Breathing problems

[Bentleyboo]

Hi there, I used to be on this forum a couple of years ago but stopped when I had a mini breakdown caused by fighting to get ESA.

I had a bout of pneumonia in 2011 which left me with Bronchiectasis in one lung and Emphysema which was mild to moderate. Since having the pneumonia my health has gone downhill as I've been diagnosed with other health problems. Why I'm on ESA is I also suffer double scoliosis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic back problems as well as Emphysema and Bronchiectasis.

The problem is my breathing has got worse, were as going upstairs is difficult and makes me out of breathe. I hardly go out as my breathing and problems with my back have got worse.

Just before Christmas I had another breakdown as I was waking up paralysed from the waist down so made an emergency doctors appointment.

They sent me for a MRI scan on my back after having back problems for 30+ years. The MRI showed I've problems with my L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1, also nerve damage.

My doctor thinks my top curve could be pressing on my chest causing me more breathing problems. I'm on a 6month waiting list and been told that there's nothing they can do for me until then. 

Please can anyone help me , my breathing is awful at the moment.

[Nanaeal]

Hi Bentley & Welcome back. Sorry to hear you been having such a hard time. I can't offer any help or advice. Hope somebody will be along latter who can.

[peege]

So sorry to hear this. I can only suggest you ring the helpline for some advice. 03000030555 office hours xxx

[Ergendl]

In January 1998 I ended up with severe spasms with 2 slipped discs at L4 and L5 and was rushed to our cottage hospital for a 2 week stay where the GP thought I just wanted a rest from caring for my disabled former husband (who died in 2003).  After a week they did an x-ray which showed the damage - I'll never forget Dr Mackay standing at my bedside and saying "Good news - you've got two compressed lumbar discs".  He prescribed exercises with the physiotherapist which only made things worse, and ordered me to sit and eat my meals when I could only stand or lie flat without more severe spasms.  In the end I discharged myself home and went to an osteopath, Boyd McKenzie in the nearest city Perth, recommended by a friend.  The first visit brought a significant reduction in pain, and after regular visits over the next three months I became pain free and was able to drive 500 miles south to a school reunion in May 1998. 

Although we were on income support, we found the money from wherever we could to pay the osteopath, and it was worth it.  I still sometimes get twinges with my back - 3 weak spots following a motorbike accident in 1977 - and the one about my bra strap area can make me feel very breathless.  Another trip to an osteopath before it develops too far, soon gets it sorted.

[Sherry44 in reply to Ergendl]

So pleased you sorted out your problems Ergendl.  What a blessed relief it must b to be pain free after all this time.  Keep going, and I hope your life will continue to be much easier now,

Ann

[katieoxo60]

Welcome back Bentleyboo, we can help you with chat support and experience advise but treatment is up to your medical supervisors i.e GP ect. There are lots of ways to help the breathing and BLF has lots of leaflets and local groups all over the country. Can I get back to you later as I have a meeting this morning to attend. Will be back later take care x

[fcag2001]

I wonder if acupuncture would help. It may ease some pain and then you might rest more easily. I have a wedding this weekend but  next week I am going to see how I can get acupuncture for upper lung pain. Good luck and good for you to keep trying to stay positive it is not always easy to do. Have you got a home based nebuliser to use at least twice daily with saline and salbutamol separately ?  Give yourself a hug.

[Sherry44]

Hi Bentleybo.  I'm afraid I can't give you any significant advice but having read Ergendl's reply, I can only think the next step might be to consult an osteopath if all else fails. 

[sheila1kerry]

I read your post with sadness it sounds like you have suffered a great deal. About your problems with ESA causing a breakdown, i understand benefit system can be very difficult  but surely you should be getting PIP as well. I found a brilliant website called "benefits&work" i followed their advice and after a two year nightmare got sorted out. It costs £15 to join but it was the best money i have ever spent. I cannot comment on your physical problems as i only have COPD to contend with, thats enough so i don't know how you cope. Wishing you well.