Tuberculosis?? Breathing Problems, and Chest Pain?

Question

On December 2nd I got a TB skin test done, which came back negative, but they found 2-3mm nodules in my lungs, and did a phlem test, and told me to come back in February, after 6-8 weeks. Now, I'm feeling flu-like symptoms, breathing difficulties, chest pain, fatigue, and body aches and pain. I hate to bother the doctor again since she told me to get a TB skin test in the first place. I've been taking some leftover Amoxillian, 400mg. of Guaifensin,(which is for chest congestion), and some cough syrup, but nothing is helping and its been a month already. Should I be worried??
Tuberculosis is going around my town alot. Should I see the doctor again or wait?
Please help me!!

I drink nothing but water, and I had an
X-ray, and a CAT scan done at the hospital, thats how they found the nodules in my lungs.

Answer 1

Lung nodules can mean many things, or nothing at all, so I wouldn't worry excessively about that. If you have been exposed to TB, then it's probably worthwhile to see your doctor again (which you should do anyway, come to think of it).
Taking unprescribed antibiotics is generally not a good idea, and doesn't seem to be helping you. What you're describing does not sound like TB, though it could be, it's certainly not impossible to have TB present like that.
Bottom line, you probably don't have TB (unless there's something about your history or symptoms you didn't mention) but you may well have a lung infection, see your doctor.

Answer 2

The amoxil is not likely to be of any help if it IS TB - it is usually treated with a complex regimen of about 3 or 4 anti-tuberculosis antibiotics.

You should see your doctor again. It may well not be TB but there are a number of other possibilities that need investigating including Sarcoidosis and MAIS. Pneumonia is a possibility and would account for the fever, fatigue and shortness of breath, body aches and pains - but it would not necessarily explain the nodules. Amoxil could help if it was the usual community acquired pneumonia.

An outside possibility is that this could represent some kind of cancer - a lymphoma or perhaps a cancer spread to the lungs from some other primary. These are unlikely, but their implications are of such concern that I would really get your doctor to look into this. It may be worthwhile pushing for a CAT scan of the chest and a review by a respiratory specialist.

Answer 3

It is possible that you have a Pneumorthorax which is an accumulation of air between the two membranes lining the lungs and the chest cavity. Also it could be Pericarditis which is an inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart. Without more information, which can only be obtained by medical testing, these are only guesses. Because this has been an ongoing condition, you really should see a doctor as soon as possible. When in the doctor's office press him/her for a definite diagnosis. Do not let the doctor off the hook without getting a definite answer. You have had this condition too long to let it continue. Be your own advocate, be polite but firm. I wish you well.

Answer 4

I've an AMA medical book that says that the TB skin test actually gives Negative results in 10% of patients who Have TB! So why do they Ever use it ?!? My test results were negative, but I was actually infected, too. It was in my brain. Yes, the lungs are just the first organ it infects.
I suggest you read this series on TB, & perhaps take a copy of the TB Fact Sheet* with you to the Dr's ...

Tuberculosis--The Return of a Killer :
- A Death Toll That Rivals War
- Triumph and Tragedy
- A Global Solution--Is It Possible?
- *TB Fact Sheet
- TB and Fashion
- Is It Easy to Catch TB?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/19971222/article_01.htm

Answer 5

Sounds like pneumonia. If breathing gets really, really hard, you need to go to the emergency room. The flu like symptoms you are experiencing sound like the result of an infection that the Amoxillian is not killing. You should contact your doctor as soon as possible and don't worry about bothering him/her.

Answer 6

Wow, TB is back in the news. Where do you live? In Western Canada, most of the TB patients are street folks, former or active heroin addicts.

It sounds like you are taking leftover drugs because of the cost? I am sorry for you. I am not a doctor and I really don't know enough about your background, but if I had chest nodules I personally would try everything possible in the alternative field that sounded like it made good health sense. I would fast with a supervisor as long as it took to get rid of the flu-like symptoms, the aches and pains. I believe that fasting (drinking just pure water as thirsty) is extremely important at the outset of any illness. I would listen very very carefully to the wisdom of my own body.... no one knows how to treat my body as well as my own body knows..... now, I know that that runs contrary to the contemporary wisdom that says 'MD' means 'knows everything there is to know and can prescribe the wonder drug to fix whatever needs fixing'. A fast will allow you to actually hear what your body has to share with you. But a seasoned professional 'supervisor' is also important for any fast over 7-10 days.

Then I would come off my fast into the strictest and healthiest raw vegan diet I could afford.... I would eat nothing but raw, ripe, juicy, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. I would also take in some organic hemp oil, some virgin coconut oil and eat some organic nuts, like walnuts, and an avocado a day, to get the necessary omegas. I would certainly not eat any dairy or animal products (except perhaps for some raw honey) and I would cut out wheat, personally. This raw vegan eating has proved very efficacious for our family.

I'd make sure I had time to rest and re-create. I'd get my relationships in order so that I didn't have to worry about that at any time (I'd tell those I really cared about that I love them and I'd make my peace with those I'd hurt, or who I felt hurt by).

I'd turn my energies to prayer vs. spending a lot of time in the doctor's office, but that might not be everyone's choice.

Personally, I would invest in high frequency essential oils and the highest antioxidant drink on the market, whole food NingXia Red-- I have a lot more faith in whole foods and natural healing than in pharmaceuticals. Just my opinion and choice.

And I would use my body's know-how to start getting better with the energy therapy called Emotional Freedom Technique. You can download the free Get Started Package at http://tinyurl.com/yh5zhu, or if you want to dive in right away by purchasing the inexpensive instructional DVDs click here>>http://tinyurl.com/ycwle8

That is what I would do, my dear, but it might well be the opposite of what your wisdom is and I wish you all the best!

God bless!

Answer 7

Wow, what town are you in? You should definitely talk to your doctor, even if it is not TB you have something going on in your respiratory system that needs to be addressed. Keep in mind that TB is not spread as easily as a cold-you need to be in pretty close contact with someone who has it to get it. Good luck!

Answer 8

get into the Dr. Don't everwait if your having difficulty breathing or chest pain