Pleurisy? Whatever it is, it's debilitating

[JPS50]

I'm new to this site and have been reading as many threads as possible about pleurisy. My situation as briefly as possible: In late March was stricken out of the blue with right upper chest pain. Hard to breath, pain 9 out of 10, thought I was dying. The ran chest xrays, CT with contrast, blood tests. I was told they could see nothing, ruling out "things that could kill me" is what they told me. Subsequently, whenever I exert myself in the least the pain comes back. Not at the same level, but definitely pain from a 1-6 (realize this is subjective). But it can keep me from functioning well as it saps energy.

Recently had a rib series xray and an ultrasound done thru a local pulmonologist. They also did some breathing tests with a contraption and albuterol (sp?) which came back normal. Have not gotten the rib series or ultra sound results back yet. This doc said that "pleurisy" means nothing to her as it's a catch-all term without knowing the underlying cause.

I've also contacted a pulmonary group at the closest university research hospital and they are collecting my records before getting a consult. I have taken the initiative to find more expertise because I'm not confident in my local docs. They have put me off. But I have had at least 3 or 4 subsequent episodes since late March.

I'm freaking myself out reading about the possibilities. I don't smoke, take care of myself, normal weight, 56 yo. Does my recovery or lack thereof sound normal? "the internet" says should clear up in 2 weeks to a month! Thank you for any guidance.

Jay

[HungryHufflepuff]

I can’t answer your question but just wanted to say hello and welcome 😊

[Badbessie]

Hi I had my first bout of pleurisy a number of years ago. I have had numerous episodes since. I have been told that if you have it once then the chance of getting it again is far greater. Like you I have had numerous tests etc and nothing was found with regard to cause. It is worrying as the pain as you know can be very severe. I no longer go to my GP as I know the symptoms well. I take simple analgesics and rest. Gentle heat also helps on the affected area. Like I said I have every test known to try and find a cause but nothing as been found. Happily these tests also ruled out any serious underlying cause which to me is a positive. I hope you find an answer. Please let us know I you get on as I for one will be very interested in the result.

[JPS50 in reply to Badbessie]

I will keep you posted. Accumulated knowledge on sites like this is very helpful. Thanks.

[Izb1]

Hi JPS50 and welcome to the site. I cant answer your question re pleurisy, but can say that my brother in law who was a farmer had this many years ago and he asked at his local chemist. They gave him some sort of drawing ointment, which my sister put onto lint and stuck on his back at night time. It did help him, so perhaps ask at your local chemist. Rest and take it easy for a while, until you are feeling better. Good luck x

[JPS50]

Updating my post. Went to a university medical school with all my records and images yesterday. This doc was thorough and asked 30 minutes worth of questions and then examined me and went over my images. On the CT scan he showed me exactly where he could see inflammation in my right lung and where he didn't (e.g., nothing on the pleural lining). I learned a lot about viewing these scans in the process. He did see inflammation within the lung where the pain would be. His diagnosis was a viral infection that caused the pleurisy perhaps instigated by a cold, flu, or mild case of viral pneumonia. He mentioned that around that time frame an epidemic of sorts of a flu strain not covered in the vaccine was going around our region. He saw a handful cases with similar symptoms (one related to lining of heart too). My subsequent bouts of pain are less frequent and I feel like I may be getting better. If it comes back, I will follow badbessie's advice above. Hope this helps.