Anyone else get Atelectasis (lower left lobe lung collapsed)

herdizziness
herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
edited January 2015 in Colorectal Cancer #1

Sometime it would be nice when having a CT Scan if the doc would mention everything.

i now know why I've had breathing problems since my last surgery, part of the lung had been collapsed since at least August last year, I've been on an inhaler for awhile.  Now it finds even more collasped lower left lobe, for a while now I can't walk the length of the house without exhaustion from lack of air.

Ive been trying to gain weight, but still hanging at 105 pounds, no matter what I eat, and I admit, my appetite since I was hospitalized for malnutrition for 8 days last August, has barely improved, so trying little meals all day long now.  We went out to dinner tonight Mark had crab patties, veggies, backed potatoe and bread, I had only a baked potatoe and am uncomfortably stuffed Just from that.

So if anyone has had this lung thingie, clue me in please, tired of being so tired, only feel normal when sitting or laying down.

Winter Marie

Comments

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #2
    Dear Winter Marie

    Time to call the doc and find out why no one has done anything to re-inflate that lung.

    As best as I know, it requires a surgical procedure...perhaps inserting a tube to add air directly to lung.

    This issue should also have shown up in the hospital as a low oxygen level.

    Wishing you the best with getting this resolved and wishing I could share a few of my extra pounds!

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties

  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #3
    Lovekitties said:

    Dear Winter Marie

    Time to call the doc and find out why no one has done anything to re-inflate that lung.

    As best as I know, it requires a surgical procedure...perhaps inserting a tube to add air directly to lung.

    This issue should also have shown up in the hospital as a low oxygen level.

    Wishing you the best with getting this resolved and wishing I could share a few of my extra pounds!

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties

    When i was nearing 18 i had a collapsed lung that hospitalized

    me for 19 days. I'm sure treating it has changed/improved since then;Marie is right,it needs to be drained and/or pumped(could be-probably is-  filled somewhat with fluids) and it usually inflates by itself,(tho i recall being hooked up to a machine after doctor punctured chest to get lung drained and pumped but i don't remember how long i needed machine or if lung reinflated on its own or with aid of machine) How your doctors could have missed this or not said/done anything about it is not ethical(i'd use a stronger word but can't correctly spell it).....Not having that lung properly functioning will slow you down in addition to what your TX is doing.......Please don't let this persist unless treating it will pose further risk than not (which may be why nothing had been done but that does not excuse not telling you about your lung)

  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #4
    Thank you both

    Saw the my Onc today and he is sending me to lung specialist.  The guy that read ct scan suspected cancer, oncologist suspects NOT. But that it is due to previous diagnosed bronchitis causing the problem (made me feel better, rather bronchitis then cancer), I appreciate the feed back from you both, today I was just to go in to get finger prick before going to infusion center, but because of your suggestions I said I'll hang around to see him, an hour later I did, so many patients, so few oncologists here, but feel better going to lung doc to figure it out.

    Winter Marie

     

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #5
    Sorry

    I'm so sorry that you are going through yet another thing and wishing they could do something to help you.  You surely haven't gained any weight back and that can be hard trying to get strength enough to fight what you are going through.  I'm glad that you are trying to eat a little at a time.  Hope that the lung issue can improve.  Always look forward to your posts, but sorry you aren't feeling well.

    Kim

  • Yolllmbs
    Yolllmbs Member Posts: 360 Member
    #6
    Annabelle41415 said:

    Sorry

    I'm so sorry that you are going through yet another thing and wishing they could do something to help you.  You surely haven't gained any weight back and that can be hard trying to get strength enough to fight what you are going through.  I'm glad that you are trying to eat a little at a time.  Hope that the lung issue can improve.  Always look forward to your posts, but sorry you aren't feeling well.

    Kim

    You're in my thoughts and prayers

    I am hoping for good news and more answers! Give them heck until they tell you everything. 

     

    Yolanda

     

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #7
    herdizziness said:

    Thank you both

    Saw the my Onc today and he is sending me to lung specialist.  The guy that read ct scan suspected cancer, oncologist suspects NOT. But that it is due to previous diagnosed bronchitis causing the problem (made me feel better, rather bronchitis then cancer), I appreciate the feed back from you both, today I was just to go in to get finger prick before going to infusion center, but because of your suggestions I said I'll hang around to see him, an hour later I did, so many patients, so few oncologists here, but feel better going to lung doc to figure it out.

    Winter Marie

     

    I have atalectasis in both

    I have atalectasis in both lung bases apparently from all the surgeries. I didnt know this until i started reading all my scans and reports a year ago. It is amazing what they dont tell you. Reading you own scans has its bad points like things mentioned that might be nothing but cant rule out metastatic disease. I think the doctors are trying to shield us from too much unecassary worrying.

    With that said yours seems more severe than mine. I would ask for an appointment with a lung specialist to see what he/she can do for you.

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