Blessings and challenges - I'm a bit scared (long post)

**KimmieSC** · 02-24-2009, 05:53 AM

Hi Folks,

I don't know if any of you remember but I've been a member here for a couple years or so, and I've posted in the past about seeing a pulmonologist (lung specialist) for wheezing, breathing trouble, and coughing. Well, I've actually seen 2 different pulmonologists in nearby cities...one who said I had asthma and one who said I didn't, but thought I had sleep apnea and said it sounded like obstruction. He still gave me asthma meds and ordered a sleep study (which I didn't have...long story) but ordered no other tests.

Well, the asthma meds I've been given over the last couple years have never worked, and I've gotten very frustrated by no one seeming to be able to figure out what's wrong and "fix" me. DH and I decided to try one more pulmonologist, this time in Charlotte, kinda for a 3rd opinion.

So I went today for the appointment with this new pulmonologist, who almost immediately said 'it's an obstruction issue' and thought it might be my thyroid closing off my throat so I can't breath well... This was after breathing tests which were very poor results. Anyway, he is concerned and orders a stat CT scan of chest and neck and has me go for that and then come back up to his office to discuss the results this afternoon since we were in town.

When we got back, he consulted with 3 of his colleagues in the pulmonary group, and it turns out my trachea is nearly completely closed off...only open about the size of a pea (3 mm x 9 mm) - Well no wonder I can barely breathe! The CT scan also showed that several of my neck lymph nodes are enlarged, though they weren't able to be felt by him. So, it's not sounding too good...He wanted me to go see an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) specialist ASAP to have this biopsied and so they can go in there and poke around to see what the obstruction is...He did say I would most likely have to have a "trach" opened up low in my neck because the swelling from the instrumentation would close my tiny opening all the way, and I wouldn't be able to breathe at all.

I'm so scared - My poor DH was with me, and we both cried a bit when he told us, though we tried not to. It was mainly tears of relief for someone actually finding out what's causing this after so long! That's a blessing in itself, no matter the outcome.

My appointment with the ENT doc is on Thursday (Feb. 26), and we would really appreciate any good thoughts and prayers y'all could send - I know this is a really long post and I do appreciate it if you took the time to read this far! *hugs*

Now for the blessings!!!

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that DH got laid off his job with 2 day's notice...Well he did get approved for unemployment (enough to cover the mortgage but nothing else) - Yay! Also, we got approved for food stamps, a good amount each month, so that is a HUGE load off our shoulders! Thank you all so much for the good thoughts and prayers for us in these challenges - I love my fellow FV'ers!

Blessings to all,

**Trishagirl** · 02-24-2009, 07:03 AM

Hi Kimmie

I know what you have been thru know what you mean about finally getting a dx as a blessing. Hugs Hope everything goes well for you & dh.

**nancycg56** · 02-24-2009, 07:42 AM

Sending good thoughts your way!

**YankeeMom** · 02-24-2009, 08:22 AM

Sending lots of positive thoughts & prayers your way. I'm glad you are getting a dr that finally listens to you. How scary that two of them didn't find this!!

**Spikey1341** · 02-24-2009, 08:24 AM

How scary, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

**mombottoo** · 02-24-2009, 08:58 AM

I'm glad that someone finally figured out what was wrong!!! Sometimes lymph nodes can swell due to constant infections, my dd had two removed from her neck and her swallowing issues cleared right up afterwards. (She felt like her swallowing was being obstructed.)

Hopefully, the ENT will be able to take care of the swollen lymph nodes.

Glad to hear your dh qualified for his unemployment, that alone is susre to take a load off your shoulders.

**jamie79** · 02-24-2009, 09:09 AM

sending good thoughts to you

**Patty A** · 02-24-2009, 12:56 PM

Your in my thoughts and prayers!
I know its been a struggle getting to the bottom of all this, but thankfully you hung in there and kept at it until you got to the bottom of it all. I am so glad you tried one more doctor!

Please keep us updated, I will keep you in my prayers!

**IntlMom** · 02-24-2009, 01:13 PM

WOW.....that all does sound really scary, but thankfully you FINALLY are in the hands of a good doctor who sounds like he knows what he's doing (that's another blessing!!)

I'll add you to my list of FVers that I am praying for!!

**Debbie-cat** · 02-24-2009, 01:40 PM

Scary stuff but I am glad you finally found out the truth. Now it can be taken care of. Can you imagine if you didn't decide to go to that doctor? It could have closed off completely!!! You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers and I will be waiting to hear back to see how it is going.

Good news about your DH! You deserve a break.

**jas** · 02-24-2009, 02:24 PM

sending prayers your way!

**Thevail** · 02-24-2009, 02:28 PM

Blessings..and breathe easy!

**KimmieSC** · 02-26-2009, 10:12 AM

THANK YOU all so much for the good thoughts and prayers!

It really means a lot to us to know that so many folks are thinking of us.

Today is my ENT doc appointment, so hopefully he will be able to shed some light on what this could be...Although I'm sure no definitive answers until the biopsy and looking around in there, so I'm trying not to be too nervous or scared at this point (which is difficult).

I'll be sure to post an update after the visit today when we get home - I seriously doubt they'll schedule anything today since my appointment is not until 4 pm.

Thanks again and big hugs to y'all,