Short of breathe

[murf]

Finally have found out why I was continually losing breathe after any exertion. My right lung has collapsed, have a small blockage in my heart and a BP that reads about 80/60. Knowing helps. My doctors now want to find out what is the cause of the symptoms and then do something about it. I think I am beginning to appreciate the renal team more than ever.

[natnnnat]

Hey what!???  This is worrying news, Murf.  Please keep us informed as they come up with what on earth might be causing this. 

[MooseMom]

"Oh by the way, my lung has collapsed..."  That's a bit of a shock!  I didn't realize you were having respiratory problems.  So, what do you think will happen next?  Is reinflating your lung a huge undertaking?  And what will they do about the small blockage in your heart?  You'll keep us posted, right?

[RichardMEL]

bloody hell - that's a shock to read mate!! You seem a little casual about it!! I hope they can sort you out very soon! Yikes!!!

[FindingNeverland]

That's no fun, I've had that happen twice now since I've been on dialysis. I guess I wasn't getting good enough treatment so I was accumulating fluid in the cavity around my lungs and each time that they tried to drain it, my right lung partially collapsed. The second time I had to have a chest tube put in to help re-inflate it and drain the rest of the fluid. My doctor re-assessed my dry weight and now I go in for extra UF treatments every week to help keep the fluid from accumulating again. I hope they find out what the cause is so they can fix it.

[RightSide]

It's not good news that you've got these pulmonary problems.

But it sure is good news that your health care team found these problems while you can still get them treated successfully.

One thing I've noticed about nephrologists and the rest of the renal team:  They sure know a whole lot about the entire body, not just kidneys.  To be a nephrologist, one must first master internal medicine.

In fact, when I got HMO Blue health insurance, I chose my neph to also be my primary care physician.  That way, if he needs to make any changes to my dialysis treatment, he can write a referral to himself.   

[murf]

Off to Royal Perth Hospital to see what is causing these problems. It may appear that I am a little casual about all this, but I have a philosophy of accepting what is and doing your utmost to improve the situation. Casual - no, just realistic.

[RichardMEL]

Best of luck mate! Will be thinking of you!

[Riki]

One thing I've noticed about nephrologists and the rest of the renal team:  They sure know a whole lot about the entire body, not just kidneys.  To be a nephrologist, one must first master internal medicine.

My nephrologist was an internal specialist before he trained in nephrology.  I remember, when he was still training, he was doing rounds in the hospital (I was admitted at the time) and he had an intern with him.  Even though I was there for peritonitis and starting HD, he pointed out the psoriasis on my leg and explained to the intern why it looked the way it did.

[murf]

To be up to date. Start physio for my lungs on Monday. Told it is like a deflated balloon that needs to be pumped up. Good news is that the problem can be fixed. See cardiologist at end of Month. Stress test shows level 1 blockage which is not too serious. Report says there is no need for surgery nor should it affect major surgery. Neph is away so won't know about my placement on the transplant list.

[RichardMEL]

good news Murf! Sounds like it could have been a whole lot worse... so we take heart that your situation can be fixed up hopefully! 

[billybags]

Murf hope every thing is OK with you.

[murf]

Just having a whinge (vent to Americans). I have a triple whammy. Dialysis (as we know) takes off fluid which often drops your BP, I have a collapsed right lung which drops your BP and a small blockage in my heart which drops your BP. So for the last three weeks my blood pressure has been reading in the vicinity of 80/60. So I am constantly buggered. There is a brighter note. Started physio on my lungs which can be repaired. He says like a balloon that needs reflating. See the cardio on Nov. 30 and because I am so tired, I am sleeping like I haven't slept in years. Always look on the bright side of life..... But today, I have had enough. Tomorrow is another day, Now that's off my chest, I feel better already.

[billybags]

Good you keep getting it off your chest. Hope you feel better to-morrow.

[natnnnat]

If you get things off your chest, it might help you breathe anyway.

[rsudock]

Murf what caused the blockage? Is that dialysis related you think?
Hope you are on the mend quickly!
xo,
R