Pleurisy

[SoCalEric]

Last Thursday morning (2:30am) I awoke with BIG chest pain in my upper left lung. Saw my GP Friday and he feels it's Pluerisy (I've had Pulmonary Emboli in the past, so I was worried about that). Doc. doesn't think it's an Embolism since I've been on Coumadin for many years since the Emboli (it was around 15 years ago) without any troubles. Doc. didn't give me anything as far as meds. go, other than some Vicatin to help with the pain (only taken it once, did help the pain, but left me pretty loopy). I'm having an easier time sleeping, but not sure if it's because the pain has gone down or if I'm just getting used to it!
SOOOOO, anybody had Pluerisy? From what I've read on MedMD there doesn't seem to be much you can do but wait it out (I can't take anti-inflamatorys due to the Coumadin). If you've had it....how long to go away? I'm getting REAL tired of feeling like a knife is being showed into my chest.
As I like telling everyone...."It only hurts when I breath!"

Eric

[rudi]

Hi Eric,

I have had pleurisy on 2 occassions and as you know that hurts quite a bit. I was given Prednisone, about 20 mgs for a couple of days and it is amazing how the pain just disappears.
Hopefully you will feel better soon

Love,
Rudi

[momof2boys]

Hey Eric-

Sorry to hear about the Pleurisy- I've had it twice now,a Medrol dose pak really helped me. The pain is awful. I hope you feel better soon, it took me about two weeks both times to get over it.

Delana

[Bullwinkle]

If you had an embolism before , no matter how far back , I'd insist on a new ct scan , whether still on warfarin or not , it's not something to be taken lightly , especially if the pain persists , even in a muted form with being on Vicatin.
Take care of yourself, and keep us informed either way.

[Lily]

Hi Eric,

It does sound like pleuritis and its no fun as you are discovering. Either a dose pack of pred or IV in hospital usually bowled it over for me. Its a shame you cant take NSAIDS, they seem to help keep my pain at bay in between. Are you on Plaquenil................that also helped my pleuritis issues a lot.

I think with your history I am inclined to agree with Bullwinkle though, you really want to make sure it is Pleuritis not another clot.

love
Lily

[SoCalEric]

Thanks for the response. Doc. had mentioned the dose pac, but I'm currently trying to get off pred. after being on it for quite awhile. Not on Plaquenil, never have been on that. Finished Chemo (Cytoxan) treaments a couple months ago and at this point am not on any other "Lupus meds". Only taking a bit of Pred. (7.5 every other day), Coumadin, a few blood press meds, Lasix.
Pain seems to have improved today, so I'll probably wait and see how things go,
hopefully it's on it's way out!

Best Wishes!
Eric

[Unicorn]

Hi I'm Netty from Devon,

just like to say that i was Dx'd with Pleurisy yesterday so i can sympathise with you.
I must admit that coz of the position and intensity of it, i feared that more was going on. I too was advised to take an inflammatory drug but cannot take coz it upsets my tum!
The Dr never mentioned a short course of pred but i would be hessitant to take it anyway!
Hope you continue to get better! Rest well and take care!

Nettyxxx

[helloos]

I agree with the others, they must still look for a possible clot where you already had one.

If this isn't getting any better, I would go back and insist on further testing.

I hope you feel better and wishing you well !

[pnutts]

Hi Eric,
I'm really surprised your doc did want you checked out more because of your history.
All I can share is from my experience.
I too am on Coumadine for a P.E 8 years ago. Anything related to my lungs my doctor has it checked out. My INR levels can change for many reasons from things I'm eating ,to things I'm not eating. And all it takes is a short time.
I had Pleurisy just once before and I do remember it being very painful, but so was my PE. I would see your doc again if you don't see any improvements soon.

Hope it does clear itself up.

[slimhobo]

So-Cal-Eric-8)
I have had pericarditis, pleursey, and blood clots in my lungs! They just discontinued my Warfrin in November-(I was scared to death to stop)But have had 2 D-dimer test that were normal. I will have another check of it in a few weeks.
My question was, have you had a recent ct scan?
I still worry about clotting, and next week, I will be on the plane for 5 hours. I will for sure try to move around alot.
The last few times I have had pericarditis, I have worried about a PE. I will push for a ct scan next time!
Hope you are feeling better,
Kim-(No. Cal.)8)