Off Topic - Pleurisy - need advice

[DarkHelmet]

It is 2am and me softness has just been diagnosed with Pleurisy at Olivedale mediclinic!

Me softness has been moaning about excessive pain in the chest "muscles" for the past week, now it has spread to the back. Warm baths and voltaren gel has not helped and I opted to drive to casualty coz I am having little sleep with this at present.

In Feb we had our housekeeper to the doc and she was tested negative for TB and even had to submit a spittle test, diagnosis - pleurisy and she on constant meds at present. I thought it to be all in the head but now a second case in the same household has me worried.

Retrospectively, I suffer severe "morning sickness" whilst at home, however when I sleep out I don't have the same symptons! Our smoking habits came to mind but when out of the house I do not suffer the same fate.

Something other than dilusion is obviously abrewing in my house!

The house is entirely tiled, occupied by 3 cats, 4 dogs and 3 humans. Heated to 21C by underfloor heating and Think Pink on the cealing. Could be any of the above.

Trauma doctor at Olivedale did indicate it could be the cats that cause this?

We have been referred to enquire about a pulmonoligist at either Sunninghill clinic or Sandton Medi Clinic, anyone with any insight or similar experiences that can point me in a direction will be greatly appreciated!

Yours in coughing!
DH

[Morph]

My wife suffered from pleurisy years ago and I know it is very painful. As far as I know pleurisy itself is not contagious, however the root cause could be very contagious. I found this on the net

What Causes It?
Viral infection is probably the most common cause of pleurisy. Other diseases that can cause pleurisy are lung infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, and other diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, liver and kidney disease, heart failure and pulmonary embolism. Pleurisy and pleural effusion are generally only as serious as the underlying disease causing it. If you have either of these conditions, you may already be undergoing treatment for the underlying disease; if not, seek medical attention immediately.

TB is prevalent in certain communities and is highly contagious. There is even a highly drug resistant strain at the moment that can be lethal.

Go for a second opinion as you are at risk as well.

[Coyote]

Hey DH - sorry to hear about your lack of sleep. My ex-wife used to suffer from similar symtoms and we eventually nailed it down to cats. I am no Doc but from what I understand - It has something to do with the protein content in the hair, if nothing else works it is definietly an avenue to explore.

[Smiley]

Hello Darkhelmut

I've linked drleon to this topic, maybe he can help.

[Fairy Flycatcher]

Good luck DH... thinking of you both.

[Tumbleweed]

Get the cats and dogs outta the house.

Change all pillows and duvets to non fibrous.

Send all bedding to the dry cleaners or tumble dry.

Smoke outside with the sulky cats and dogs.

[DarkHelmet]

Thanks everyone!

Will try to eliminate as suggested Delta VV .... eish! the going outside bit gets me!

Glad it is not a serious lung problem coz to try and get hold of a pulmonologist is not easy! they are all fully booked!

[drleon]

pleurisy is a symptom not a disease no 1
it is a sharp stabbing pain on coughing usually over a small area.
can be caused by viruses, tb or pneumonia
the pain are not on the outside but inside, no muscle tenderness
if the chest muscles are sore it might be miositis or costocondritis
a chest xray and lungfunction should exclude any serious diseases

again it is not a diagnosis
regards
leon