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Asthma, Interstitial lung disease and mixed connective tissue disease

Posted by jmb73 @jmb73, May 25, 2020

I have been in the hospital over 8 times for the above issues in the last 2 years. The hospital has done x-rays, CT and HRCT scans that showed I had ILD, Asthma, COPD and MCTD. Plus the lower lobe in my right lung is collapsed/ dried up- I have Sjogrens and they think it is caused by that. Then I had a pulmonary function test that showed my numbers were off. I had a bad asthma attack 3 months ago and the PA said she had discussed my results with the Doctor and he said to upgrade my Breo from 100 to Breo 200. He also ordered a nebulizer to be used as necessary. They set up an appointment for 3 months later after my asthma was controlled and after I had a high resolution CT. I just got the results of the HRCT and everything is normal- no abnormalities and no sign of lung disease. I am afraid to be happy as the results seem wrong. I see my Pulmonologist on Thursday and I don't know what he will say. I am still having breathing problems and my chest is always tight. The last time I was in the hospital I went to the ED and was put in Trauma 1 as I was critical. I was in for 6 days with oxygen for the first 3 days and breathing treatments every 4 hours for the 6 days and heavy doses of prednisone. My PC said that my Pulmonologist will probably want to see the HRCT himself. Have any of you ever experienced this? Could the HRCT be wrong or am I cured?

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 25, 2020

Hello @jmb73, I haven't had any experience with a high resolution CT scan but I did see another older discussion on Connect on the topic that you might want to read through and learn what other members have shared until other members are able to respond to your question.

HRCT - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hrct/

It's really easy to understand how you are feeling about getting an all clear from you HRCT but having concerns that there still maybe something still wrong. Are you able to discuss your concerns with the Pulmonologist at your upcoming appointment on Thursday?

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1 reply
jmb73 | @jmb73 | May 26, 2020

I will express my concerns with him on Thursday. He is very nice. I checked my reports and last June an x-ray showed prominent interstitial markings but the HRCT showed no lung involvement. Weird. I had wondered if someone else had the same diagnosis. I guess I will find out on Thursday. Thanks

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 27, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @jmb73, I haven't had any experience with a high resolution CT scan but I did..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @jmb73, I haven't had any experience with a high resolution CT scan but I did see another older discussion on Connect on the topic that you might want to read through and learn what other members have shared until other members are able to respond to your question.

HRCT - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hrct/

It's really easy to understand how you are feeling about getting an all clear from you HRCT but having concerns that there still maybe something still wrong. Are you able to discuss your concerns with the Pulmonologist at your upcoming appointment on Thursday?

Jump to this post

@jmb73- Good morning. You have had a lot of irritations in your lungs. I'm not surprised at all that you are having breathing problems and a tight chest. It can take a while for your lungs to heal. All of my CT scans are high resolution. I think that despite your qualms about the results of the HRCT, it should be pretty accurate. Given that the technician was highly competent and your doctor is your competent you might just not have completely healed. I can't answer the question about being cured because you have a lot going on and I'm not a doctor. Do you have confidence in your pulmonologist?

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1 reply
jmb73 | @jmb73 | May 29, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@jmb73- Good morning. You have had a lot of irritations in your lungs. I'm not surprised..." + (show)
@merpreb

@jmb73- Good morning. You have had a lot of irritations in your lungs. I'm not surprised at all that you are having breathing problems and a tight chest. It can take a while for your lungs to heal. All of my CT scans are high resolution. I think that despite your qualms about the results of the HRCT, it should be pretty accurate. Given that the technician was highly competent and your doctor is your competent you might just not have completely healed. I can't answer the question about being cured because you have a lot going on and I'm not a doctor. Do you have confidence in your pulmonologist?

Jump to this post

I do have confidence in my pulmonologist. I saw him yesterday and he explained that the HRCT does not show asthma or MCTD. Only an x-ray shows them. He had gone over the HRCT himself and the nodules it showed are benign and the non functioning lobe is not acute as I can function fine with 4 lobes. I still have asthma and MCTD- which is caused by Sjogrens. I shouldn't have bothered you. I should have just waited for my appointment. He did caution me about being super careful -wash my hands, wear a mask etc as I am at high risk for COVID 19. So all of us with lung issues need to be extra careful. Thanks for listening and stay safe.

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