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Shortness of breath and lung nodules

I have had tightness in my chest combined with shortness of breath for over a week now. My history is 2 diagnosed cases of bacterial pneaumonia. I was treated for pneaumonia 1 more time, but it was ruled out by a cat scan my Dr. ordered.  The pneaumonia seemed to hit at 2 month intervals. On the above cat scan mentioned they found a nodule in my lung. I was well for almost another 2 months and the shortness of breath started. I can't walk across the floor without getting out of breath. My chest hurts constantly...mostly in the middle, and the left lung I have had pneaumonia in twice.I have just gotten back test results for a stress echo for my heart and it was normal. I have alot of heart palpitations, and my heart is skipping beats also. Now my Dr. has referred me to a lung specialist. When I did a repeat cat scan last week, it showed I had quite a few more lung nodules form over the past 3 months. Now they want to do a bronchiot...? I can't remember now; but I am scared as to what it can be. My symptoms have got me coming home from being a bank teller exhausted. I barely make it past dinner and I start falling asleep and can barely be awakened to go to bed. Any input or similar circumstances out there?!
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Do Inhalers help or not really?
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After these years have past, have either of you had any relief from your symptoms or had accurate diagnoses?  I have suffered with asthmatic symptoms for a number of years and sinus/allergies my entire life.  I have been experiencing the same symptoms as you very heavily for the last 5 years and milder symptoms in prior years.  I have been taking singulair, Zyrtec, omeprazole and an anti-depressant for quite some time.  I have had bronchitis, flu A, multiple trips to the doctor for what they say is inflammation yet I cough up stuff all the time.  I don't sleep much at night and some nights not at all.  I have now gone post menopausal even though I still feel symptomatic of normal cycle.  I'm about to lose my mind which is all I have left.  I am a teacher and I don't want to give up my post.  I love my work don't want to miss a minute.  
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Hello sonyawhitt.  I'm very sorry to read of your situation.  This sounds like it has been an ongoing condition for quite some time and I'm sorry that this is interfering with your teaching position.  You've tacked your post onto an older thread and those often get overlooked so I wanted to reach out personally to you.  Do you also have lung nodules?  

When we have a chronic situation, unfortunately, sometimes doctors do not look for new issues causing them.  What types of doctors have you seen?  A pulmonologist would be an excellent choice.  

How long have you been on your medications?  Are your symptoms worsening or changing? Are you on an inhaler?
Avatar universal
I am going through the same thing and I go to the doctor's January 17.  I had a CT on 12-1 and the results were horrible.  Then I had a Pet Scan on 12-12 and the results were a lot better.  The waiting is horrible.  Could you tell me what Scardosis is?  My dx went from lung cancer, to cancer in the pelvis the met to the lungs to now scardosis or histoplasmosis.  Thank you everyone and good luck to all...
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How did you make out with your results?  I just read your posting and felt really bad.  I could feel your fear.  I am 37 and years before had some of the struggles you are having but it all worked out in the end and now I am on good medications.  Acid Reflux, Asthma are some of the things you sound like yu could have.
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I have had my Bronchoscopy and am awaiting my results now.  My symptoms have not improved at all; and I have had to miss work often. I do have sleep apnea, but use my machine every night without fail. I haven't heard news on anything yet. My blood is being checked for alot of things including t-burculosis, rheumatoid arthritis (which my pulmonologist said can start in the lungs). Can anyone explain how this condition can start in the lungs? My mom has rheumatoid arhtritis. I did have a saline flush, and biopsies of my lung tissue. How long do these results take to come in on some of the mentioned tests above? My pulmonologist is also checking for fungus, mold, etc. Can anyone give me some input; while I await answers on all these tests? I'm only 40 yrs. old, but I feel more like 80 on some days; I am so fatigued, aching all over the front and back of my lungs and still tight in my chest constantly. I grew up with chronic bronchitis and in a house with heavy smokers.What was the saline flush (that's supposed to check the cells in my lungs)looking for. I am worse in being able to talk with my customers as a bank teller without constant breathlessness. Lifting coin in small quantities, climbing steps (can't), trying to make eggs scrambled (just stirring),can't shop at all, or clean. I'm a very positive person, and rise above things fairly easily; but this is wearing me down. Any input about anything would be appreciated.
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Avatar universal
HI Pcaw and Candy

I hope you both have had consultations with your doctors by now -
Pcaw a bronchoscope will check the nodules, and in some cases take a biopsy.  I've had two bronchoscopes and they really aren't invasive and they normally give you a bit of sedation which takes the fear and memory out of the procedure.  I'm 4 years after a bronchoscope and needle biopsy for a suspicous nodule or scar on my right lung, it was a scary time, it turned out to be Sarcoidosis, a systematic disorder which has since gone into remission.  The whole time has stayed with me, but the diagnosis was good, I remember at the time only fearing the worst, but being relieved I could check the procedures on the web and ask questions at every juncture, my best advice is to remain positive and be informed.  Hope you both have had good outcomes, let us know how you get on.

All the best

Jane
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Avatar universal
I go into my doctor tomorrow at 3pm. I don't know anything yet. I just keep struggling with the symptoms. All I know about lung nodules is that the small ones that stay the same are benign. They get watched over time, and if they stay the same they stop monitoring them. You probably know more than I do now; sinse you went to see your doctor today (Monday).
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Avatar universal
I personally have no idea what the lung nodules are but I just got mine looked at and that is what they said it is as well. I am scared, supposed to talk to my Dr on Monday.
Thing is I have been having the same type symptoms as what you have. Can you tell me anymore about what this is? Have they explained it to you?
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Avatar universal
I haven't had a comment from anyone on my first message; however I do have an update. I am schedualed to see a pulmonologist on Tuesday (today is Friday). My family doctor has suggested to the pulmonologist, that I have a bronchioscope procedure done. What will they be looking for with my symptoms? Could use a comment for support.
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