Lower chest pain with COPD

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liz30 Posted: 06-07-2010 12:18 PM

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Hello I am new to this forum and wonder if any other women have to wear very loose clothing around their chest due to increased pressure on the old diaphram.  The doc says she has never had any COPD patients who cannot wear a bra and have to resort to very unflattering loose vests.  I am taking the bull by the horns here and not embarrassed to ask as the pain can sometimes be quite severe and by the end of the day feels like a belt is being tightened around my ribcage.

I am due to go back to the doc soon and would be grateful if anyone has any info.

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patricia replied on 06-07-2010 1:02 PM

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I am new here so i hope this helps. I to  feel tight were my bra sits & it dus not matter wat material the are made of  i just feel all trussed up & want to remove it as soon as i can & the same with clothes ,,.I have copd & emphisma so maybe u have emphisma with the copd ,Hope this helps x

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Nicola Toms replied on 06-07-2010 1:07 PM

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Hello Liz, my name is Nicola and i'm new to the forum too. I have COPD too and asthma since childhood. I too get an awful tightness around my ribcage and diaphragm so much that I too find it uncomfortable to wear a bra or tight fitting T shirts. I told my doctor this but his response was to take painkillers when it got too bad which I really dont want to do because I would be taking them most of the time. Perhaps someone could let both of us know if they have any solutions. its bad enough struggling to breathe let alone feeling locked!

Take care,

Nic.

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joanne solomon replied on 06-07-2010 3:09 PM

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Hi Everyone,

I have been suffering with reoccuring chest infections for the last ten years and two bouts of pnumonia.  To cut a long story short i am now under the chest clinic and have discovered i have very low immunity because of this i have scarring on my lungs which causes a lot of pain tightness across my chest under my ribs and sometimes even a sharp stabbing pain.  I too have told the consultant and all they say is oh its scarring  cannot stand tight clothing and when i know i am in for the rest of the day wear something loose I am hoping more will be explained about this to me at some stage as i am still having tests done etc but it does help to know others that are going through the same things it is nice to come on here where others know and can relate to what you are talking about.

Jo

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patricia replied on 06-07-2010 7:38 PM

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Thank you June for your time & reply .I am finding it so hard to come to terms with this...Iam goin for a nuclier scan 2mora to see if i can get a lung reduction op & if not they are putin me forward for a transplant .I just dont no were or wat is happenin with me .So as i said thank you for your reply as loose clothes are the best

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joanne solomon replied on 06-07-2010 9:09 PM

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Hi June

Thankyou for your advice i am  not on any medication at the moment as they are still running tests and as i mentioned before they have found that my white blood cells are very low which is why i catch everything and it turns into infections however damage has been done to my lungs during this time which is showing up as shadows on the ct scans i am being referred to barts to see a specialist but i dont know where that leaves with my chest as i have pain or uncomfortable feeling most of the time as well as muscle and joint pain in other parts of my body i have told them and they have made a note of it.  In the meantime i just put up with it some days are worse than others for example today coughing more but again tomorrow could be better.  Sorry to moan. Thankyou again for your reply.

Jo

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Nicola Toms replied on 06-08-2010 10:25 AM

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Hello June, thanks for the advice. I think I have lost faith in my doctors a bit. They just seem to give me more and more medication. My bathroom cabinet looks like Boots the chemist. Would be nice if there was just one magic pill for the whole lot.! Don't know if it will help you but in cold weather I wrap a scarf around my mouth and it seems to help a bit. Also about 3 years ago I went on a Buteyko breathing course which is all about breathing through your nose and not your mouth. Its a bit costly, I think i paid about £300 but it teaches you how to shallow breathe and how not to panic when breathing gets bad.

Have a healthy day.

Nic. X

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liz30 replied on 06-08-2010 2:32 PM

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Hi Patricia, Nicola, Joanne & June

Great to hear I am not on my own regarding the loose clothing.  I was beginning to think I was going off my head as nobody would listen or take me seriously.  Spoke to a fitness person re diaphram muscles but did mot mention COPD.  He said that stretching the muscles could  help by way of standing (watch the back) and leaning backwards or lying flat on tummy and raise chest with the hands just like the cobra pose in yoga.

