Pleural effusions...anybody had them? | Arthritis Information

Hi, all, I just spent four days in the hospital--went in with a kidney infection, which then got into my blood. I was sick as a dog! I kept having these soaking sweats which along with fevers was just miserable. Anyway, the doctor at the hospital was concerned about this (afraid it might be TB I think)and ordered a CT scan of my chest. Before then I'd only had chest x-rays. The CT scan showed these pleural effusions which is fluid accumulating outside the lungs, I believe. My lungs looked fine.

When I got out I went to my primary care doc & he made sure I wasn't having congestive heart failure (which the most common cause of this condition he said) and is making me an appointment with a pulmologist.

I just wondered if anyone has had this problem? Could it be related to the RA? Or some of the medications? I've had just about everything, most recently Rituxin.

It's much better now that I'm home from the hospital, but I don't think its gone away.

Sula

PS The hospital stay was quite an experience--I hadn't been in a hospital (as a patient) in 35 years or so. Some of the staff were just wonderful--then there were those who acted like they hated me &/or theirs jobs. Just getting an extra blanket or sheets changed was a major production. I think they may have been short-handed and overloaded over the July 4th weekend. This is a small 16 bed hospital in a growing area & on a major highway.

Much hugs to you, Sula.

Keep us posted on what you find out.

My brother was hospitalized for pleurasy in '68 just after his daughter was born. Has been O.K. ever since. Don't know much more about it.

Jan

Thanks, Joonie & Jan--

I'll keep y'all posted on what I learn. Always something new with RA, isn't there? (I'm assuming my problem is connected with RA, although it might not be)

Thanks again for the info and encouragement. That means a lot.

Sula

Sula. I don't want to scare you but have you had your ovaries checked out...you know the yearly female check? Pleural effusions can happen with ovarian cancer. Make sure you are up on your yearly check and have an ultrasound done on your ovaries. Hi, Lorster--

Of course you did scare me--but I will definitely check this out! I am a bit behind on my annual check-up--seems with RA and associated problems that can get pushed to the side. (For me anyway)

Thanks very much for the info though (I mean that sincerely!) I've got to juggle things better in my life.

Sula