Tuberculosis

[osin]

Ok so I started taking my meds from end of 2006 up until august this year (2008) I've never skipped my meds even once, and on the 3rd of December I've done another xray but I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow. Can anyone tell me what does it mean and should I take more meds, i just need a second opinion.

Findings:
Mild thoracic scoliosis.
There are fibrocavitary changes in the left upper lobe.
There is reduction in the left lung volume with ipsilateral mediastinal shift.
The right hemithorax is relatively normal.

IMP:-
Features are in keeping with previous pulmonary TB changes. Disease activity needs to be correlated clinically.

Do i still have it?

Thanks.

[Davy9]

Hello Osin...

Mild thoracic scoliosis... Means that they see a minor twist (curvature) to your spine looking straight at it. No big deal.

Mild firbrocavitary changes LUL.. That is where the TB was... It has left scars that will be there like any scar anywhere on the body.

Reduction in L lung volume with ipsilateral mediastinal shift.. The scar tissue has reduced the volume of the L lung and is pulling the mid line of the organs a little towards it.

R hemithorax is relatively normal... Right lung looks relatively normal...

The interpretation says it: Features are in keeping with previous TB changes. Disease activity needs to be correlated clinically. Your chest looks like it has old TB changes and the presence or absence of any active disease requires looking at the entire clinical picture. Your doctor will do that when you visit.

[osin]

Thanks Davy,

I started to sweat again at night since Wednesday, is it just nervous or that I might have TB again? but this time not as worst as the first time.

[quote="Davy9"]Hello Osin...

Mild thoracic scoliosis... Means that they see a minor twist (curvature) to your spine looking straight at it. No big deal.

Mild firbrocavitary changes LUL.. That is where the TB was... It has left scars that will be there like any scar anywhere on the body.

Reduction in L lung volume with ipsilateral mediastinal shift.. The scar tissue has reduced the volume of the L lung and is pulling the mid line of the organs a little towards it.

R hemithorax is relatively normal... Right lung looks relatively normal...

The interpretation says it: Features are in keeping with previous TB changes. Disease activity needs to be correlated clinically. Your chest looks like it has old TB changes and the presence or absence of any active disease requires looking at the entire clinical picture. Your doctor will do that when you visit.[/quote]

[Davy9]

Osin... Ask your doctor about the night sweats. Yes, I understand they are symptom of TB but I have NO way of determining their importance. Give yourself a break and assume the best.

[osin]

I know Davy, :( I know that everyone is tired with my 1000 questions. I'm just so worried I can't sit tight. I keep on thinking about it 24 hours a day, I love my new job it just that until the doctor sign my release form then I can breathe again. I just don't want to put high hope.

[Davy9]

Osin... I am not tired of your questions. I just cannot address certain ones with any degree of accuracy. I'll happily tell you what I can. I'll also tell when you when I can't give you and answer and make suggestions as to what you might do.

Make a list of questions for your doctors visit. Be certain you get all the answers you need to set your worries aside. I look forward to hearing how it goes.

[osin]

Thanks Davy, the reason i come here is because I feel free. This is the only place I can voice my concern and fear. Thank you for listening and giving me good advice.

[osin]

Can my friends get TB from me from sharing spoon or drinks like straw?

[Davy9]

When you had active TB it was possible to transmit TB to another person with a saliva contaminated vector such as a spoon. But that is not the common manner in which it is transmitted and it would be considered rare if it happened. It is when people cough and sneeze with active TB which broadcasts an aerosol of particulate droplets which can infect. That material comes directly from the lungs and is usually more infectious. Even then transmission depends on the frequency of exposure.

Here's some questions for you. How many of your friends have TB? How many came down with TB in the month or so you had active TB and had yet to start treatment? You were infectious for only the period when the disease was active and not under treatment. Shortly after treatment began your ability to transmit TB went down. If any of your friends came down with TB in the few months around this time frame then they might have gotten it from you. But if they got it last month or 3 months ago it did not come from you.

These are all good questions for your doctor.

[osin]

None of them, but they normally like to take food using my spoon or drink from my water bottle without asking me. I wanted to tell them but I'm afraid they will freak out with the food sharing and stuff. But one of my friend been having chest pain lately and she had a history of Pneumonia. She stop taking her meds or injection before she was 18 years old.

I didn't hang out with my friends the entire treatment only right after i finished my treatment then I started hanging around with them again. they only thought that I had minor infections.