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A pneumothorax is more commonly known as a collapsed lung. I've had them, and they are not fun. I've created these pages to relay my story about living with pneumothoraces in hopes that someone will find comfort in them (by knowing that someone else has gone through and survived what is happening to you) and to let everybody know that there is life after surgery.
Now before we go any further, let's get an official definition of a spontaneous pneumothorax from pneumothorax.org:
Spontaneous pneumothorax is classified into two separate categories, primary and secondary. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs without any prior lung disorders or diseases. In most cases, primary spontaneous pneumothorax results from the rupture of blebs (air-filled sac on the lung). As a result, air escapes from the lung and enters the chest cavity causing the lung to collapse. Depending on the severity of the incident, various symptoms will be experienced within minutes of the initial collapse. The reason why this occurs is unclear, although spontaneous pneumothorax has been attributed to tall, thin men (between 20 and 40 years of age); smokers; and in some cases, women during their menstrual cycles.
Secondary pneumothorax can occur as a complication of underlying lung disease. Asthmas, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, and whooping cough can all cause spontaneous pneumothoraces.
A spontaneous pneumothorax has a very high rate of recurrence. It is estimated that the probability of reoccurence is as high as 50% in some patients.
My lung collapses were caused by the occurence of blebs on my lungs (a primary spontaneous pneumothorax). I have no underlying medical condition (cystic fibrosis, emphysema, etc.) that would cause these blebs to form. All doctors have told me it is simply "genetics" and a function of my body type (tall, lean, good looking - okay, I added the last one). Thanks mum and dad.
I've had operations to both my left (1990) and right lung (2002) over the last 12 years. And after both surgeries, I completed Ironman USA in 2002. So, I'll divide the story into three parts:
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