I've been diagnosed with pluerisy, on steroids (predisolone 40mg) for 7 days, almost instant relief but then I checked out the side effects, not too sure now if I want to carry on taking them. The list goes on and on, getting more and more horrendous.
I'm totally breathless, can't eat, sleep, even a short walk to the loo leaves me totally out of breath. And the pain.. Scared to cough, sneeze etc
Have been treated for lung cancer from January to April 2016 and had a lobectomy in May 2016, clear scan December 2016, have enjoyed months of happiness now this, can't believe it, pleurisy is worse than post op lobectomy!
Has anyone had it? Any advice? Especially regarding the steroids would be appreciated.
Thanks
Written by
Helzo
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Great that your cancer was successfully treated, no wonder you've been so happy, what wonderful news! But yes, pleurisy is horrible, very painful. However, steroids are excellent anti-inflammatories so I'm sure they'll help a lot with both the pain and your breathing. The side effects do look awful when they're all written in a list, but a short course of 7 days is fine. I've had countless short courses over the last 40+ years, and was on them permanently for about 25 years. Obviously after all that I do have some side effects now, but without them I wouldn't be here today. I'm sure you'll have no ill effects from 7 days at 40mg.
ps just noticed you're new here - welcome to the forum!
Thanks so so much for getting back to me, truly appreciated.
I've also been on 2 courses on antibiotics, and inhalers but neither has made much of a difference, hence the steroids. Got them today also got a CT scan, so should know more in a week or so.
Was treated for cancer in northern Spain, had amazing treatment there, came back home cause my mum has had a stroke. Anyway, that's why I had the scan, the docs here wanted to have a record for their files, total coincidence.
Too much information? apologies, it's just so good to talk about my illness - my Spanish is ok but limited when it comes to medical stuff! Lovely to share..
Share away, Helzo! That's what the forum is for. Not too much information at all, it's nice when people say a bit about themselves. I'm glad you're feeling better & hope it continues
I have a pleural effusion. The xray was sent to consultant who was not pleased that he'd been sent it, saying there was nothing he could do. As for the legs, osteoporosis, well thas blew his top. He knew nothing about legs! I was given alendronic weekly. So what will happen to effusion. Who knows.
The dose you are taking is similar to a maintenance dose, that many members take on a regular basis. You GP will no your medical history and would not have given you the medication if there was any doubt as to there suitability .
If you do have concerns speak to your GP or Pharmacy.
Definitely take the course of steroids. Even basic medications have a list of side effects. Some only affect a minority, or happen with long term use. The people here have a lot of experience, please feel free to share your feelings, worries and fears. You will find plenty of support.
Had a proper sleep! First in 2 weeks, feeling way better this morning. Thanks again for the advice to take the steroids, without it I was ready to throw them in the bin!
After months of chemo, I vowed I'd never take any more poison, my body was to become a temple, lasted all of 3 months. Still, I know I'm lucky to be here at all, so stop whinging!
My oncologist reckoned my immune system would take a year or so to get back to a reasonable level of health. Does that mean I'm going to get every infection going?
Hi Helzo, I don`t think you`re going to get every infection going but if your immunity is low you are at risk of catching things more. So your oncologist was probably advising you to take more care. All of us copders have been told by many resp. nurses, doctors, specialists etc to avoid crowded places, people with colds, children with chicken pox etc because our immune systems are low. Glad you had a proper sleep and are feeling better this morning. Take care and welcome to the site Sheila xx
Yes, had pleurisy last year, only told after the event! Was told at time muscle strain! It was the most painful thing ever!! I used 4 type pain relief, heat patches helped greatly!! Every move hurt! But it did go after 6/7 weeks! If I'd understood what I had I'd have been kinder to myself! Kept thinking I was a wimp as muscle strain!!! Physio told me what they had seen on scan, that's only way I discovered had had it!!!
It will get less painful, and you will bounce back!!! Trust me!!! 👍😘🤔
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