Doc sent me for an ultra sound as she thought I may have gall stones!!  Result was no gall stones, heart ok, liver OK but an irregularity was showing on one kidney!! She put me on a months course of Omeprazole in case I had inflamation of tummy but I'm still having the discomfort after 2 weeks.

Would have no idea if I had emphysema cause I have never had to be hospitalised due to any exacerbations over the past 4 years and my lung capacity is 56% and I suppose classed as mild.  Don't think docs are that interested in helping as they are so busy and as I started smoking again (albeit 10 per day).  Have just read Allen Carrs Stop Smoking for Women but  will have to have yet a third go at NRT.  By the way I still could not a bra when I was not smoking (7 months).

Sorry for the long winded tale and thanks for the replies.  WiIl be able to tell doc that other women have chest pain with COPD.

Regards Liz

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Val replied on 06-08-2010 3:37 PM

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Well I'm blowed, I've been asking for ages if anyone had pain with COPD, the answer was always no. I was beginning to think it was just me. thank you so much for posting this.I keep telling the medics I've got pain, they never comment just carry on as if I've not spoken. Although one did tell me to take pain relief and that isn't always good, they can upset the system. I'm guessing the medics don't know how to handle it but its the feeling that they don't believe me that is so infuriating.

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liz30 replied on 06-08-2010 4:44 PM

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Hi Val

I think I have opened up a can of worms here.  Its a problem that we have kept to ourselves far too long.  Like yourself I am guessing that the medics don't know how to handle the situation.  Hopefully other COPD sufferers will identify with these postings.

Best Wishes

Liz

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joanne solomon replied on 06-08-2010 7:37 PM

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Hi Val,

My doctors are the same just say oh its scarring which is not very helpful i too am reluctant to take too many pain killers as i have pain and discomfort most days some days worse than others it helps to know others are experiencing the same next time i go to hospital i will be firmer when explaining symptoms now i know im not imagining it!

Jo

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joanne solomon replied on 06-08-2010 9:07 PM

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Hi June,

The waiting is the worse while they do tests and ido understand they  have to be sure before they can start on medication its just so frustrating thanks for your reply i am finding this forum very helpful with advice from people who have similar or same experiences.

Jo

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Nicola Toms replied on 06-09-2010 9:50 AM

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Hello June. I do try tp practice the Buteyko as much as I can. Its not something that comes natural to me tho. I have always breathed through my mouth so trying to breathe through my nose takes a lot of concentration. Also you have to learn to breathe through the nose when speaking and eating. Seeing I talk ten to the dozen it doesnt come that easy. I think it does really help some people tho. Worse thing is you have to tape your mouth at night. I didnt like that bit it tended to make me panic a bit and quite a few times I woke up with the tape stuck on my ear or in my hair.! I will certainly enquire about a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Course. Thanks for the tip.

Love Nic.

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liz30 replied on 06-09-2010 12:22 PM

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Hello June

Thanks for your reply. I had a chest Xray 4 yrs ago and the outcome was chronic bronchitis & doc said copd.  I take spririva & ventolin. They don't seem to bother about consultants in my area. I suppose if I could kick the habit I would stand more chance of getting extra help.  Tend to keep away from the medics and just get on with living and enjoying all my hobbies.

Have a great day

Liz

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Val replied on 06-09-2010 4:02 PM

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Hi Liz, The medics at the hospital are okay, its my own doctor I find infuriating, I do feel as if I have to explain myself. He is a new doctor to me, I haven't known him for long but I just get the feeling he doesn't trust what I say, or though why I'd make things up beats me, I'd much rather get on with life although with every exacerbation I find it more painful. breathlessness I can cope with but the pain is my downfall and the feeling ill. Oh well there are a lot worse off and at least I can still potter around the garden.

