CT scan

[patfreeman007]

Hello everybody,

I’ve had emphysema for 3 years my lungs were at 49 percent then but now I have haemoptysis, and scaring on my left lung, what exactly does this mean, if anyone has a clue I would appreciate it.

[shouty]

Haemoptysis is when you cough up blood. Scarring could be due to a number of things from the emphysema or infection. Are you seeing Dr again soon to discuss results ?

[patfreeman007 in reply to shouty]

Not yet but I only got the letter Friday, and I’m not sure what’s going to happen, I’m going to be contacted about going to a Resptory clinic, but should I talk to my doctor anyway , because of Covid I’m not sure what stage of emphysema I’m at now Thanks for any ideas 💡

[shouty in reply to patfreeman007]

It's good you have been refered to Respiratory team

[BreatheasyBe]

Hi I too have this but for many years, along with bronchiectasis. I have been told I’ve scarring on both lungs since I was early 20. Mine’s is guessed to be linked to childhood pneumonia. I can’t help you with regards to your on going haemoptysis. Unfortunately about a week after a bronchoscopy (apparently not linked to the bronchoscopy) I developed mass haemoptysis (this was my only ever episode) that had me in hospital for 10 days before it settled. That was summer 2019. Since then I had been struggling with severe SOB, (I was SOB before then but it was now even more difficult to do everyday tasks) by the October that year I was on ambulatory oxygen. In all the years before I got to being prescribed oxygen my sats were around 92 % when sitting down at the doctors surgery or respiratory clinic. They were that for as long as I can remember and doctors weren’t too bothered by that number. Never once did they carry out a walk test. I didn’t know to ask. I insisted on further test august 2019 then it was agreed a walk test was to be completed. I never finished that first walk test- they had my sitting in a chair within the first 30 seconds as my sats dropped below 70. Ask for one if they haven’t already given you one. One good thing about the pandemic and lockdown is that I’ve not had a single chest infection since as I’m no longer working or in direct contact with other people (just my bubble) and this has resulted in a remarkable improvement in my respiratory health. I also think I’m able to spend my energy wisely resting when my body is getting tired. I’m managing on most days daily walks that I couldn’t do when I worked as I simply had no energy left at the end of the day. My lung volume was around 35% prior to 2019 haemoptysis episode. I’m due another lung function test next week. I still rely on the ambulatory oxygen but can honestly say my life is better with it. You didn’t say how old you are or if it’s genetic. Wishing I could say more specifically in relation to your case however I think peoples experiences can vary from mild to severe key point is to have it managed well and reduce any irritants even stress. I hope someone from this forum can give you their knowledge on a mild perspective. Take care

[Ergendl in reply to BreatheasyBe]

Thank you for your great reply, with good advice drawn from your experience.

[Fircone in reply to BreatheasyBe]

I too have been put on ambulatory oxygen. My yearly lung review at the surgery always showed my sats at between 93 and 95. Not once did I do a walk test until February when a new nurse joined the surgery and once she realised I had my own oximeter had me do a 2 minute walk while on the phone. My sats were 83-85 while walking. She immediately referred me for oxygen assessment and I was on ambulatory oxygen a week later. It made me wonder how many people are out there with ok sats sitting down but really need oxygen on exertion.

[Biker88]

Scarring is the body’s way of repairing damaged tissue, the damage can be caused by infection. Scar tissue is not as flexible as normal tissue so tends to restrict the normal function in the area affected by the scar tissue. Haemoptysis is normally caused by a broken blood vessel in the lung, this can be caused by lots of things so it’s normal to have further investigation to find the cause.