Back pain?

[Kirstyes]

Hi. I’ve been having waves of worsening of my cough variant asthma on and off for the whole of this year. I go on steroids/antibiotics - and it’s often taking 10 days of the steroids to get on top of it. I get two maybe three weeks of feeling better - not quite back to normal then start sliding again. They Have increased my Fostair etc etc. Hoping to speak to nurse this week about maybe adding in Spiriva.

But I’ve noticed I’m getting really bad low back pain during the periods when I’m knocked down, as in standing for any length of time and walking not very far is agony. Does anyone else get this? It’s making it hard to exercise and I’m overweight so I feel a bit stuck.

Thanks

Kirsty

[Jollygood]

Hi Kirsty

I get very noticeable lower back pain when my asthma deteriorates. For me it's a main symptom up there with SOB and chest tightness. It goes as soon as my breathing improves. I hope you get to see some improvement soon X

[Kirstyes in reply to Jollygood]

Thanks for replying. Looks like I might need to get back ok the steroids then 😢

[Poobah]

I get lower back pain and a chiropractor sorts me out, but no access during the lockdown. I know for me it's lazy muscles caused by not enough exercise and movement. The back is supported by all manner of muscles and the stronger they are, the less strain our skeleton takes.

I'm not sleeping on my side in order to avoid exacerbating the pain. A good mattress and sleeping position can really help if you have any muscoskeletal issues. I have to do stretches in the morning to get me going.

Taking regular oral steroids will affect bone health so weight bearing exercise (walking) is very important. But your GP should be considering supplements and/or meds to keep your bone health stable as oral steroids deplete the bones over time.

There are also a range of physio exercises on YouTube to help with back pain and bone health. Yoga and Pilates are also very good at improving muscoskeletal health. My SIL is 82 & strong as an ox thanks to her activity - walking, housework, gardening, yoga and stretches. Puts the whole family to shame.

[Ken6]

Hallo Kirsty,

I am sorry to hear of your illness. I have been on Fostair and Spiriva for three years. They are great I am lucky, I now lead a normal life for an old codger aged 72. I did have problems with Fostair. I used to get severe cramp at night my nurse said it was caused by Fostair so the dose was reduced to an absolute minimum. I still take two puffs of Spiriva every day. I do not know if there are any long term side effects but as I said above I feel great on these medications.

I walk for at least one hour every day.

Good luck from ken

[Kirstyes]

Thank you both for your tips. I’ll chat to them about it again when I speak to them next.