Shortness of breath

jc7623

I am a 69 year old female. Ten weeks ago I had a very bad fall with three fractured ribs and a collapsed lung. The ribs did not puncture the lung. I was in the hospital for a week with a chest tube and came home with oxygen. I am still having shortness of breath and pain. The doctor said I still have some fluid in my lung. He said it could take as long as six months to resolve all of this. That seems like an excessive length of time to me. Does it really take this long?

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Sara_MHModerator

Hello and welcome to the forum. Gosh, what a bad fall. We're sorry that happened and you have this residual issue. Is the shortness of breath getting better? Six months is a long time to wait for this to be alleviated and am sure you are anxious. I am glad you are working with your doctor. You had quite an injury and there is no reason to doubt your doctor's prognosis. However, it should become less severe as you heal. I'd continue to advocate for yourself with your doctor and make sure there is nothing else happening. Otherwise, it sounds like they are recommending the cure of time to this issue going away. Let us know how it goes, I'll be following.

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jc7623

Thank you. It is slowly getting better. I really like my doctor but just felt like I needed another opinion.

Sara_MHModerator

Would the opinion of another doctor that can evaluate your medical history directly ease your mind? I would say that your doctor is taking good care of you and his advice is appropriate given the situation. But there is always the opportunity to see another doctor in person to be sure.

jc7623

Thank you. It’s helps that you said the same things my doctor has said…it’s going to take time.

Sara_MHModerator

Keep us updated. This has been a lot for you to deal with.

jc7623

I’m using an incentive spirometer. Will this help with shortness of breath?

jc7623

Also my spirometer doesn’t have a ball. It is marked where I should reach. I have moved the marker up twice since I have been out of the hospital. What would be a good reading for my age - 69 female?