Hi Ellewebs,

I can relate to a lot of your symptoms. I have scarring in my left lung’s lower lobe (according to the X-ray) and I will be having a CT scan on Friday evening to take a detailed look at what’s going on in there.

I have bronchiectasis (which is mild normally), a hiatal hernia and post nasal drip (I’m a mucus producing machine these days!). All of those could explain my chronic cough, crackles when inhaling, constant throat clearing and neck / back pain I guess. I just want the ‘big three’ discounted by the CT scan, namely Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma and IPF. Fingers firmly crossed for us both.

My cough began mid-June and I don’t usually get chronic chest infections. All we can both do is seek solace in the fact that our issues are being investigated and the x-rays haven’t shown anything large.

My understanding is that bronchiectasis, pneumonia, acute infections and bronchitis can all cause blood in your sputum, so you may just have one of these conditions. 

Thank you for replying. It's the waiting that is so difficult isn't it ? Please keep me posted as to how you get on with your CT scan and I will post an update after Monday. Want my CT but dont want it at the same time !! Fingers crossed for both of us. :-) 

CT Scan now done and so the waiting game begins. They said I'll be contacted in 7-10 days. Fingers crossed it's nothing too serious!

Practice holding your breath for 6-7 seconds and doing it consistently so that your lungs are always inflated the same amount. That’s what they ask you to do on about 6 occasions during the scan (if my experience today is typical).

I am uneasy about the radiation dose I’ve taken, but needs must I suppose.

Good luck for Monday

Thanks for the tip - will practice before Monday ! :)

Hiya - CT Scan all done now. Cant belive how quick it was ! Thought I would have a contrast dye but didn't for some reason. Anyhow just an anxiious wait for the results now. Hope your results are ok. Cheers. Ellen

Hi,

They explained to me that the dye isn’t used for chest scans - possibly because the lungs don’t have the same concentration of blood vessels as other organs, I dunno.

Yes, only about 8 minutes and I was freed from the ring doughnut!

With every day that passes my worry goes down a notch (on the basis that I naively think urgent appointments would be given priority). But it’s a simple case of facing whatever unfolds.

Got my fingers crossed for us both.

Dave

Hi Ellen,

I hope your CT scan results are back and it’s good news.

Received a brief letter today which stated that my CT result echoes that seen previously on the x-ray, I.e. mild bronchiectasis and basal atelectasis (probably resulting from recent respiratory infection). It also stated that blood test results weren’t yet complete but there were signs so far of Haemophilus influenzae, a type of bacteria that can cause many different kinds of infections including pneumonia. It recommends I have a vaccination.

I also received a text pointing me to a referral letter on the NHS on-line portal which stated that I have an appointment with a chronic cough specialist on 28th January 2020 (!)

Although I am obviously relieved that the CT scan seemingly hasn’t shown anything immediately life threatening such that a swift follow-up is not required, I am not going to suffer these symptoms all the way to January before I get a chance to address the problems, no way. Sorry if that sounds impatient!

So, tomorrow I will be calling the telephone number to try to bring the appointment forward.

Come what may, I wish us both every success in getting our health back.

Dave

Hi Dave - so glad your results dont show anything sinister and fingers crossed u get the cough sorted. My CT results arent back yet so I'm still anxiously waiting with lots of dodgy symptoms ! Will let u know how I get on ! Ellen