Ok, here is how my appointment with a Pulminary Specialist went. First, he was very friendly! I have been through so many doctors and some of them have been none to pleasant, so I am always a bit umm, nervous/apprehensive (maybe) about visiting a new doc. I am comfy with him, and he seemed more concerned for me, not just my insurance money.
They did a couple of test, not sure what exactly or what the results of them were. BUT, he did say he doesn't think that I have Vanishing Lung Syndrome (like Dr. K said -not seeing him anymore) which is great, BUT, he did say my heart was a bitlarger than normal - not abnormally large, but larger than it should be. He thinks that my heart and lungs are not working together as well as they should be and I have to go back 2 more times - one for a Level 4 Pulminary Function Test & A 2D Echo of my heart; one for a stress type test that wll monitor my heart as well as my lung functions at the same time. He mentioned the word Pericardistis (sp?) and said that is what he is looking at now, which is an imflamation of the lining around the heart (so is my heart enlarged or is the lining a bit irratated and that is why it appears large?). Which, is caused from infection in most cases (not in mine though - my cause is unknown [for now]). He also mentioned that my shortness of breathe could also be b/c I am overweight -DUH! - but when you can't breathe, then it makes it kind of hard to exercise...going to work on that though -- just doubles the pain when it is 105* outside!!
In doing a bit of research ( No, I don't beleive everything I read on the internet - but there are some bits of truth!) - Acute pericarditis may result from infection, connective tissue disorders, (READ LUPUS) metabolic disorders, trauma, MI, or certain drugs, or it may be idiopathic.
I know -- not much more than I knew before I went, but he did rule out VLS - which is good! And he is going on with further tests to get to the bottom of it. I have these 2 test days over the next couple of weeks, and then I have an appointment with him on the first of September to discuss what happens next.
Sounds like you've had a lot to deal with lately! I pray God will truly be the Great Physician in this & direct the hands and thoughts of your doctors! You seem very peaceful & I praise God for that blessing!
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