Am I seeing my first deterioration?
Posted , 8 users are following.
Hi,
I was diagnosed with Bx around 2014 after noticing an usual 'lack of bhp' when climbing a hill on my mountain bike. Since then, I've just had a crackle noticeable at night - especially when lying on my left side. That is until I started with an annoying cough which began around mid-June and has stayed with me for 6 weeks so far with no improvement despite courses if Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin and now Doxycycline.
I had a chest x-ray mid-April due to a temporary bout of dyspnea, this was clear. I had a further chest x-ray in early July which showed inflammation and atelectasis in the left lung. The routine GP appointment concluded it was an infection and I should try Doxycycline.
In the last week, I've developed central and lower back ache and the cough seems a little drier and weaker sounding (clear mucus less frequent). Strangely, I seem to breathe better when led down and I don't cough until I'm up and about in the morning.
As a father of twin 4-year-old girls, I'm less blasé about my health these days and I'm worried this could be something serious as Bx hasn't massively affected me to date.
Can anyone relate to these symptoms and perhaps put me at ease? I'm a life-long non-smoker and I don't recall much if any exposure to asbestos. My lungs don't get a work out these days as parenthood has temporarily put a stop to my cycling hobby!
0 likes, 18 replies
john95274 dave30131
Posted
I have mild bx and from time to time I've had similar symptoms.During my bx journey I've had a chest X-ray and ultrasound to rule out anything more concerning.I doubt you have anything to worry about but it might be sensible to have those checks.
By the way I find N-acetyl cysteine an excellent mucolytic to ease expectoration.
dave30131 john95274
Posted
Hi John,
Do you find the simple act of clearing your throat brings up mucus? I find this and I also suffer with nasal mucus (post nasal drip).
I imagine that, unless a CT scan shows anything obvious, I'm a complex case as I have post nasal drip, a hiatus hernia and Bx - all of which can seemingly cause a chronic cough. The back ache is new though.
I'll research N-acetyl cysteine - thanks.
dave30131
Posted
Well, the consultant is arranging a CT scan to take a closer look and fully discount any malignancy.
He said he'd also arrange a sputum sample to be taken and probably also a bronchoscopy. He may refer me to a colleague who specialises in silent reflux and allergy related chest problems.
So, I am now awaiting a letter with the date of the CT scan. Interestingly, he didn't listen to my lungs, but he did look at the x-ray showing minor atelectasis in the bottom left lobe.