteria. Bronchoscopy takes samples to test for fungus, etc. but mine was clear.  Then it is a needle biopsy again looking for cause (negavtive for me). Doctors have a number of antibiotics they can try, like levaquin.  I'm on prednisone now which does help.  Do you engage in vigorous exercise which might aggravate it?  Sorry no solution but i would be interested in what you find out and I hope doctors pinpoint the problem/solution.

[PlateletGal]

If you have valley fever, they can treat you with anti-fungal medication. However, be sure to have your physician check your liver enzymes (AST, ALT) because the drugs could raise those levels in your blood.

Good luck with getting your diagnosis and your treatment. If you can, let me know when they diagnose you !

[babysmaid2]

I went to the site you posted (thank you), and also did additional searching. Maybe it is a possibility. I was in Scottsdale AZ around 8 years ago, and have been through Salinas, CA a few times over the last 8-10 years. I read the fungus can be inhaled as long as 20 years prior to symptoms, is that right?

I've also lost weight; in the fall I'd lost 15lbs, gained 11 back, and with this last round of pneumonia lost the 11lbs gained. I'm not a large person, so it shows.

I did smoke when I was young, for fifteen years, and quit 16.5 years ago. I can't help but wonder if this is the cause. I keep focusing on the bacteria idea; at least it can be treated.  

Thank you for your response.

[PlateletGal]

You are right about valley fever. The spores in the dust get into your lungs and the spots on your lungs are from the fungus. Some people who have valley fever will have no symptoms at all and then when their immune system is worn down, they will get the illness.

You may want to check out the link below... it says that there are some areas in California have the fungus that causes valley fever, in the soil. There is a simple blood test your physician can do, if he/she thinks you may have VF. I have heard of tourists who have visited the Southwest and then later on became ill with VF.

Good luck in getting diagnosed and I hope it is something they can treat.

LINK:

http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oids/epi/disease/cocci/cocci_g.htm

[babysmaid2]

No, I live on the West Coast. For some reason my pulmonologist thinks it might be MAC, but I don't have AIDS, and I don't know how the heck I would get such a thing. I've heard of Valley Fever, is that caused by dust?

The scary thing is it's taken almost two weeks of 500mg of Zithromax a day and just today I'm starting to feel a little like my old self. Very strange bug whatever it is!I I keep hoping it's a bug rather than the dreaded big C (cancer). The unknown is hard to take.

[PlateletGal]

Do you live in the southwest ? If so, have your physicians' ruled out valley fever ?