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J Varley replied on 08-01-2010 8:37 PM

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Hi Liz,

  I am too looking for answers, I am getting to end of my tehter now with this tightness and pain that feels like diaphram tightening and pushing up into my lungs which if I try to ignore can soon turn into a full exaberation. I have scans and camera down but knew it wasn't my stomach. The doc has given me alsorts for stomach wind ect I know what wind and indegestion feels like so know it's nothing like that. I am in anebuliser and spiriva and a stroid preventertive puffer. Last exaberation damaged my heart muscles but I have had this diaphram prob before that. It takes me all my time not to go to loo and keep myself clean I am really suffering. My hubby is a brick he does everything now. I think if I could sort this diaphram prob out my breathing would be better. My oxygen level seems ok most of timeand I am cutting down on nebulizer as that makes me feel worse sometimes and find I am no better and no worse for cutting down. I think doctopr thinks it's in my mind but I assure you it isn't.

        I am just looking for an answer

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J Varley replied on 08-01-2010 8:39 PM

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sorry about the typos lol

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Maureen Pither replied on 09-05-2010 8:25 PM

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Hi, I am new to this site but I cannot believe I am reading so many of you with the problem of not wanting to wear bra's and tight fitting clothes, but most important for me is the chest pain suffered by so many. I have had this problem for at least two years now (and it's getting worse) like some of you the doc tells me to take pain killers, I admit I do take a lot as it is so very painful and it's the only slight relief I can get, this problem stops me excercising, walking etc. but I as yet have had no answers, I am told it's  muscle, where I struggle to breath it is overworking these in my chest, but I do not have any relief, like all of you it was never (or still is) taken seriously, I'm sure they think I'm piling it on!!!. until I found this site I thought it was just me.

The area I live does not have a pulmonary rehabilitation programe which is a shame as I understand they are very very good, also you are able to talk to people who have the same problems.

Sorry, I do seem to be going on but I am usually very positive but this particular pain does get me down, I must add I have COPD and was diagnosed about 6 years ago, and I am proberly on most medication you can think of.

With regards  Maureen

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geoff gurney replied on 09-08-2010 9:19 PM

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Hi..reply first to J Varley about diaphragm tightening and pushing into lungs, this sounds to me like your lungs or even one lung has stretched and dropped so causing pressure in the lower abdomen and onto the stomach. This makes eating more difficult, painful even and in turn can cause stomach wind too, due to the pressure. I have this problem and although steroids do help the elasticity Im reluctant to use them outside of emergency measures. Changing diet to porridge, vegetables, eggs, etc might help. Thats my suggestion for what its worth.........good luck and check with your nearest respiratory nurse rather than GP.

Maureen, I think all seious sufferers get the chest tension, its quite crippling and Im writing this having seized up some hours earlier due to heart muscle unable to cope further with demand being put upon it.......my solution......lie down until you feel stronger, you dont want a heart attack, be kind to yourself.

Maybe this is useful for you both, others might think differently.

take care of yourselves........................GG

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Maureen Pither replied on 09-12-2010 1:04 PM

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Hi Geoff, Thank you for your help, can you tell me if you there is anything you do to ease the discomfort as you said you suffer the same as I do, it is very debilitating is'nt it, I don't know about you but my head appears to spin and I do get a really fuzzy head......its all very weird. What I have been diong is resting quite a lot but I'm not to sure if thats such a good idea, you are inclined to seize-up and you're told keep moving for your own good, it's a bit like the devil and the deep blue sea, you're not sure what to do for the best, my doc gave me some codeine and diazepan (not sure about this one!) the codine does not appear to be any better or worse than paracetamol, I really don't want to get into the diazepan, I tried it for one day, made no difference so I've not used it again. I'm going on so I shall close for the time being. LOL.  Maureen

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Maureen Pither replied on 09-12-2010 1:28 PM

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Hi J> Varley (sorry I don't know your name)!

