Anyone else experiencing scarring down and compressed airway?

Posted by felix536 @felix536, Apr 20 10:05am

I had a lower left lobectomy two years ago and am now experiencing scarring and airway collapse with groundglass opacities in upper left lobe. Surgeon says nothing he can do. See pulmonologist next week. Anyone else with these issues? Best to All!

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Very sorry that you are experiencing this. This is something I've not run across in 13+ years of participating on patient boards. I would be very much interested in learning what your pulmonologist has to say, if you are willing to share with us.

I send hope that your pulmonologist has an answer.

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@felix536, this has to be difficult. When I was initially diagnosed, the hilar lymph nodes in the center of my chest were placing pressure on my airway and esophagus. It was difficult to talk, breath, and get food down.
Ground glass opacity on a scan can be caused by a number of things, including pneumonia or inflammation. Did they identify your case with a CT scan? Are you experiencing any symptoms?

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Surgeon's notes say likely enlarged pulmonary artery compressing bronchus and does not recommend intervention. Also, mentions scarring down of lung and might keep scarring down. Pulmonologist says she has never seen this before and could be scar tissue compressing airway. She has ordered a Ventilation Perfusion CT Scan only to confirm what they already suspect. Bronchoscopy in September confirmed no infection or cancer cells. They seem to concur there is nothing they can do. These are highly accredited UCLA doctors.

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What a bummer that sounds terrible. I hope your pulmonologist is helpful and you get some answers. I had a lower left lobectomy in 2023.
Can you get a second opinion? How about Cedar Sinai? Has it improved at all?

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Thank you for sharing the outcome of that exam. Very sorry that there is nothing that can be done at this time.

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Will have the ventilation perfusion scan on 29th, however she is only thinking this will confirm what they already know, however I will be trying 600mg Mucinex twice a day and just today received an Aerobika Expiratory Pressure Therapy Device that I can try out for the next couple of weeks. Pulmonologist also not sure if this will help but we'll give it a shot. Thank you for your support and I wish you well also! Are you doing well?

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@felix536

Will have the ventilation perfusion scan on 29th, however she is only thinking this will confirm what they already know, however I will be trying 600mg Mucinex twice a day and just today received an Aerobika Expiratory Pressure Therapy Device that I can try out for the next couple of weeks. Pulmonologist also not sure if this will help but we'll give it a shot. Thank you for your support and I wish you well also! Are you doing well?

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@felix536, Thanks for the update. I’m glad that you've been presented with some options. You never know what might provide some relief, it’s worth a try.

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Yes, I have something similar. How is your breathing?

Blessings,
Janna

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@jannam

Yes, I have something similar. How is your breathing?

Blessings,
Janna

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Hi Janna,
My breathing is fine so far. May I ask what your situation is and how your treatment is going?

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Hi Felix, I had VATS procedure in 2020 to both lungs because of tumors. I have developed scar tissue and mucus plugging in the airway. My breathing isn’t good.

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