Chrys

[Chyrysilis44]

Hi, I am a bronchiectasis sufferer for 14 years. I have a dreadful pain in my upper middle back. Does anyone know if this is connected to my lung disease?

[Billiejean_2]

Obviously none of us can say for sure what's causing your pain but it is quite common amongst people with chronic lung conditions. It could be muscular strain from coughing or over breathing or a touch of pleuritic pain. Try a hot water bottle or wrapping a warm shawl or wrap round your back.

[Chyrysilis44 in reply to Billiejean_2]

You'r right we can't tell for definite what is causing the pain but I know a hot water bottle can work wonders. I will use mine tonight and hope for a good night's sleep. Thanks for offering suggestions, it helps a lot.

[corriena]

I would also get checked for a infection as that can cause pain even without any other symptoms go and see your gp as a matter of urgancy 😷

[Chyrysilis44 in reply to corriena]

I am taking a course of Amoxicillyn antibiotics at the moment prescribed by my consultant so he obviously thinks I have an infection. I just hope the pain improves soon as it is making daily life difficult. I believe I am due for another scan soon so maybe that will tell what the pain actually is caused by. Thanks for replying anyway.

[corriena in reply to Chyrysilis44]

I have alot of pain (lung?) However as we have no pain receptors in are lungs, it can't be my lungs. unfortunatly xrays ct scans have shown no obvious cause of the pain so for now its just one of those things and lots of pain killers. Good luck i hope you get some answers

[Hayley_]

I suffer with a lot of back pain also. It can be anywhere on my back but usually the top half. Since having copd my posture is not as good so I put a lot of it down to that. I seem to hunch over. Ibuprofen seems to help and a heat rub.

[Chyrysilis44 in reply to Hayley_]

Hi Hayley, Do you know what your back problem actually is caused by? I ask because I feel it is important to know; we tend to put up with such a lot and doctors don't always have an answer and as a result we resort to pain killers. I think I would feel better if I knew the cause of my back problem and be able to deal with it better. However, you a right that bad posture contributes to a lot of things. I also find that Co-codamol helps with my pain but it has the effect of making me drowsy. I have joined a stretching group to try and help with my aches and pains. Will let you know if it helps.

[Hayley_ in reply to Chyrysilis44]

No, I don’t know what causes my back problems and I’ve given up on speaking to my doctor about it. He looks at me like I’m speaking a foreign language and then tells me to take ibuprofen. When I expressed my concern over taking so many for a long period of time he put me on Omeprazole. I had a scan for osteoporosis a few years back because I was on a lot of steroids but it came back clear. I was watching an American doctor on YouTube who is a specialist in copd and it was mentioned on there that sufferers of copd can have bad postures which can cause back problems, and I thought that sounds like me. I hope you get yours sorted out as it’s not nice, it’s like having never ending toothache. It really wears you down. 🤗🤗

[Chyrysilis44 in reply to Hayley_]

Hi Hayley. So good to hear from you again. I actually have the same problem with my doctor who shrugs his shoulders when I try to find out what the cause of my back problem is. In fact I have, today, chosen to see another doctor in the Practice who has arranged for an Xray on my back. I am seeing my consultant again next week I'm hoping for answers. At the moment the new doctor has given me a stronger pain patch until we know what the actual problem is. Will keep you posted.

Chrys

[Hayley_ in reply to Chyrysilis44]

Oh yes, please keep me posted. Would be interested to hear what they have to say. Sometimes i find I see so many different people, like the nurse or the doctor or the specialist or the rehab nurse or the physio nurse and they each tell you a different answer and I think it’s because they don’t really know. But I’m glad to hear you’ve seen a different doctor and their going to help you. Fingers crossed 🤞🤞

[Chyrysilis44 in reply to Hayley_]

Hi again, Saw new doctor today and found he listened with interest. First step another Xray! To help with the pain he has given me a stronger pain patch and to continue with co-codamol for the time being. Here's hoping.

[bwp91]

Yes do check your back and,if necessary ask for a bone scan. Osteoporosis can be linked to bronch. whether you’ve ever taken steroids or not.

[Chyrysilis44 in reply to bwp91]

That's something I didn't know - link with osteoporosis. I am seeing my GP today so will ask advice. Thanks.

[Hacienda]

I recently had a Bone Scan (2nd one) I await the results when I see my Consultant 2nd December. I do have Osteoporosis which was Diagnosed a few Years ago. Exercise helps and of Course, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen gel. Because of my COPD and Breathing Less, I tend to use my elbows a lot for balance, hence pressure soreness and very red skin, Yesterday the Lovely Doctor said use Savlon, (which have been using) to make sure no infection gets there. Also I am now looking for discreet Elbow Pads...The Bones are made weaker by the Meds and of course getting Older...Well, It's Wednesday, I'm off to the Gym Now to do my Low Level Exercises. I now use a Pedometre, last week I managed 1,038 Steps, not bad, thank goodness for Oxygen. XXXXXX Carolina.

[Chyrysilis44 in reply to Hacienda]

Isn't it amazing! We all have health difficulties which we have to endure and manage but the members of this society seem to make the best of things all the time. It's so helpful when people are so positive. Chrys