Late 30's former smoker of 10+ years dealing with some health issues right now and am looking for some advice. For the last month I have been having some medium pain in my upper left back near the shoulder that wraps around my ribs on the left side. No blood in sputum or serious cough but am developing a light cough. Occasional chest pain and now dealing with a very weak appetite. Anxiety is certainly present here but of course I don't know what the anxiety is causing and what it isn't causing. Anyway, always scared about smoking related consequences I have pursued a lung problem and have had a negative chest xray and a negative chest ct scan (just noting some minor scarring in the right apex). My CBC was completely normal. My question is should I be comfortable that the issue isn't with my lungs and assume it is related to some other problem? I know this is a minor question here and probably sounds trivial in relation but it seems like this is place where people have gone through the tests and might have some good advice as to when enough is enough. In searching for other causes I have visited a chiroprachtor who thinks it might be a back nerve problem and plan to visit a cardiologist and perhaps a pulmonologist. Thanks in advance for any advice. As of now I know my results have been good news but am still concerned.
IF I WERE YOU.. I'd put my faith in a good family practioner and let him/her decide if I should be referred to a specialist. If the pain continues and you dont get answers find another general practitioner.
Late 30's former smoker of 10+ years dealing with some health issues right now and am looking for some advice. For the last month I have been having some medium pain in my upper left back near the shoulder that wraps around my ribs on the left side. No blood in sputum or serious cough but am developing a light cough. Occasional chest pain and now dealing with a very weak appetite. Anxiety is certainly present here but of course I don't know what the anxiety is causing and what it isn't causing. Anyway, always scared about smoking related consequences I have pursued a lung problem and have had a negative chest xray and a negative chest ct scan (just noting some minor scarring in the right apex). My CBC was completely normal. My question is should I be comfortable that the issue isn't with my lungs and assume it is related to some other problem? I know this is a minor question here and probably sounds trivial in relation but it seems like this is place where people have gone through the tests and might have some good advice as to when enough is enough. In searching for other causes I have visited a chiroprachtor who thinks it might be a back nerve problem and plan to visit a cardiologist and perhaps a pulmonologist. Thanks in advance for any advice. As of now I know my results have been good news but am still concerned.
Well some reassuring test results but what is telling you to continue pursuing. An inner voice perhaps. I would be very vigil and continue to monitor situ
My husband has the same symptoms, but his ct scan DID show lung cancer. If yours was clear, you are probably ok (providing the radiologist report is accurate).
Go immediately to your doctor and ask for a cat scan. I had no symptoms of lung cancer and they only found it in a routine chest xray. Lucky it was so small and they were able to "fry" it with radiation.
The xray and CT were negative. I have stopped smoking and after the initial symptoms I described I now am experiencing regular light cough, heavy chest feeling, and shortness of breath. It seems to me either symptoms of smoking cessation or some obstructive airway disease. The back, rib/chest pain has taken a back seat and now don't even seem to exist. It's crazy how symptoms morph and change and how sometimes you wonder if things are all in your head. Unfortunately I can't say my symptoms now are in my head as the cough and shortness of breath are very real. I hope it is smoking cessation related and not something permanent. Thanks for your responses.
