I've been experiencing shortness of breath for oh, maybe a month or so. It's complicated, but the basics are that I was a long-term smoker and that my PET scan back in March did show some emphysema (I had never shown any symptoms).
I had an infection about two months ago and serious sore throat...I was prescribed a Z-pack and there was no follow-up.
A month ago, the shortness of breath slowly started happening. I went to an Urgent Care facility, the medic said it sounded like bronchitis, and he gave me another Z-pack and an inhaler. Over the next weeks, the shortness became worse and much more frequent. I was using the inhaler more often than I was supposed to, and I wasn't getting as much relief.
I finally saw a pulmonologist yesterday. She ordered a X-ray, and a pulmonary function test (in a few weeks, when I'm more healed up), and gave me Symbicort and an emergency inhaler. The Symbicort is really good, really makes a huge difference.
Until we see what's going on in there, it's a mystery as to whether it's emphysema, bronchitis, or who-the-hell-knows. It feels like a giant congestion in there to me.
My doctor said that even though chemo for breast cancer isn't specifically known to damage the lungs, it does take a toll on everything.
Meanwhile, I see my surgeon tomorrow, and I think I'm finally getting my frikkin' drain out!!!!! I'm planning a party night, what with BBC America celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek LOL. Did you know the Post Office just issued stamps in its honor? LLAP!
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