Still having chest pains and constant infections.

[Sam510]

hello everyone, i really need advice or any answers. It started in the early march of this year when i started spitting up blood up until November of this year and it seem to be gone now. I also have chest pain that started in may and is continuing and doesn't seem to be going away. i have had 2 chest infection i guess in a period of 1 month starting in November and now i have upper respiratory infection. My Chest infection i was coughing up thick green/yellow/grey mucus. I still cough up stuff from my chest i think but its mostly clear with brown specks which i think is tar(quit smoking 9 months now). I now blow out green mucus from my nose. I feel like i keep have problems. I read somewhere that if you keep getting infections it can be a sign of something ominous. Is this true? I have had sputum test, chest ct- scan(five months ago), blood tests, and chest x-rays. My doctor said everything are normal. I just don't know why i still have chest pains, having eye fatigue, and having infections so often. I hope i am not being a hypochondriac. Please answers or advice would be great. My doctor is pretty much ignoring me now.

[sassy59]

Hi Sam, it does seem as if something is going on and l am afraid your doctor needs to stop ignoring you. You may need further tests. Hope things improve soon and try and enjoy your Christmas. Xxxxx

[JP1954]

You need to go back to the doctor. Say to him that you feel you are being ignored but you are definitely not right. Unfortunately you need to be more forceful - not rude , never rude , but tell him/her that this should not be going on for so long.

You mentioned that you have had a chest X-ray And a chest ct scan and your doctor said all was normal. Have you had a spirometry? Are you short of breath? Were you given any antibiotics?

There are lots of knowledgeable people here but unless a definite diagnosis is given by a consultant/GP we are only shooting in the dark so to speak.

Best of luck

JP

[penguinlondon]

Hello Sam,

I'm really sorry that you're having such a bad time. It's really hard when you know something is up but the doctor thinks there isn't. It doesn't sound like you're being a hypocondriac at all.

Are you seeing a GP or a respiratory consultant? If it's a GP, are you able to see different doctors at your surgery? I've seen various ones as you can make appointments with any of them at my surgery, and the responses have varied a lot - a couple were dismissive, a couple were far more investigative and sympathetic.

I think, sadly, that being persistent can be a big part of getting to the bottom of medical issues, which is tough when you're not feeling well. Even if it turned out there's nothing significant going on, your quality of life is still being affected and you have the right to improve it. I'd see a different doctor, say you've had severe symptoms for months and politely ask for a referral to a respiratory consultant.

If you have seen a consultant already, then you can try and get a second opinion (although I know it is harder to ask to see another consultant). But I'd say keep pushing and asking.

I hope you get some answers and you feel better soon.