I am in a bit of a quandary as to the diagnosis given by 4 Respiratory Specialists. During a stay in hospital after being transferred from A & E at my local hospital,with a severe exacerbation and also very painful chest pains the first specialist said that an X Ray,ECG, Blood Tests, that I was being transferred to the respiratory unit as there was air in my lungs. Which I thought that is what I should have but the doctor said no It is the sign of a collapsed lung. That afternoon another specialist came and told me that All Asthmatics have this problem and it was costochondritis, and the only pain relief was Ibuprofen which I cant take because of Asthma. The next morning oh dear another specialist came and said that it was Pleurisy.After another ECG and Blood Tests along came specialist number 4 who said it was a chest infection which was also causing the exacerbation. Once again I was up to 49mg of predisolone and 7 days of antibiotics. After the 7 days antibiotics a blood test was carried out which showed that I was clear of infections, but my problem is that I still have this stabbing and also the tight chest 3 weeks later.
I look forward to any comments
I would like to wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas, and a Covid Free New Year
Written by
Wheesy
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How confusing for you! I can't tell you which of those things is correct but things like pleurisy and (especially) costochondritis can linger for a long time so if it is one of those it's unlikely the pain would have gone away just yet.
I guess they said the only pain relief is ibuprofen because it's an anti inflammatory....but can you take paracetamol? That would give you some symptom relief even though it wouldn't reduce inflammation. Heat packs or hot water bottles might help too?
Many thanks for your reply. Yes it is very confusing and I am unable to take Paracetamol due to an allergy as it make me have projectile vomit. The only pain relief I can use is Codeine or Morphine which have the usual side effects,{constipation}. Ah well I will take mu usual action and say there is some people worse off than me and carry on my wife says that I am that laid back I can get under a door.
Can you take laxatives or something to combat the effects of the codeine? I know sometimes side effects aren't worth it though with medications. I hope the pain eases up soon for you though.
Hi!!how confusing for you! 🙁 I have severe asthma and suffer with chest pains on & off from costochondritis. It’s absolutely horrible when it’s really bad and can take forever to settle. I recommend something called ‘the back pod’...it’s been designed by a physiotherapist in New Zealand and you lay on it and it basically stretches out your chest, now if ever I strart to get those stabbing pains I m straight on it and after a few days I m loads better if not clear of the pains!Hope this info helps, just something to try 😊
That sounds like a good solution to the problem of costocondritis. Is it available to purchase on line or does it have to be prescribed bu a medic.Many thanks
I got it on Amazon...I wasn’t sure it was actually going to work and it is quite expensive but honestly it’s been amazing!! It’s for so many different things too...it really opens up your chest and you feel really good after using it! 😊
Many Thanks again. I am not bothered about the cost as anything that helps not only myself but also my family. It is also useful to hand on any information to others
There are useful Backpod vids on YouTube showing how it works and the stretch methods used. It looks really effective. youtu.be/dTJ8HIv1RnU Pleurisy is usually one sided so pain would be radiating from the infection, whereas Costo pain is not one sided. I hope you find relief soon, especially as your pain relief options are so limited.
Watched the video looks very effective fir a number of problems. Never mind the cost if it helps I will definitely purchase a product if it is going to improve my health. I have neighbors who have problems which this may help, going to suggest that we buy one to share between us if some of them think it is too expensive {Pensioners}.Thanks again
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