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No symptoms but diagnosed.

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Scotty2121
Scotty2121

Hi I'm new to this site,so wondering if anyone could help put my mind at rest.i have been diagnosed with Fibrosis of the lungs but I haven't any symptoms whatsoever,I was sent for a chest X-ray last August as a matter of routine,I haven't had any cough or breathlessness at all,but the X-Ray showed very slight shadowing on my lungs.ive seen a consultant at hospital 3 times over the last 9 months and had an X-ray on each visit,at first she was at a loss,but it was only this last visit she told me it was fibrosis...even though there has been no change in the X-rays I've had She is sending me for a bronchial wash at end of April,but I can't get my head round it,she has told me they've caught it early so does this make a difference? And also I have had the breathing test that you blow into(can't remember the name) and these readings was pretty much perfect.Please can someone out there put my mind at rest as I am worried sick,thanks in anticipation,

 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • sherylbceroc
    sherylbceroc Scotty2121

    Posted

    Hi Christine,

    If I were you, I would ask your consultant if it is possible for you to be given a CT scan, rather than just rely on the chest xrays.  CT scans provide a much better picture of any lung disease/damage which can therefore lead to a more accurate diagnosis.  I was recently diagnosed with COPD and I also have 2 nodules in my right lung (which apparently are benign), but the nodules did not show on the original xray and the xray did not show the full extent of my other lung damage either.    The tests you spoke of were probably spirometry tests, which I also had, but following my CT scan I also had more detailed lung function tests before a diagnosis was made.  Maybe you could ask for some more in depth 'lung function' tests alongside a CT scan.  I dont think it would be unreasonable for you to make these requests of your consultant, or ask for a second opinion, in the circumstances.  Good luck anyway.

    • Scotty2121
      Scotty2121 sherylbceroc

      Posted

      Thank you for the reply,my consultant isn't seeing me anymore,she is just sending me for the bronchial wash so I don't know if these results will be sent to my G.P or back to the consultant,no further appointments have been arranged,so who would I have to ask for a C.T scan?
    • sherylbceroc
      sherylbceroc Scotty2121

      Posted

      Well, in my case, it was my pulmonary consultant who organised my CT scan and lung function tests.  However, this was as a result of my spirometry tests showing very poor lung function, some shadowing of the lungs in my previous xray and the fact that I was becoming increasingly breathless.  I can't really understand how your consultant could know for sure that your shadowing on the xray is definitely indicative of fibrosis; hence, if I were in your shoes, I would ask my GP to write to the consultant, asking if a scan might be possible; I guess scans may not be an option if you dont have bad enough symptoms and they no doubt cost the NHS more than the basic xrays, which may have something to do with it, but having been let down myself by a chest xray that I was told was 'normal', and that I only had mild asthma, only to find a year later that I actually had lung function of around 50% (indicative of COPD) as well as 2 nodules in one of my lungs, I am now very sceptical about the accuracy of diagnosis based on xray pictures.
  • sherylbceroc
    sherylbceroc Scotty2121

    Posted

    It may be worth you seeking advice from an organisation such as The British Lung Foundation if you are worried about what you have been told or would like further advice concerning your diagnosis and how you are being treated.  Obviously, most of us posting replies on these forums are not medically trained, so although our comments are hopefully supportive and helpful, ultimately it is best to seek further advice from someone specialising in pulmonary care.  Good luck x
  • cecile18191
    cecile18191 Scotty2121

    Posted

    Hi Christine,

    Hope youre doing well..

    In my case I dont really rely to the findings of my Xray results where I had experienced coughing on and off for a long period of time. For how many years, I got a perfect score of the same findings from the previous to the present films. I tried how many sputum test, TB culture and sensitivity but no result found. I tried different opinions not one of my GPs suggested for a CT scan until 4 months ago, I rushed to the emergency due to coughing of blood and can't breathe anymore  thats the time my Pulmonary Doctor suggested for a CT Scan and guess what the finding was both airwall of the left and right bronchial tubes already damaged at any moment l could die due to respiratory failure.it means that I already suffering from thickening of airwall but it was misdiagnosed by my previous doctors. In your case maybe you can ask your doctor for a CTScan procedure to be aware what is exactly that thing is and for your peace of mind also. Hope to hear from you and Good luck.

     

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