Shellie,

Talked to the nurse - basically they just saw a swollen lymph node on the chest x-ray, but no signs of fluid or anything showing current infection. They can't tell what kind of infection from the x-ray. But I'm on an anti-inflammatory - Etodalac - 2 x a day for 15 dyas, then a refill for another 15 days. SHe says it will take a while to see a difference in breathing and tightness as it takes a while for the inflammation to go away and everything to heal, but if no change by time anti-inflammatory meds have all been taken - 30 days - then I am to call back in.

I do wonder if I have somehow brought this on with the deep-breathing I try to practice - but now it's the only way I can actually get a full breath.

While I wait for the med to do it's thing, does anyone have any at-home therapies they've used to relax tight ribs? I CURSE my ins. co for not allowing me further PT!!!!!!

Johanna, this new med really sounds like a breakthrough - after 5 days on, if you try to smoke a cig it makes you nauseous from what I hear. It targets the same receptors as nicotine, so you don't go through all the nasty withdrawal at once, you still get the feel-good benefits while your lungs start cleaning up and healing. And you don't gain weight with it either. But I will need something to do with my hands, you're right Alison, and I have been intrigued with the inhalors. I'll ask, don't know that I can use them, but one of the worst parts of quitting is finding a replacement for the cigarette!

Case has to settle first, once it does, I'll fill the scrip and let you know how this works. My youngest has been on my case since she took DARE in 4th grade - it's a BIG issue with her!

beth