Pleurisy.....anyone had it?

[msdznyduck]

Okay, it has been a really tough few months for DD15. First, 2 weeks into school she is assaulted by another student, then she is called racist, since she wouldn't accept a napkin at the lunch table from an Indian girl who wiped her nose on it first (DD has friends of all nationalities, and counted this girl as one of her friends). Is shunned by people in school, (not friends) and comments made daily about the episode, blown way out of proportion. The girls father even went to the school to insist on suspension since it was a "racial episode". ....This has finally calmed down.
Just before Thanksgiving, she had a head cold and an ear infection, which perferated her eardrum, and couldn't hear for about a week.

Anyway, back to the subject..
Thursday night, she has a chest cold, and she complained of pain in her chest (we assumed one of those deep, coughing, chest cold pains.) Good thing no school on Friday, since she wasn't feeling well enough to go. I got home from work on Friday, and she is having pain when she is breathing.....(not that you can stop breathing to ease the pain). Called the pediatrician, went in at about 7:45pm. He sends her to the ER for chest x-rays,and says she may have either pneumonia, or a partially collapsed lung. Turns out after 3 hours in the ER, chest x-rays clear, EKG normal, the Dr. in the ER says she has pleurisy, and gives her Motrin. She felt better Sat. morning, but today she is having a little pain again......more Motrin.

CAn anyone tell me anything about pleurisy and how long it takes to really feel better??
THanks

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

My mom had it, and it lingered for weeks. She said it was very painful.

I think the key in ridding yourself of it is to keep the Motrin in her system to keep the inflammation down.

I hope she feels better soon!

 

[poohbear1029]

DH had it and it was a couple of days before the intense pain went away....he had to lay low until it had finally healed.

He hasnt had a problem since and this was about 6 yrs ago.

in regards to your question about pleurisy, its my understanding its an inflammation in the lining of the lung/s....kinda like having a cold settle in the lining.

 

[Blondy876]

My dh had it about a month ago. He is still recovering. I agree keep the Motrin in her system. I'm surprised that her dr. didn't prescribe stronger meds. My dh was given an antibiotic for the infection and vicodin for the pain.

 

[chell]

So sorry to hear what a difficult time she is having. The pain should be expected to last for a while. I'm shocked that the doctors didn't tell you to keep giving her the Motrin on a regular basis to keep the inflamation down, which will also help decrease the pain.

 

[Lynn CC]

I had it last winter, I'm going to be much more careful about breathing in cold air this winter! Very painful for about a week, then it took months for the dull pain to go away. I wasn't perscribed an antibiotic by my doctor, he said just rest and take advil.

 

[ducklite]

I had it in 1989. (Haven't had it since)

The best way to describe it is sandpaper rubbing hard against your lung every time you take a breath. It's very painful.

I had it in conjunction with a severe inner ear infection and perforated ear drum.

I was on antibiotics, but I think that was for the ear infection rather than the pluerisy.

Lots of fluids, lots of rest, a warm, humid room will all help a bit. mostly it's jsut time for the body to heal. It took me about ten days for the pain to become more af an annoyance than pain, about three weeks to be fully recovered.

to her.

Anne

 

[msdznyduck]

Thanks everyone.........I think I will take her out of gym class for a few days, since they run outside, and she already has asthma that sometimes acts up when it is cold.
Actually the ER Dr. gave me a script for Toradol, but said Motrin works just as well. I think I will fill it today, and start her on that instead.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yep, I got it when I had the flu or pneumonia, I don't remember which. I think it took me 6 months before I felt normal again. I was pretty sick.

The key is to drink, water, water, water and to get ALOT of rest. The secret is to take care of yourself otherwise it lingers.

 

[C.Ann]

Count me in as one of the past victims as well.. Took quite awhile before it was totally gone..

Definitely get the stronger script filled and if it isn't sufficient for the pain, call the doctor and ask for something stronger..

Absolutely no gym!!! There's no way she could run around in that condition and may not even feel well enough to go to school..

Hope she feels better soon!