Hi, I had a ct scan of my lungs as the year before I had a that wouldn't go for ages and it had come back so had a ct scan as I have been a full time smoker since 17 and on and off (mostly on) since I was 40 (19 years ago). Ct scan showed moderate apical scarring and a 3mm lower nodule.
I was so frightened when the Dr rang and told me this. She didn't seem that botheted. I was sent to see a Pulmanologist who did lung function tests and checked my over but couldn't open the ct scan disc.
He rang later and said he wasn't bothered by my ct scan only the terrible place I had it done at lol.
I am still worried as I'm congested and have mucus all the time with a cough that comes and goes. I feel I've damaged my lungs with stupidly smoking for many years. Every time I look up lung scarring it says pulmonary fibrosis and that sounds very scarry and final.
Don't know if I should go back and the Pulmanologist?
Thanks
Vyvyen
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Vyvyen
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Welcome to the forum. That is encouraging that they have not found any cancer. Your lung function tests would have indicated if you had Pulmonary Fibrosis (which is scarring of the lung tissue). There are different stages and if you have been diagnosed with this you should be having a follow up appointment with a Respiratory Specialist/Pulmanologist for management and maybe treatment for this. If you do not have a follow up appointment , do speak to your GP to be referred.
It is understandable that you are scared, and sometimes getting information from the internet does not help us or provide accurate accounts of this. Do speak to a health care professional, GP, Practice Nurse, Respiratory Doctor.
The current symptoms you have are quite normal for this, however if you have mucous that is either yellow, green or blood stained see your GP as this may indicate a chest infection.
The following link provides great information and advice on Pulmonary Fibrosis from the British Lung Foundation:
Their helpline number is 03000 030 555 or you can ask them questions online from the link above. As they specialise in Pulmonary Fibrosis and lung conditions they may be a great source of advice and reasurrance for you.
If you wish to stop smoking (which will certainly help you in the management of this) this is a link with some information to assist you:
Seeing my Dr on Friday. The Pulmonary Professor said I don't have pulmonary fibrosis and doesn't need to see me again. Mucus is clear and only starts when I get up in the am. Thanks for the reply.
My Dr has now started me on Ventolin which has really helped my SP02 when exercising or walking my dogs too.
I'm praying the Professor was right and I don't have pulmonary fibrosis even though I have moderate apical scarring. Thank you so much for your help. I'm actually in Western Australia and lacking in any help over here.
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X-ray vs Ct scan 
Chest xray results. Now going for 2ww CT scan.
PET scan 
CT Scan
