Pneumothorax and Coronavirus
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Hi
i had corrective surgery (thoracotomy and pleurectomy) on my right lung in 2000 and in 2002 had pleural abrasion on my left lung. These procedures proved to be successful and i have had no problems since although I do now suffer with reduced lung function. I am now starting to get concerned about if i catch the Coronavirus and end up being on a ventilator will my lungs be able to cope. I remember when i was sterilised they manually ventilated me as they were worried that the pressure of the normal ventilator would cause problems.
Can anyone advise?
Thank you.
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Southerngal linda23699
Edited
I cannot offer any information regarding ventilators, but I had a problem with my CPAP machine when I first started using it years ago. I had thoracotomy and pleurectomy with pleural abrasion done to both lungs, at separate times, over 30 years ago. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and had to start using a CPAP machine. The very first night, it caused a bleb to pop - very painful for days, but not dangerous as lung couldn't collapse due to pleural abrasion done long ago. I discussed this with my sleep doctor, who is also a pulmonologist, and he lowered the pressure setting on the CPAP. I haven't had any problems since. Also worth noting is that I had to have other surgeries over the years, unrelated to lung issues. Almost every time I had surgery, I ended up with a popped bleb and lots of pain - I've always thought it was due to possible ventilator usage during surgery, but I don't know for sure.
I have also thought about possible problems with ventilators during this COVID-19 craziness. I'm doing everything I can to avoid catching this horrible virus. I hope all of us with these lung problems will stay well and safe.