File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Dear mis/fit/s,
I think I have a pneumothorax... again! The first time there was no surgery but the doctor told me next time I will need a chest drain and removing part of my lungs.
Sucks big time.

Anyone with experience? Should I see a doctor asap or is it worth waiting (less pain than last time atm). I'm still hoping for it to go away. :<
>> Anonymous
What the hell are you doing that causes your lung to repeatedly collapse?
>> Anonymous
>>23232

19y/o, ~2m tall, 75kg, leptosome body type

Ideal conition. Take a look at wikipedia.
>> Anonymous
>>23232

OP here again. My lung didn't collapse completely. I had a rather small air chamber of about 3-5cm length.
And I had the same pain (I can tell for sure) before and ignored it. Back then it did go away.
>> Anonymous
I also have pneumothorax, spontaneous pneumothorax. It fucking sucks, I'm assuming yours is the same way?
>> Anonymous
>>23268

This is me, 5'6'' 130lbs.

There's really no reason for it, other than being thin and having a genetic abnormality.

I had no idea what it was at first, there was just gurgling in my chest. Hurt like a fucking bitch, thought I was dying, that was when I was about 17ish. After a number of x-rays and almost constant visits to the doctor's office, visits to pulmonologists and vascular surgeons I can't even tell you much about the disease.

It happened before, most likely twice, just never noticed it that badly before. I chose to forgo even the chest catheter the first time.

It has also happened a few times since, partial collapses around 30% each time.

I'll continue this after a quick poop.
>> Anonymous
>>23268

Yeah, started yesterday when I was fapping in bed. Go on laugh. Makes even me laugh. :D

The one I had when I was in hospital was due to me running fast paced for work.

How about yours? First? Having pain? Are you going to a doctor? Get well soon!
>> Anonymous
>>23277
>I'll continue this after a quick poop.

Ty, I'm curious (not about your shit)!
>> Anonymous
>>23277

Cont...

This is fairly complex, so it may take a while.

Well the first time I noticed it, it was after phone sex with the gf at the time. So I'm in a similar position.

To the OP, I used to be a distance runner, still am. This is how I had it explained to me by the pulmonologists:

In the picture you posted you can notice the very edge of the lungs, where it's red and white? For you and I it's "bumpy" or blistery, on anyone it's smooth, allowing the lung to glide evenly when they breath in and out. The space inbetween these blisters, along with the blisters themselves are filled with blood and fluid. In most cases, this isn't an issue.

Occasionally these "blebs"(that's what they're called) pop, releasing positive pressure into a negative pressure environment (chest cavity) creating neutral pressure and not allowing the lung to reinflate after you breath out.

This leads to a lung collapse % usually on the lung where the bleb popped, since it's closer, though it may float around - that's why you have the gurgling sound.

Do you know your lung collapse % aprox?
>> Anonymous
>>23305

Cont...

What needs to be understood is that spontaneous pneumothorax isn't caused by anything. The leading pulmonologists in the field just assume that it's a developmental problem and it's found evenly in men and women. It's usually first found in the late teens, early 20s and in thinner people. The OP and I most likely have similar body types.

Anyway there are 3 options of treatment, let it sit and it will go away on it's own. Since the lung is porous and spongy, it will absorb the air and fluid over time (usually 1 or 2% a day). There are a few issues with this. Your lung may atrophy if it takes too long, as the uninflated portion may not reinflate. It hurts like a fucking bitch over time too. It's going to hurt for months and it's recommended that you don't do any lifting at all.

Also it can kill you at any time really. If the collapse is big enough the air bubbles can move around and exert pressure on your heart, ripping it or tearing it, killing you immediately.

If you don't mind the specter of death, then whatever.

Regardless of the downsides I went with this option for everyone of my collapses.

That's because the alternatives are almost as bad. I'll get to those next.
>> Anonymous
>>23305

OP here, probably everything a non doctor needs to know.
I know how the treatment will be like and what the percentages are to have a relapse.

The reasons for me to wait is that I fear the surgery a little (the removing parts of my lung part), the hospital (ultimate boredom and tristesse there) and delaying collage. :/
>> Anonymous
>>23322

Cont...

The second option of treatment is a chest catheter, it drains the air and fluid and is minimally invasive. A little tube sticks out of your chest, is surgically taped down and you can't see the thing under your clothes.

Think the movie Three Kings but less dramatic - and you don't have to adjust anything.

It's not a bad option if you've got to do a lot of heavy lifting, or just don't want to deal with a lot of pain. But keep in mind it is surgical. The catheter is a temp fix.

The problem with spontaneous pneumothorax is that it can come back if you have more blebs at any time. So you may have to do this, 10 times if you want to do it every time.

It is only a temp fix, that involves surgery.

It's shitty and expensive.
>> Anonymous
>>23335

Thanks so much for posting. I have a few questions though before I go to bed: How long did it take you to heal after surgery? Were you forced to stay in your bed (I can't shit in a bedpan)? Did the drain hurt?

And well, the temporary one doesn't interest me much. It won't make much difference compared to the real thing.
>> Anonymous
>>23356
I was about to say that until I saw your comment.
>> Anonymous
>>23277
Still me btw.

>>23365

Naa, I never even had that done. Though I knew a girl who did, she went to prom the next day.

So the catheter isn't bad at all, you have to keep it in is all. You can shower and do everything you would normally.

After a few days/weeks you go back in and have it taken out.

Anyway I need to go to work, but if you have any more questions feel free to post them and I'll get back to you about it.
>> Anonymous
>>23354

OP here. Yeah sorry, I might have been not very clear. I meant the "small" surgery (scrapping off skin of the lung in order to glue chest and lung together) which would be a endoscopic surgery the doctor said last time.

>>23356

"First I was like!? But then I recovered..." meh, bad one, sorry.
>> Anonymous
my dad had pneumothorax because of dropping a heavy crate on himself.

You need to get surgical treatment ASAP if it's anywhere near as bad as hiw was...
His punctured lung just kept deflating a bit with every breath, until the point where he could only use the other one... which is quite dangerous!!! also, the punctured lung slowly filled up with fluid, which can damage the tissues in the lung.

TL;DR - GO SEE DOCTOR NOW, PNEUMO IS NOT YOUR FRIEND!
>> Anonymous
>>23374

Nah, nevermind. I have to go to bed anyways. Thanks again, you've been very helpful!