Feeling Desperate About My Health
I’m a 22-year-old male, standing at 1.92 meters, who leads a healthy lifestyle—no smoking, no alcohol, no drugs, and I engage in sports at least twice a week for the past year. Three years back, I underwent a pleurectomy aimed at preventing my lung from collapsing further. Despite this procedure, I've been experiencing a persistent problem: whenever I breathe using my diaphragm, I feel air escaping from the base of my lung. Every visit to the doctor is a frustrating cycle; by the time I undergo scanning, my lung tends to stop leaking air. I’ve attempted to make it release air during these checks, but to no avail. As it stands, my lung is immobilized, with only a small section at the bottom still functional and unfortunately, that area is not accessible. I’m at a loss for how to proceed, as the pain is unbearable. My question is how can I ascertain that air is escaping? I purchased a stethoscope, but primarily, the intense pain makes it clear that something is wrong; I struggle to breathe properly, and there’s also discomfort in my shoulder. This situation has left me feeling incredibly alone and frustrated. It feels like no one takes my condition seriously, not even my parents. Despite having recorded the unusual sounds my lung makes, there still seems to be a lack of willingness to understand my plight.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 1:50:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing with your lung condition and the frustration it's causing you. It’s clear that this situation is distressing, and it’s important to address both your physical symptoms and your emotional well-being.
Summary of Key Points:
- You may be experiencing air leakage from your lung due to your previous pleurectomy and the immobilization of your lung.
- The symptoms you're describing—including pain during breathing and shoulder discomfort—should be evaluated, especially since they affect your quality of life.
- Finding ways to communicate your concerns effectively to your healthcare providers can be crucial.
Explanation:
From what you’ve described, it sounds like you could be dealing with an imbalance in lung function, possibly resulting in pain and the sensation of air escaping. After a pleurectomy, some lung tissue may not function normally, which could lead to discomfort when using the diaphragm for breathing. However, diagnosing the specific issue requires careful examination and sometimes imaging, as you know.
Your use of a stethoscope can be helpful for self-monitoring, but it might not provide the detailed information you need about air movement and lung function, particularly when you're experiencing pain.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Document everything you're experiencing—pain intensity, frequency, and any specific activities that worsen your symptoms. This will provide your healthcare provider with valuable information for evaluating your situation more effectively.
-
Communicate Clearly with Your Healthcare Provider: When you see a doctor, make sure to express not just your symptoms but also the emotional impact it has on your life. Use your symptom journal to illustrate your experiences clearly.
-
Explore Breathing Techniques: In the meantime, gentle breathing exercises might help alleviate some discomfort. Techniques like pursed-lip breathing can sometimes help manage breathlessness.
-
Consider Seeking a Specialist: If you haven’t already, consider consulting with a pulmonologist or a specialist in lung conditions who may have more tailored insights into your post-pleurectomy situation. It's essential that you feel heard and understood; a specialist may take your concerns more seriously.
-
Pain Management Strategies: Discuss pain management options with your doctor, including medications or non-medication strategies such as heat application or physical therapy tailored to your needs.
-
Encourage Open Communication with Loved Ones: Share how your condition affects you with your family, so they understand more about what you’re going through.
It’s important to feel supported in your journey, both physically and emotionally. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, reach out for support from professionals or support groups. You're not alone in this, and your concerns deserve attention.
Related Questions
Seeking Answers During Difficult Times
Hello everyone, My stepfather, who was 80 years old, was taken to the hospital for a series of health assessments. He had multiple health issues, including heart failure, cachexia, which is a significant loss of weight and muscle, and sleep apnea. At home, he relied on a BiPAP machine during the night for his breathing. Unfortunately, my mother forgot to bring along his BiPAP mask when he was admitted. Shortly thereafter, his health began to decline rapidly. He fell into a coma and passed away around two weeks later. I can't help but feel that forgetting the mask played a role in this. What I'm struggling to comprehend is how these events unfolded from a medical standpoint. For a bit of background: Last summer, he had been on a ventilator and managed to recover from that crisis. However, after that instance, his health declined, leaving him weaker, with ongoing heart failure and cachexia. His breathing was quite labored during this time. Despite his sleep apnea being managed with BiPAP at home, once he was hospitalized and didn’t have the device (at least initially), his condition worsened quickly. I am in search of clarity during this challenging time.
