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Worried sick

Posted , 4 users are following.

kim59492
kim59492

My Father has had a cough for a few weeks now. He's had two chest x rays. and two lots of antibiotics as the Doctor said he had Pnumonia.

He says he feels a lot better although he still has the cough.

Tonigh the went to the Doctor for the results of his latest chest x ray. The Doctor said it was much clearer but there was still some evidence of congestion on his lungs. But what's worrying me sick is the Doctor wants him to go to a chest specialist as he has lost some weight. ( 8lbs in two months). 

After two or three chest xrays wouldn't they have spotted something sinister by now? ofcourse im thinking Lung Cancer. His Dad died of that at the age of 65. My Dad is now 72. 

I did read that people can lose weight with pnumonia. Can anyone give me any advice please, i'm so worried, i just lost my lovely mother in law last Friday, I can't take any more bad news right now sad

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • cofalot
    cofalot kim59492

    Posted

    Hi Kim

    Sorry to hear your Dad has been ill with pneumonia and that he is feeling there is some improvement - this is a good sign.

    You are very fortunate in that you have a very proactive GP who is doing exactly the right thing in sending your Dad to a specialist.  Pneumonia can take a long time to shift and xrays in the main just show up signs of infection - they can also show the sign of shadows.  I have had bronchiectasis since I was a baby and have had episodes of pneumonia.  Sometimes shadows can just turn out to be the remnants of an infection.  Only a ct scan can show exactly what you are dealing with.  You say the GP said there was 'evidence of congestion'.  Please try not to get ahead of yourself (much easier said than done).  The only way you will know whats what and get the right treatment is to see a specialist.

    I wish you and your Dad the very best.  Your GP is doing his best for him.

    with love cx

     

    • kim59492
      kim59492 cofalot

      Posted

      Thank you.

      It's the weight loss that's worrying me. 

      Also the fact his dad died of lung cancer too. But i did read that you can lose weight with pnumonia. I pray he will be ok.

    • cofalot
      cofalot kim59492

      Posted

      I'm not surprised you are worried by your Dad's loss of weight but I would imagine your Dad would have lost his appetite whilst ill and it takes a lot of energy to fight off pneumonia.  You must be so worried with your family history though.

      I hope you both don't have to wait long before you get a consultation and , like you, I pray he wil be ok.

      Please let us know how things go - I am wishing you both the best.

      cx

  • mel39096
    mel39096 kim59492

    Posted

    Hi Kim, 

    My 7 year old currently has pneumonia he lost 3 lbs in 2 days. The doctor said that weight loss is normal with pneumonia. If you father has a history of recurrent infections that may be the reason for the referral. Or maybe given his age the doctor wants to try and make sure he doesn't continue to get infections. 

    Please keep eel us posted on how his appointment goes. 

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