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