Tuberculosis

[Guest]

I am 47 years old (female) and had tuberculosis in my right lung when I was 17 yrs. old. Was treated with Isoniazid (INH) and Streptomycin. Was hospitalized for 4 months on this medication until I had quite a few negative test results. Within months after I was cured I started developing chronic shortness of breath and constant wheezing. Had many tests over the years and was treated as an asthmatic. None of the asthma drugs helped me. Recently I had a bronchoscopy done of my airways. What a shock. My right airway is almost completely closed in with scar tissue. My doctor says it is about a 5ml. opening. I, since age 17-18 have lived with constant shortness of breath. I function normally and work out at the gym a lot, doing cardio and weight training. This helps my breathing and I feel the benefit. I have never smoked and never will. Is there anyone that has had TB of the lung and as a result of the TB had this much scar tissue work its way up the airway.
My left lung and left airway are perfectly fine. When I get a cold, it lingers on for quite a while with a lot of cough and congestion. My respiratory doctor is excellent and very much eager to find help for me but is not optomistic. He is presently checking with larger centres (Toronto, Canada). If we have no luck here in Canada I am willing to go to the United States. I understand surgery on this type of thing is highly risky. I would like to know at the time I was being treated for TB if there was something that could have been done to prevent the scar tissue from forming. Any input would be greatly appreciated.