Medical Gibberish and Such...

[Bill Mattocks]

I had to get a CT scan on my chest the other day, due to x-ray results that showed 'hilar thickness' in my chest. The results are really hard to read.

Prominent bilateral hilar and mediastinal adenopathy. There are linear changes in the right middle lobe and at both lung bases, the etiology of which is uncertain. The possibility of neoplasm should be considered. Other etiologies including sarcoidosis are also in the differential.

Long story short - I have to see a pulmonary specialist. Doctor says I've got enlarged lymph nodes in my lungs and they might have to do a biopsy, or perhaps they can tell just by doing some specialized blood tests. I feel well and have no symptoms of anything. Doctor says my lungs sound fine to him.

Well...more fun with doctors. And for so many years I've had no medical problems at all. Guess it's all catching up with me.

 

[shesulsa]

Well ... icky. My husband has pulmonary sarcoidosis so some of those terms are familiar. I assume they will be performing a bronchoscopy soon?

 

[Stac3y]

Sorry to hear it, Bill. I hope it all turns out to be nothing but a shadow on the scan.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Well ... icky. My husband has pulmonary sarcoidosis so some of those terms are familiar. I assume they will be performing a bronchoscopy soon?

No idea. I have to make an appointment with a pulmonary specialist quack, er, I mean doctor. You know what I know at this point.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Sorry to hear it, Bill. I hope it all turns out to be nothing but a shadow on the scan.

They already ruled that out, they provided measurements of the 'enlarged' lymph nodes - 2.4 cm by 2.8 cm. Doctor says them there is whoppers, bigger than they should get, ever.

 

[Empty Hands]

Basically, the result is that your lungs look weird, but they have no idea why. They are looking at several options, including cancer and sarcoidosis.

Best of luck.

 

[Flea]

This stuff is always jarring, isn't it? Best wishes to you.

 

[shesulsa]

Prayers your way, Bill. I'll chat sarcoid with you if you need/want.

 

[Carol]

Nothing like a bunch of medicalese to remind you that you're not a kid anymore Best of luck, Bill, I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

Sending good thoughts your way Bill! Hang in there!

 

[shesulsa]

Any news on this, Bill?

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Any news on this, Bill?

I have an appointment with the pulmonary specialist on August 27th. Soonest I could get an appointment. I have to pick up my CT scan disk and take it in with me. I'll post some kind of follow-up as soon as I know anything, but thanks for asking!

 

[Jade Tigress]

Bill, I don't know how I missed this thread the first time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hopefully it will turn out benign. Please keep us posted.

 

[grydth]

Well, all I can offer is my best wishes..

As another person in a long distance "commuter marriage", I know how tough it can be when one is ill and the other many miles away.

Listen, even those who disagree with you are pulling for you.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

Just had my appointment with the pulmonary specialist. He showed me my CAT scan results, most cool. Turns out I have severely enlarged lymph nodes in my lungs, in fact huge ones. Could be caused by a number of things. I had to take a bunch of lung function tests in his office, turns out I have restricted air intake (I could have told him that).

So, I have to have a biopsy on my lungs done - they call it a bronchoscopy. I'll be in hospital on Wednesday, under sedation. They promise strong medz. I told the doc they better amp up the medz or I might be knocking skulls together.

They're going to test for Sarcoidosis. If found, that would be a good outcome, because it is treatable for most people. They also tested my skin for exposure to T.B., which it could also be. If it is neither of those two, then more tests would be indicated, but could be lymphoma, which would be 'bad' in terms of good and bad.

That's the update. Also, I'm up to running 3 miles a day on the treadmill, and speed is increasing as well. Not up to USMC standards yet, but getting there. Weight fluctuating up a couple pounds, better watch that. Karate is coming along nicely, I'm almost done with Seisan and working on Seiuchin.

 

[shesulsa]

Bill, the bronchoscopy will involve sedating you and taking tissue samples from your lungs. They will also likely introduce a small amount of fluid and withdraw at least the same amount and test that too. Coughing afterwards will be fun.

My husband was treated for Sarcoid with prednisone ... you have to ramp up the dosage with that and then ramp down. With your diabetes, you don't want to be on it for a long time, nor on a high dose.

Some autoimmune diseases have been associated with heavy metal toxicity. A hair analysis of virgin hair would be inexpensive and revealing, though you'd likely have to seek out a naturopath for that test.

Hopefully, you have something easily treatable. Good thoughts continued your way.

Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about any of this privately, mkay?

 

[Carol]

And get yourself some diabetic-friendly ice cream cuz you'll have a sore throat

 

[Phoenix44]

Good luck, Bill. I'll be sending you healing vibes.

 

[Bill Mattocks]

The procedure is tomorrow morning at 0800, EST. I'll check in here as soon as I'm able. Thanks, all, for prayers and good thoughts.

 

[Carol]

Best of luck! Fingers crossed