It's Pleurisy

This is the first time I've ever had pleurisy. I didn't even know what it was until I surfed the web yesterday morning in attempt diagnose myself. Basically, pleurisy is an inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs. My CF doctor thinks a virus caused it.

I went to see my PCP and kept my CF doctor updated on the results. The visit with my PCP was interesting. Let me first say my PCP isn't too keen on the idea of me getting pregnant. Last year, when I saw him after getting a (false) positive pregnancy test, he gave me a stern look and said, "This is serious!" A few months later, Greg saw my PCP so he could be tested for the CF gene, and my PCP told him "what a big deal" it is for me to get pregnant. So, when I saw him yesterday, the first thing he did was look at my list of current medications and ask, "Are you on birth control?" And when I said "no" he asked "why???" in a stern voice. (He didn't say anything else when I reminded him that Greg and I are trying to get pregnant.)

Knowing he had this attitude and that I am in the 2WW, I was a little nervous when he ordered a chest x-ray. The x-ray technician made a much bigger deal about this, and she really put my mind at ease. She was definitely concerned when I told her I was TTC but said one x-ray during the 2WW should be fine and to, "Just make sure you don't have anymore x-rays until you get your period." And, of course, she carefully placed the protective apron over my reproductive area.

After my x-ray (and blood work), my PCP came into the exam room all exited - "Good News! It's just a bit of pleurisy." He told me to take Advil or Aleve. When I expressed my concern about taking those drugs during the 2WW (because they can interfere with implantation), he said it shouldn't be a big deal, but that I could take Tylenol if I wanted to.

Needless to say, I am taking Tylenol ;)

Overall, I am very relieved it's only pleurisy. I was pretty scared the other night because breathing was very painful. Last night was bad too, but I think it's improved over the course of the day, so I think I am on the mend. And the virus hasn't affected me too much - it has just made me very tired (I slept 12 hours last night!) and put me in a bit of a fog.

Hopefully I will be back at work tomorrow!