Hey. I've never really used a forum like this before although I have read them. I'm 22 years old and had lung surgery 3 years ago following a pneumothorax which couldn't be resolved. My lung is generally okay now but I've been left with chronic pain around my ribs on the side and at the top of my chest. Every time I breathe in it hurts, if I get sick and cough It's unbearable... I've had several treatments, (nerve block, steroids, topical plasters, tried all the medications...) and none of them seem to help me, except for the first nerve block which then wore off.
Last week I saw a pain management nurse who told me that she couldn't think of anything else to do to help me.
I am finding this information impossible to process. I cannot live the rest of my life with this pain. I'm studying at uni and have a part time job as a nanny but everyday I struggle to get up and exist with this hanging over me.
I feel like no one understands what it's like. Except my grandma who is 80 and keeps telling me she is in pain too!!
I'm kind of just hoping that people on here can empathize and make me feel slightly less alone. And it would be amazing if anyone could think of anything else to try...
Elizabeth
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Hi , I can empathise, it makes you feel alone. I have been living with body problems and associated pain for over 10 years now from my late 20's. I go through feeling older and younger depending on my health. One of them very nearly took mobility so it makes it easy to see glass half full, but not on all days.
I find the process of medical interactions and then my feelings after those appointments can give me an anxiety all of it's own. This is especially if I feel I have had to educate the health professional or if they have not shown much empathy or listened. These people generally do not get to see me again. I can hear you do still do alot in the world as well and this is where we find our inner grit and boundaries I suppose. I live with daily pain scores that can shatter my ability to concentrate at times and so I work closely with my doctor (GP) to manage the fine line for ongoing medication to have a life and work and my long term health and daily exhaustion.
More recently I have found mindfulness therapy helpful and I also make daily use of a tens machine and heat pads. Best of luck on your health journey and finding health professionals to work with you as a young woman 🌺🌸
Sorry for so much suffering in one so young!. Sounds like you have been around the block trying all sorts of treatments. Two thoughts:
Sometimes reducing your schedule, i.e. taking longer to finish school, may be necessary to achieve a tolerable pain level. After my disabling pain began, I had to modify my work schedule, keep a mat at work to rest, use a recliner instead of a chair, etc. But the accommodations allowed me to work 7 yrs. longer. In the US, universities have disability offices to ensure students receive necessary accommodations.
I tried acupuncture twice, with no benefit. But now I go to a different acupuncturist. While not a cure, it has provided about 10% overall pain reduction. We drafted 3 measurable goals so I can monitor improvement.
I read a little about pneumothorax on line.i read it could be an uncommon complication of endometriosis.i was diagnoised with endometerosis 15 years ago.it brings alot of various pain .just a thought.
That's so unfair for someone your age. Have you been referred for a pain management course? Unfortunately there is no magic wand that can make the pain go away but learning to accept it and learning coping strategies can help you come to terms with it and manage it. I hope you find a way through.
I can identify completely with your agonising pain since I also had costochondritis with heart fibrillations 2 yrs ago. I found that reducing stress reduced the pain to a level that was manageable. Is it possible that you are trying to do too much? Are you able to include periods of complete rest in your busy day? Do you have any help from family or friends to make things easier? Even handing over one daily chore to someone close can reduce anxiety, and pacing properly will help you to manage the pain. I wish you all the very best and send you gentle hugs.
Get a McTimony Chiropractor to look at it. It sounds like a muscle that could have over contracted and needs stretching out.
It is worth seeing an Alexander Teacher to do something about improving muscle usage and posture as this will have a bearing on the pain and discomfort you feel.
Hello Elizabeth. I have only joined the forum yesterday because I needed to share with somebody the pain my body goes through. I am much older than you but pain is pain and it is agonising and depressing. But there are people around who will share with you and talking about it is perhaps a good thing for you. You are not alone and most likely in some months to come you will feel so much better although at the moment and when in pain you will not believe me. I have a better day today but tomorrow might turn out bad again. Who knows. But sharing it with others helps me and it might help you.
Hello Elizabeth..my daughter is same age as you and also in final year at Uni...she has had a few health issues but none as serious as yours and so am sending you Gentle Hugs for better days! Please let your Uni tutor know (if you haven't already) of your pain so they can help and assist you in any way possible.
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