Painful back/chest

[jwjcx]

I was diagnosed with severe emphysema in November, I went to my Dr with back and chest pain- was sent to hospital had a scan and X-ray where the emphysema was discovered. The thing is the back and chest pain persists and I’ve been on co- codamol since November. The consultant said it was muscle pain and would subside, but it hasn’t. Can’t sleep or go to work, I feel broken. Any tips on managing this?

[sassy59]

Welcome to you jwjcx and I’m sorry to hear about your lung issues causing chest and back pain. I would ring your consultants secretary and tell her you’re not feeling any better. Clearly the co-codamol is no longer working for you, if indeed it ever did, so you need further help. I do hope things improve for you soon and do let us know how you get on.

Take care xxxx

[Troilus]

Have you tried heat patches jwjcx? They tend to work well for muscle pain. Might be worth giving them a try or Voltorol cream, but don’t use them together 😁

[CDPO16]

HI and welcome. I too have emphysema and get intermittent back pain in the muscles between the ribs. It can be quite severe at times. What works best for me is paracetamol and ibuprofen taken together (one tablet of each). A friend suggested a wheat pack heat pack and, although the warmth from this is quite soothing, it doesn't ease my pain. Hope you find something that eases yours, it can be very wearing to have it constantly.

[Patk1]

I'd speak to gp initially or respiratory team.u certainly need alternative pain relief.i do hope u can reduce level of pain.

[jwjcx in reply to Patk1]

The GP wants me to speak with the consultant, just waiting for an appointment

[anng18]

I suffer from this and found heat pads help, but also a course of steroids seem to help reduce the inflammation. Very painful - makes it very difficult to do the most mundane tasks.

[jwjcx in reply to anng18]

Hi anng18Thanks for that, I definitely suggest it to my consultant.

[Karenanne61 in reply to anng18]

I too suffer from pain and cramp in my "coughing muscles" as one doctor put it. (Intercostal muscles) Nothing has really been suggested to help. I just stretch out as much as I can. Yoga and pilates help. I use paracetamol and an ibobufren cream when its bad. Sorry I can't help but you have my sympathy and I hope you can get it sorted soon.

[watergazer]

Hi and welcome. Severe pain is awful. I took ibruprofen 500mg and co codamol when I had pneumonia and pleurisy also had a hot water bottle attached to me I would get back in touch with your dr xx

[jwjcx]

Hi Watergazer, most helpful suggestion

[Dedalus]

Can't help regarding the pain, but would just like to welcome you to the forum.