Chylothorax

[ScardyCat40]

I have had the letter in the post this morning that I have been waiting for.

It is from my local hospital confirming that the biochemistry of the fluid in my chest is suggestive of a chylothorax.

This means that fluid from my lymph system has been leaking into my pleural cavity. It usually happens when the thoracic duct gets blocked or damaged during surgery. I did have my port replaced in Jan so wondering if it could be that or there could be cancer or a clot blocking the duct.

My local hospital is not planning on seeing me again but they have written to my oncologist suggesting my images are reviewed and more images may be needed to identify the leak.

I am at the respiratory clinic on Monday so with take the letter with me.

[Zena41]

Hi hope ur ok. Did you have surgery on thyroid?

[ScardyCat40 in reply to Zena41]

No never had surgery on my thyroid. The only procedure involving my chest is having a portacath fitted.

[Yoshbosh]

I’m sure someone else on here had a chyl leak after their surgery. It sounded quite tough going, but I think it resolved in the end. It wasn’t into their chest though.

I hope there’s a way of stopping it and you can move forwards. Vicki x

[ScardyCat40 in reply to Yoshbosh]

Thanks Vicki I think it’s pretty rare. I have also been having some problems with my echocardiograms so I hope it’s not related to that

[January-2016-UK]

Hopefully your breathlessness can be sorted once the cause of what is wrong is discovered. Good luck on Monday.

[ScardyCat40 in reply to January-2016-UK]

Thanks I hope so as well

[Solange]

What a worry. I do hope it can be sorted out soon. Have to admit I don't know anything about this. Love Solange 😊

[ScardyCat40 in reply to Solange]

Neither did I until I had my drain last week

[Cropcrop]

Good luck at the respiratory clinic on Monday love, hopefully this will answer some questions for you there.

A lady I had chemo with had an ongoing issue with her portacath that had caused breathing issues for her and it had to be removed.

Let us know what they say on Monday, keep well and hope the rubbish weather isn’t affecting you too much, big hugs and love ❤️Xx Jane

[ScardyCat40 in reply to Cropcrop]

I would be sad to see it go as it’s been an absolute god send. I suppose of all the potential causes it might be the most straightforward to sort but I am not sure it would be just as simple as removing it 🤔

[Katsmum]

Hoping there is a simple resolution for you and it’s sorted quickly. Take care and sending hugs xx

[antheamary]

Its sounds quite a complicated issue. You need an expert to really sort all this out. You dont want to loose your port cath. Best of luck.

[ScardyCat40 in reply to antheamary]

I don’t know that it is the portacath that has caused this it could be a variety of things. It could even be a complication of the trial I am on. I have been getting progressively more breathless since April and my second pleural effusion appeared after I started the trial.

[antheamary]

Yes, it could be a side effect of the trial. They need tobe noting all this & discussing it with you.

[ZenaJ]

Good luck on Monday. Hope they can put your mind at rest. Best wishes Zena xx

[Neona57]

Well it's good that they have found a reason-lets hope they can do something about it now.

[thomas62]

Yes good luck for Monday.

Gwen xx