Lower Right Abdominal Discomfort
Early this morning, I experienced a sudden ache in my lower abdomen which first appeared around 3 AM. Although I felt some discomfort while trying to sleep, I dismissed it as I was in a deep slumber. However, upon waking at 6 AM to use the restroom, the pain had intensified significantly. I decided to consult a physician around 10 AM. After examining me, they administered a 40 MG Esomeprazole injection via a canola and advised me to wait a few moments to assess whether it would alleviate my discomfort. Fortunately, it did help, and I was sent home with a prescription for additional medication. As the clock approached 2 PM, I began to notice a resurgence of the pain, albeit with a modified sensation. This time, the discomfort primarily manifested when I moved or walked, and I particularly felt a sharp pain in my lower right abdomen while coughing or during trips to the restroom. Now, at 8:50 PM, the pain persists and remains quite intense, with occasional episodes of sharp, sudden discomfort. I am a 14-year-old male, standing approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 100 kilograms. Although I am not experiencing nausea or fever, I do feel some chills. Any insights or possible explanations for my situation would be greatly appreciated.
Could This Incident Relate to Medical Malpractice?
I’m reflecting on an experience from a decade ago that might be linked to some ongoing health issues I now face. Back in 2016, I made a serious mistake by attempting to overdose on ibuprofen. I had prescription pills that were 800 mg each, and I estimate I consumed about twenty, though the specifics are hazy due to the time elapsed. Approximately eight hours post-ingestion, I found myself in an emergency department. I recall undergoing an electrocardiogram (EKG) and receiving IV fluids. At one point, the medical staff requested a urine sample. I tried to comply, but the urge to urinate eluded me. When I expressed my struggle, the nurse indicated that a catheter might be necessary if I continued to be unable to provide a sample; I agreed, unaware they might suspect I was hiding narcotics use. In reality, I was genuinely unable to urinate. I spent roughly twelve hours in the ER, enduring significant bladder pressure without being able to relieve myself. Subsequently, I was transferred to a psychiatric facility where they also requested urine, but again, I couldn’t manage it. Despite my repeated pleas about the intense discomfort I was experiencing, no assistance was offered. For at least two entire days, I didn’t urinate, enduring severe pain that felt invisible to the medical staff. Eventually, when I finally did manage to go, the urine was a dark hue, and bladder pain lingered for several days afterward. After my release, I was directed to a psychiatrist, but no follow-up was arranged for the physical complaints I had endured. I'm left wondering if the absence of alarming findings during my ER visit contributed to that lack of further investigation. Since that incident, I’ve frequently felt a pressure in my bladder and the urgency to urinate. For a while, this was manageable, but it has escalated in recent times. Additionally, I have had several urinary tract infections (UTIs) over the years. While I seek treatment whenever these infections occur, I haven't undergone any thorough assessments related to my bladder problems. Ultimately, I'm left questioning whether the two-day period of not being able to urinate could be tied to the symptoms I currently experience, and if the medical team could have handled the situation differently.
Seeking Urgent Guidance on Benzodiazepines and Mood Stabilizers
At 23 years of age, I stand 186 cm tall and weigh 89 kg. I have a habit of smoking cigarettes frequently, yet I abstain from consuming alcohol. ***Diagnoses:*** **Insomnia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)** ***Medications:*** **Clonazepam (2mg), Lorazepam (2.5mg), Eszopiclone (3mg), Sertraline (150mg), Sodium Valproate (1000mg)** It’s currently 3:17 AM, but it feels as though time has come to a standstill some minutes ago. I’m reaching out because I’m overwhelmed and can scarcely type due to the tremors in my hands. I made my way into the kitchen intending to grab a glass of water, but as I approached the counter, I was startled to see all the medication bottles sitting there, wide open. Every last one of them: Clonazepam, Lorazepam, Eszopiclone, and the mood stabilizers, each with their caps removed as if they had all surrendered in battle. Turning to my planner, I checked Tuesday's entry. Nothing listed. Wednesday? Blank. Thursday? Same emptiness. I suspect I might have woken up an hour prior, forgotten I had already taken my doses, and ingested them again. And perhaps again after that. My doctor had warned me about the haze that can come with sleep medications like these. My mind seemed to operate without me: spot the bottle, uncork it, consume the content, and repeat—like a malfunctioning device. The taste in my mouth is reminiscent of chalk mixed with metal, and the floor beneath me feels unstable, as if the ground beneath me were tilting like a distressed ship. I grapple with the calculations, how many milligrams have I ingested? My stomach feels like a swirling concoction of chemicals. I feel weighty—not tired, but as if I’m being dragged down, as though an increased gravity weighs down my eyelids. I realize that sleeping is not an option; I must avoid that at all costs. However, the overwhelming silence is becoming deafening. I find myself in dire need of guidance. Should I try to induce vomiting? Drink some water? Or should I simply let everything drift into sleep?
Experiencing a Strange Flaky Sound and Pain in My Ear
I'm a 20-year-old female, weighing 97 pounds and standing at 5'1". I’m currently on a regimen that includes sertraline and latuda, and I’ve received diagnoses for OCD, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.