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CT Scan with GGO Present
I had a high resolution CT Scan on November 7, 2022 after a 5 week struggle to recover from an upper respiratory infection. The initial x-ray with the Drs. Office showed no Pneumonia present, but I did have inflammation in my left lung, blood vessels and capillaries. After 2 rounds of Steroids, Antibiotics and inhalers I was still struggling with a persistent non-productive cough at that point and my lungs were still sounding pretty rough on examination. The CT Scan revealed I have a 1.8 cm Ground Glass Opacity in my upper left lung, which they suggested I follow with another scan in 6 months, to be followed out for 5 years. My PA at that time suggested I be referred to a pulmonologist, but said if I got better, I did not have to go to a pulmonologist. I am now even more recovered than that last visit, only coughing up some phlegm periodically. I am having a very difficult time getting an appointment with the referred pulmonologist office and after researching so much on what a GGO could be, and how it may even go away, I am wondering if a pulmonologist is even necessary. My husband thinks I need one to follow up with the GGO scans, but there is so much information online about C19 causing these things I tend to think that is what mine is caused from and will be gone with the next scan in 5 months. I have had a very mild case of the Delta variant in August 2021, and did not have Pnuemonia with it. Then in August 2022 I had the Omicron variant, a bit more severe, but did not have Pnuemonia with it. This last infection in October of 2022 was not Covid, and I think more in line with RSV. I also have Chronic Epstein Barre Virus, which flairs every time I get sick with an infection and my titers are up on that now showing I have Mono again. I have read that EBV and RSV and inflammation can also cause GGOs to appear.
My main question is how fast to these GGOs which have originated in the lungs (Subpleural) grow, and how important is it that I secure a Pulmonologist at this point. The only symptoms I have left is pain in my left upper back, which is where the GGO is described as being and the inflammation in my lung and coughing up Phlegm still sporadically during the day.
I have so many other issues with EBV, fatigue, joint pain, etc, that I just consider that a part of life, and have lived with it for many years. I dread another New Dr. visit and would not mind delaying it for a while longer, IF it is not detrimental to my long-term health.
Thank you for any information you might offer that will help.
Kathy
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- Pulmonolohist is a good idea but seems like no rush to get to one.
For symptoms management:
- have you tried nebulizer to help with cough, mucinex, tessalon pearls, cough medicine with codeine for PM to help you sleep.
It also takes time to start feeling better. I went through two rounds of abx, two rounds of steroids. It took me good 4 months to feel like my symptoms managed, lots of nebulizer sometimes every 2-3 hrs, but i also have asthma at baseline. My GGO patches in both lower lobes cleared up after 4 months.(post covid)
I hope this helps 🙏 💕
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1 ReactionIf you have pain, please do make an appointment with Pulmonologist. Best wishes.
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1 ReactionI suggest that a work-up from a pulmonologist is a good idea. Specifically you may benefit from complete Pulmonary Function Testing. I had Covid BAD a couple years ago and was diagnosed with asthma (it has improved a great deal over time). Lingering mucus production with cough is also my lingering symptom.
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1 ReactionMight I suggest a visit with a pulmonologist? I was diagnosed with GCO; after an exam, multiple issues were discovered. I know how it is dreading another doctor appointment.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for your suggestions. May I ask @miloandisa, what type of issues this can cause. From what I have read about these GCO’s they generally watch them for several months once discovered, before they will do anything. I will be going back for another CT in about 3 1/2 months regardless of whether I see a pulmonologist now or not. If there is any change I will have to find a Pulmonologist or someone other than a GP. I do have pain, in my upper back, that is exacerbated if I have to do computer work for more than a couple of hours, and now am in the bed as I type this trying to get it to subside! I have had this for quite some time though, and not at all sure it has anything at all to do with the GCO. However, the pain is in the area of the upper left lobe where they said the GCO is so that is worrisome to me.
The coughing and phlegm/ Mucus production has improved drastically since I initially posted my concern so that is good news. I am hoping that when I return for the next CT in the Spring it will be gone as with @lenchiksf report above.
Of course the Elephant in the room here is Cancer, which is my main concern. My daughter-in-law’s Dad was just diagnosed with a tumor in his lung and is in Chemo treatment now. And of course, it is listed in all the articles I’ve read about GCO’s as a possible cause. It is more likely caused from the lung inflammation than that, as I am not a smoker, I am sure! Anyway, thank you all for the suggestions and I will for sure be getting a pulmonologist if this is not gone in a few months.
Two different and rare lung conditions were found. I was lucky my Mayo docs figured out what was wrong. My local pulmonologist was overwhelmed and couldn't; it pays to get a second opinion.
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2 ReactionsThank you @miloandlisa for sharing that. Prayers for good health in the future.
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1 ReactionUpdate: I am happy to report that the GGO has cleared from my lung upon my second CT Scan. It did say I had scarring so hopefully this is from the healing process and not some other Lung illness. I’m still coughing at night but not nearly as bad, so unless I develop any other lung infections, I am counting my Blessings!
Good Morning, I was reading through some of the Lung support groups, and I have a question, were you a hairdresser? I am wondering if your symptoms were due to the exposure of chemicals.
Sincerely,
Teammayo1
To anyone wanting (or even thinking about) making an appointment with a pulmonologist:
It took 2 months before hubby could get an appointment, so I suggest calling to see how far ahead yours is scheduling, and perhaps going ahead and booking well ahead of time. You can always cancel or re-schedule later.....
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