.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Jeopardy Answer: What is Pleurisy?


Udate on what was going on with my chest last week: I went to my doctor last Friday and he believes the chest pains were due to something called Pleurisy. Basically, an inflamation of the outer lining on my lungs due to possible pneumonia that I had and didn't know. I have been sick twice in the past two months with a really bad cold/ with respiratory symptoms but I didn't think it was bad enough to go to the doctor. Silly me.
What Is Pleurisy?
Pleurisy, also called pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. The condition can make breathing extremely painful. Sometimes it is associated with another condition called pleural effusion, where excess fluid fills the area between the membrane's layers.
The double-layered pleura protects and lubricates the surface of the lungs as they inflate and deflate within the rib cage. Normally, a thin, fluid-filled gap -- the pleural space -- allows the two layers of the pleural membrane to slide gently past each other. But when these layers become inflamed, with every breath, sneeze, or cough their roughened surfaces rub painfully together like two pieces of sandpaper.

I went for xrays and bloodwork on Monday and haven't heard back from the doctor's office so I'm thinking everything is better now. The pain in my chest has subsided mostly and I am feeling really good. YAY. Thank you Lord that it wasn't something more serious.
My mom lives about 8 hours from us (by car) and when I told her about my chest pains attack the first thing she thought about was that it was my lungs - Mother's instict or what???? I laughed when I got home from my doctor's appointment. I guess my mom really does know me! LOL
So, just to update y'all - everythings fine! Amen

2 comments:

CreativeMish said...

I remember my mom getting this several times when I was younger. She had so much pain with it. I hope they get this cleared up for you. You're in my prayers

Angel said...

I have heard Pleurisy is so painful. I can imagine that you did think you were having a heart attack. I hope it's gone now though! Praying for you!