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Respiratory Disorder

My 65 y/o mom for the past 2 years has had a pulmonary problem. 1st dx was strep pneumonia, tx of course abx and steroids, 2nd dx LLL syndrome in which the lymph nodes were grown around the mid and lower lobes in which they removed the mid and lower lobes, and was walking 1-2 miles a day for about 4 mos, and felt great, then pneumonia again, and had been down hill since. However, has had several bronchs, and brushings,mri's, x-rays, ivp's with no real findings, but her wbc's are elevated, and is now on O2 as she desats with any exertion,(dx exacerbation of copd)in which I disagree with as she was asymptomatic after surgery the first time. she has been admitted several times in the past few months to the hosp and is now on long term steroids and remains on O2. Oh yes, and has had allergy testing. She continues to cough up thick yellow sputum, and some occasionally blood tinged in which has had cultures done with no dx, they say they are not sure what it is. Not sure where to go from here. She has also had a cardiac workup with no issues there either other than some edema in which was taken care of with lasix. So pretty much for the past 2 years she has been on antibiotics and steroids. If you have any further comments, suggestions it would certainly be appreciated. Thank You
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, fluid at the bottom of the lungs for about a year was started.
Helpful - 0
251132 tn?1198078822
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Since your mom was able to walk 1 to 2 miles a day, it seems that she had completely recovered from the strep pneumonia and the surgical removal of lung.  The real question relates to the recurrent pneumonia with her course being "down hill since."  Please read our pneumonia information at http://www.nationaljewish.org/disease-info/Pneumonia.aspx to learn more.  What is needed is a specific diagnosis.

The lymph nodes may have been cultured and examined microscopically by a pathologist after the lower lobes of the lung were removed.  This information could be helpful.

The continuing cough with thick yellow sputum and the elevated white blood count (WBC) strongly suggest unresolved infection.  Since the usual cultures have not revealed a specific organism, it is very possible that this is an unusual type.  An infectious disease doctor should evaluate this aspect of your mom
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