Pnumothorax question

[Tinkerbell801]

Sorry to post again.....just wanted some advice.....quick back story...husband is a firefighter who attended Grenfell.....shortly after Grenfell he came down with a heavy chest infection which wouldn't go....he then had a spontaneous pnumothorax (around year ago now). He recovered well, and was actually lucky to be asked to take part in a study at the royal Brompton hospital. Throughout the year he has been closely monitored by this hospital and had test after test after scan, lung function tests, peak flow tests etc..he has also had numerous fitness tests at work (because of his job) which he has passed with flying colours. He has now come down with a cold/cough (so has my children) and needless to say I'm literally scared to death, every little cough,sneeze he does I'm terrified it will lead to another pnumothorax. He did actually have a scan last week that happened to be in the midst of this cough/cold and they told him it was ok. I'm just worrying about this cough as he is still coughing...it does sound like he is coughing stuff up now like the cough has loosened up as at first it sounded like a dry cough. Just worrying myself and can't sleep. 😟

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi Tinkerbell

I am glad you feel able to confide in us your worries about the issues you and your very brave husband have experienced.

It seems that following extensive tests at the RBH and the fact that your dh has passed all his tests at work, you are understandably very anxious whenever he gets a virus or bacterial infection that this will bring on another pneumothorax. I recall it being said that the most likely time this could happen would be within the first year. The dreadful tradgedy for all concerned that was Grenfell is a year on and I hope that the critical time will in time ease your stress with regard to a follow up pneumothorax.

I am wondering too if you are still getting help for your anxiety. Does the fire service have post traumatic help for the firefighters and does that extend to families?

Please feel free to come here for support. If you wish to speak to someone direct, you can contact BLF for advice and support, even if you have done so in the past.

Love and respect

Cx

[Tinkerbell801 in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thankyou so much for your reply...I'm indeed in the process of sorting out some counseling but unfortunately this is taking time. I am on medication also but unfortunately it doesn't yet seem to be working too well. Yes I am very anxious as it is a year now since he had his first pnumothorax so I'm on edge of it happening again at any time now 😟

[shouty in reply to Tinkerbell801]

Please see Dr again if your medication isn't working as you may need to try different sort. It does take 4-6 weeks for tablets to start to take effect though.

[Tinkerbell801 in reply to shouty]

I will contact my doctor today...I'm feeling worse not better

[Whitechinchilla]

How very brave of your husband.

It’s seems so unfair now to have all these issues to deal with. I can understand how you must worry about him. That said you need all of your strength so maybe a visit to your gp would help as it sounds as if you need someone to listen to your problems too and offer some solutions.

Good luck and stay well both of you.

[Tinkerbell801]

It's actually dead on one year ago today that I had to rush my husband to hospital....I just accidentally clicked on some pictures I took of him in hospital and just sobbed...I was literally transported back in time and can remember the fear I felt.....I'm utterly petrified of going through it again.....he still has the tail end of this cold and is left with a cough....just keep worrying and panicking 😔😔