Chest/back pain

[Andy-A]

sorry to bother people I am 41 with copd from heavy smoking and drug use in a previous life, have fought off terrible chest infection over last 4 weeks, steroids and antibiotics. chest is clearing/loads better but now have pain in front and back when breathing deeply or driving. Wondered if could have pulled muscle or done serious damage while retching/coughing. Sorry but this is all new too me. bit worried. Still wheezy on night laying down.

[peege]

Hi so pleased you've left the previous life where it should be, in the past.

There's a condition called chond..... Arrrgh I can't spell it. Hopefully someone will come along who can. It's where the muscles or tendons around the ribs are very sore indeed. A friend finds Pilates helps in strengthening the muscles to help prevent getting it again - you'll have to wait a while to begin any exercise.

There's also pleurisy that gives extreme pain, a GP can detect that from listening through a stethoscope.

I'm sure others will be along soon with their knowledge and experiences. All the best to you, Peege

[Ergendl in reply to peege]

costochondritis, inflamed or overstretched little muscles between the ribs. Try massaging them with circular movements of the fingertips, and applying warmth like a hot water bottle or a heated wheat bag to help them relax.

[peege in reply to Ergendl]

YES! Costochondritis, thanks so much Ergendl. Had a fever induced brain fug there 😘

[HungryHufflepuff]

You're totally not bothering anyone. It's a great place to seek advice. I don't really have any answers, but I know coughing can damage muscles. Is your pain in your muscles or in your lungs? Lungs can hurt too sometimes. Do you lay down flat at night? This isn't good for your breathing and could be why you're wheezing. Can you try propping yourself up on pillows? I sleep pretty much upright, it does help. Sometimes I get terrible pain in my ribs, until I found this forum I didn't know it's something to do with respiratory problems, I thought I had something really wrong but it is something to do with respiratory problems though I can't remember what. I hope you find some answers. Try to not worry too much (which i know is a ridiculous thing to say!) because you're not alone. Take care of yourself.