I have been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and pseudomonas for a year and take a lot of medication. Mainly Azithromycin 500mg alternate days. With Carbosistine times six a day.
I’m lucky as I’m stabilised at the moment but I’ve developed pain in the joints of my hands and wrists and shoulders and some back pain (but I have prolapsed discs so may not be relevant!) 😊 last April I had a severe reaction to Cipro which caused severe tendinitis but mainly in my Achilles’ tendon but was all over less severe but believe me still very painful.
My question to all you lovely people out there with Bronch have you had any of these symptoms or can anyone at all give me some advice?
My respiratory consultant wanted me to see a rheumatologist but because of the way the nhs works now I have to be triaged with a physiotherapist first! Which is a longer wait! With me in pain and having to take tramadol on top of all the rest I take! I even offered to pay private as I was desperate being in so much pain all the time but I still have to have this triage! I’m going on the 8th April so not much longer to wait, as been waiting two months already 😬 ... anyway less of my whinging and pleading if anyone can shed any light please 😍x
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Michaela1965
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Hello Michaela1965 and welcome to the bronch club. I have had bronch for 66 years since I was three. I have had every ab going including azith and cipro and I have never had any joint problems until last year.
I now get minimal ‘achyness’ in my hands and have a bit of arthritis in a thumb. Compared to all of my ‘well’ friends of a similar age, who are now having hip, knee, shoulder ops etc, I am a sleek gazelle 😂
Seriously though, some people develop rheumatoid arthritis alongside bronch. It isn’t caused by the bronch but both can develop from the same cause. I think that it is a good idea for you to see a rheumatologist if your bronch con thinks that this is a good idea. I find it very strange that you have to have a physio triage you first but as I find that physios often see things in a different ( and sometimes more effective) way than docs I don’t think that seeing one is a bad idea. In the scheme of things your appointment isn’t too far away. I hope that all goes well and that you get your answers. Good luck and do let us know how you go on.
Good idea to see the rheumatologist he may have something wonderful you can try lol. I started with rheumatoid many years ago and now have bronch and empheseyma it seems to be all about immune systems but very painful and debilitating. Good luck with your appt. Jane
Hi, I've suffered with arthritis and joint pain for years. I was referred to RA last year having had an attack of uveitis. Although I hit a number of markers at that time it was inconclusive. Confirmation of my bronchiectasis came later. They may or may not be linked, I suspect they are. Did ask my GP if it would be worth going back to RA but she didn't feel it was necessary.
I have joint and muscle pain but I have Vasculitis and sciatica so could be due to any of these things. I did feel more pain when I was on the cipro though it seemed to make all the pain feel worse. I assumed my back problems were down to the Vasculitis for years but then found out that it’s a completely separate problem so it’s a good idea to see the rheumatologist. I have nebulised antibiotics for the pseudomonas so am really encouraged to hear yours is now under control. Good luck with your appointment I hope the find a magic formula for you.
I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis 3 years ago but I suspect I have had it for a very long time. Apart from a cough and a bit of breathlessness when walking up hills I am pretty well most of the time. Then a year ago I was diagnosed with RA after getting pain in my shoulders, knees and hands. I was given medication for the RA which kicked in after a few months and hardly notice the RA now. It does look as though they may be linked but until reading this post it hadn't occurred to me.
Hi thanks for replying. Yes that’s a little like me, I get breathless very easily but I am on a lot of medication and was thinking was it that. My pain is in my shoulders and hands too. It’s interesting isn’t it how sometimes things are linked together like this. I’m seeing a physio for triage soon and will be insisting on seeing a rheumatologist just in case. Thanks for the post xx
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