i’m posting on mobile because that’s just the platform i’m using currently. i’m writing, though, because i’m really nervous about something. on wednesday, i’m going to my first ever pulmonologist appointment. if you read my post from a week or so ago, i explained that my doctor had explained to me that i had pleural essusions, one on my left and right lung. for a while i’ve had some weird thing with my breathing where i can be doing absolutely nothing, but all of a sudden take a large, deep breath as if i forgot to take any at all or as if i were doing so much activity. also, my heart will randomly at times start to palmitate for about 20 seconds and i really feel it in my neck when it happens. it’s very strong within my chest and neck area. the weird breath thing has been happening for a while, but my breathing when i lay down and at random times during the day is very weird and starts acting up. it feels like a panic attack breathing, with without the panic, if that makes sense? maybe not, i’m sorry. also, the heart this has been happening for a little while, but is starting to happen more often.
now what i’m worried about is exposing this to the doctor. i don’t want him to think that i’m just making myself experience these things because i now know there’s something with my lungs. i know a lot of doctors have a habit of making it seem like it’s in people’s head once they know something is happening. my primary did say it’s happening fast (the fluid build up) and has it stated in the referral. another thing i’m scared of is that my mom mentioned, (she used to work with doctors. isn’t one, but is very knowledgeable and resourceful at times!) if it’s a lot of fluid, they tend to drain it with a needle/catheter. also, if they think it’ll help them determine why it’s happening, they take some fluid to help them out. she also mentioned that the most common reason this happens is heart related, such as CHF. i’m nervous for the whole experience; a new doctor, more tests, needles for taking blood again, possible draining, possible serious cause of it all. i’m a mess and just very worried. i’m not filling my head with ideas or problems and, honestly, am tying to think as positive as i possibly can about the whole thing.
anyway, i was just curious if anyone has ever had to deal with something like this? if anyone has ever seen a pulmonologist for any reason and what the appointment has been like? any tips or tricks for keeping calm, especially while being awake for a needle/catheter going into your back and into a pleural space/being awake for a possibly very painful situation. this is probably silly, but i’m just so anxious about the whole thing! on the other hand, it’s 11PM where i am, but i hope everyone had a great day/night wherever you are! 💛