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Recent diagnosis of emphysema with back pain - nervous

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aine45658
aine45658

Hello everyone. I am 46, ex smoker (quit over a year ago), was social smoker for about 6 years before that and prior to that probably smoked 20 a day for 25 years.  Had an ache around my right shoulder blade for approx 3 months so saw my doctor, who sent me for a CT Scan given smoking history.  I was diagnosed with bilateral apical paraseptal emphysema - central airways patent nad normal and no suspicious pulmonary nodules identified.  It was a non-contrast scan.  That was Feb 2015.  This month (April 2015), I did a spirometry test and my FEV1% is at 89.5% - which seems to be good news as the predicted rate was 82.4%.  So the doctor doesn't seem too concerned and most of the time, I try to not freak out.  However, I have still got some back pain in what feels like the area of my lungs.  It is not the same dull pain that caused me to go to the doctor in the first instance, which almost felt muscular (but probably wasn't).  This feels more like it is my lungs and is slightly sharper but short and intermittent and has been going on for about 5 days now.  Deep breathing doesn't bother it.  I do exercise and get a little short of breath and a little wheezy but I think I have always been like that.  Any thoughts or anyone experience back pain?  Is that normal?  Thank you all for your time.

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • jude65855
    jude65855 aine45658

    Posted

    You need to get this checked out by a doctor ASAP. It could be nothing serious or it could be pnemonia or a heart issue - don't mess around with this, please
  • archemedes
    archemedes aine45658

    Posted

    I feel that your smoking history has played a big part in your current situation, however it is possible for other things to be causing your present back pain.

    I'm not saying dfinitively that it is, but it does need to be checked out by a doctor/ specialist.

    So my advice to you is that you should revisit your doctor with a view to him/her arranging some tests for you.

    As a footnote I would add that you should not delay in doing this.

    • aine45658
      aine45658 archemedes

      Posted

      Thanks - what sort of tests do you think I should push for? The CT Scan in Feb said no coronory issues.  Would clots have shown up on the CT Scan? I do a fair bit of cardio so don't feel like my lungs are going to collapse but what do I know!
    • archemedes
      archemedes aine45658

      Posted

      If we are talking pulmonary embolism, they can be notoriously difficult to diagnose.

      A blood test to discover the existence and quantity of the clot-dissolving D dimer in your blood might be appropriate as a high level can be indicative of general blood clots, but it is only a guide.

      Duplex ultrasonography can show-up blood clots.

      A CT scan can show-up abnormalities within the pulminary arteries.

      A pulmonary angiogram can show-up a clear picture of the blood flow in the arteries (with the use of special dyes). 

      Ultrasound can pick-up clots in the arteries of the legs.

      The decision what to ask for is up to you, but if your doctor/ specialist is worth his/her salt they will already know this.

      I hope the information helps.

  • jackie25605
    jackie25605 aine45658

    Posted

    before i was diagnosed copd i spent 11 days in hospital with back pains just like you and was shocked to find out that i multiple blood clots on both lungs so lie the others i advise you to revisit your doctor asap
    • aine45658
      aine45658 jackie25605

      Posted

      Thanks- how were the blood clots discovered? was the back pain bad? mine isn't but I am aware of it. Today it feels more muscular and like I could use a good massage but the other pain I recently experienced felt more like nerve ends in the middle of my back.
    • jackie25605
      jackie25605 aine45658

      Posted

      when my blood clots discovered i had bllod tests to check my inr and a ct scan then put on warfarin and injections like you it felt muscle ache and it affected my breathing so please please go to either your gps or the A&E department asap
  • brenda62546
    brenda62546 aine45658

    Posted

    It is best to see your doctor concerning pains t

    hat wont stop. This kind of emphysema can cause the lung to collapse, since it borders the edges of the lobes usually. Collapses are rare though. Pains that dont quit should always be checked and never over looked. Please keep us updated! Take care. (Hugs)

  • aine45658
    aine45658

    Posted

    Thanks to all who posted. What sort of tests should I be pushing for? The CT Scan in Feb said no coronory issues.  Would clots have shown up on the CT Scan? I do a fair bit of cardio so don't feel like my lungs are going to collapse but what do I know!
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