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Weird sensation in side 4 yrs after pneumo

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cmitchell92
cmitchell92

Hey guys, this is a weird one that I haven't seen anyone talk about yet. I had 2 spontaneous pneumothorax 4-5 years ago and had the surgery on both lungs. Since the surgery, I've had a weird uncomfortable sensation in my left side maybe once every 2 months that lasts a couple of days. It's very similar to wha my lung felt like when I was in recovery AFTER the surgeries. The only way I can describe it is it feels like an air mattress or a pool float being inflated and the kinks kinda coming out. It's not painful, just feels strange. I had a doctor about 2 years ago tell me that it could be scar tissue being inflamed. Does anyone else have any information on this?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • cmitchell92
    cmitchell92

    Posted

    -it's happening right now, almost feels bubbly when I exhale.

  • Southerngal
    Southerngal cmitchell92

    Posted

    I had surgery on both lungs 30+ years ago.  I'm sure the procedure has improved over the years, but with me, they stapled off the very top of the lung to seal off the blebs (as many as they could get) and did pleural abrasion, so the lung scarred to the chest wall so it could never collapse again.  Over the years, I have had multiple experiences when I know a bleb popped (that lovely ice pick in the back feeling), and there was pain for a few days and then it was fine.  As time has progressed, I have had much more pain with these episodes and it takes longer and longer to recover.  10 years ago, I had one of these episodes and I was in such intense pain that I was pretty much bedridden for a month. Docs did X-rays, MRI and other tests, but could not find anything.  The assumption from a pulmonary specialist was that the scar tissue had become inflamed and it was similar to pleurisy- with no prediction as to how long it would take to heal.  

    I have had 3 similar episodes since then, and am recovering from one now.  One of them was triggered by playing water volleyball in the pool for a few days straight - it must have pulled the scar tissue from straining and reaching so much.  One was from a popped bleb, and my current situation was caused by an extremely severe cough that lingered after a summer bug going around- which caused a bleb to pop.  My problem was made much worse when I sneezed one day soon after the bleb popped and it was like I could feel the scar tissue tear - bedridden for a few weeks, but better now. These are my assumptions about what caused it all - I don't even go to a doctor when it happens as they just scratch their heads as there doesn't seem to be a fix for the problem other than giving it time to heal. 

    I am a 55 year old female, if it matters.

    I, like you, would love to know if these things are common for people who have had lung surgery. I have never met anyone else who had blebs and the resulting surgery, so I only have my own experience to go on.

    Would love to hear back from you, and others out there as well.

     

    • brian74750
      brian74750 Southerngal

      Posted

      helo. i had my lumg op nov last year  the pain you describe is exatly like mine the ice pick bit, ihad third of lung removed and rest stpled and lineing of lung taken out i wonder if it is blebs poping ? my pain is most nights and realy puts me on my knees then its gone such a releif then,im 68 year old male stopped smokeing 12 years ago,  thanks for posting your probs it helps to know in not on my own  all the best to you

      brian

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