How long does pleurisy take to clear up.

[Colshero]

Hi, my Mum was admitted into hospital the beginning of March, we were told she had a virus, also that her chest xray was clear and after a few days she was sent home although to me seeming still unwell , however 4 weeks later she received a phone call from her doctor telling her to come in straight away. She was then informed that the doctor had been sent her chest xray and she was very ill, she had fluid all around the lungs and chest area. This was apparently caused by the fact she had had pneumonia. What's worrying me Is that it's coming up to 6 months in 13rh September and she is still not well, she has constant pain in the chest/rib area she describes like a tightening band, breathlessness to the point she only walked down the street and had to return home. She is also very tired all of the time and has a dry cough . I'm wondering how long does it take for the fluid to drain by itself? On the xray most of the areas in both sides where what I'd describe as cloudy.

[Hidden]

Hi Colshero, you don't say what treatment she had when she went back to the doctor. It sounds as though the pneumonia hasn't cleared up and she needs more antibiotic. The only way to get this sorted out is to go back to the doctor or if she is very poorly, to A&E. Take her temperature. This is usually a sure sign that something is going on.

[Colshero in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou, sorry theu gave her antibiotics whilst in hospital , that was 6 mnths ago, update is we went yesterday and the fluid has cleared but there 8s scarring on lung and they don't know why she is getting so much pain, so they are going to investigate

[GeorginaS]

Hello I can understand how worried you must be. I would insist on a high resolution CT scan. Big hug x

[Colshero in reply to GeorginaS]

Thankyou, she had had another scan , we had an update yesterday at appointment the fluid has cleared but left scarring on the lung and the lung is a lot smaller on the left, but they are going to investigate why she is still getting the pains, so hopefully she will get sorted soon.

[GeorginaS in reply to Colshero]

It sounds like things are moving in the right direction. I hope everything gets sorted out very soon x

[Hoodaticus in reply to Colshero]

Hope your mum is all better now! The left lung should be smaller by the way. It has only two lobes compared to the right's three, so as to make room for the heart.

[Colshero]

Update on my mum she had to have a biopsy unfortunately it came back she has thickening and the cancer is in it, so it's terminal. She's never smoked and doesn't drink.. She's been given an inhaler for copd, so now it's just time to get in with her life and enjoy it for as long as she has left. Maybe years who knows .. Time is precious . On the plus side she ha s just gotten a first baby boy great grandson. So she's overjoyed .

[Hidden in reply to Colshero]

Oh dear I am sorry for your Mum and you. I am sure her grandson is a joy. Thinking of your family x

[Colshero in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou we found out it's mesothelioma , mums having good days and bad but since starting on the oramorph she seems to be able to get round a bit better . She's delighted with the new baby, so hopefully it stays slow growing, they have estimated its been growing for 2 yrs , fingers crossed it stays that way and thankyou for your kind thought xxx