You know the post you have written could have been about me, I have exactley  the same problems as you do, like you my husband is wonderful and does all the work in the house including most of the cooking (how lucky are we) like you my oxygen is quite steady, what I do do with my nebulizer is just use Atrovent and Saline (not Salbutamol) this seems to work for me, well at least it stops me from going dizzy, I also use Spiriva and puffers. I am also looking for answers, the only relief I get is taking parasetamol and they don't always work, but is'nt it awful when the doc's don't appear to know what you're talking about and there is you almost unable to move about, anyway if you do find any kind of answer please do let us know what it is, and I shall do the same. Take care  LOL   Maureen

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Lynne replied on 09-14-2010 7:04 PM

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Hi everyone who has been on the forum about lower chest pain. At LONG LONG last i now realise that i am not going mad. I have for a number of years been saying to G,P and specialist about the same problem. I cannot bear to wear a bra (sorry Guys) it is Just unbearable. Doctors and specialist alike look at you as if you have dropped off the moon!! Thankyou for making me know that i am not the only one. Lynne

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Pamela replied on 09-16-2010 3:54 PM

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Hi folks feel like the new kid on the block as I have never been on any Forum sight.  I was diagnosed with COPD some years ago but have buried my head in the sand thinking it would just go away some day.  I was so delighted to read about tightness around chest and tummy area.  I have had severe pain just below my ribs which radiates round to my sides and back for some months now, it has made my breathing a lot more difficult , eating is not a pleasure anymore and walking can be really difiicult as  the pain is like something pulling all the air out of my body. Went to G.P's thought I had something wrong with spine so sent for X-ray, came back clear.  Eventually my husband sent me to Private hospital where they did MRI and CT scans on my stomach (glad we had insurance as it is so expensive) these all came back clear.  Don't know where to turn to next apart from keep taking painkillers.  Glad to know I am not alone.  Take care all. Pamela

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geoff gurney replied on 10-03-2010 5:56 PM

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Hi All

just referring back to stomach problems caused in my case by the lungs lowering themselves onto the stomach. This of course causes pressure so that when I eat, even more pressure is made and possibly causes the 'windies'. eating is difficult at the best of times but softer foods seem best but meals can take a long time. Not enough food, caused by the inability to tell just how hungry you are, lesds to weakness and the feeling of helplessness. Too much food and the system goes in to overdrive just to break it all down, in my case this can last a long time, possibly 6 hours. the taking of a small regular dose of steroids helps the lungs to contract slightly and so takes the pressure of the stomach wall a bit not an ideal route as has its own inherent problems. Also have to take water tabs, Furosimide, which also give me stomach cramps.

If this sounds at all familiar, please respond

All the best.......................GG

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Maureen Pither replied on 10-04-2010 7:42 PM

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Hi Geoff,  Like you I have ongoing problems with my stomach, it's hard eh!  What does help me a little is if I sit really straight and upright whilst i'm eating (almost stretching myself), and not have meals that are to large. The other thing I find is my stomach bloats up so badly, it's almost as though when I breathe I'm pumping myself up, I have been told that steriods will do this so trying to loose weight while on them is nigh on impossible, and considering I seem to be on them more and more I'm getting a little dispondent. I feel it would help me such a lot  to go to pulmonary rehabilitation but unfortunately I don't have the luxury of this in my area,  neither my local GP or hospital apparently have the funding for this, so I am inclined to feel a little isolated as there is'nt anyone to compare notes with!! and just to chat to someone who has the same problems. I do feel I'm going on a bit as I am not really a negative person and do try to look on the bright side, as there is always worse off than me, I think!!!!!

Take care LOL  Maureen

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geoff gurney replied on 10-05-2010 2:30 PM

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Hi Maureen.......well it does sound as though you and I are on similar tracks. I entirely agree about the sitting position, though i have to support my weight too as my lungs hold so little, so elbows on the table. Totally agree about food amount but my stomach doesnt seem to bloat that much, and certainly cant put on any weight.......do use the steroids when system goes haywire but try not to as then in touch with appetite more though to be honest i eat with little feedback from stomach until it says too much or not enough when i least want it too. i have to keep snacks handy everywhere i go ...I too have no rehab locally though there is talk come january. It is difficult to compare but Im glad we can now do this. Are you on oxygen 24/7 and do you also have a low fev?

All the best for now Maureen...............Geoff GG

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Maureen Pither replied on 10-05-2010 5:41 PM

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Hi Geoff,  I was on oxygen for about a year for 16hrs a day and had a concentrator at home, now my consultant at the hospital  tells me my saturation levels at 90/95  are ok!  and stable, now I  just have the cylinders for if and when I need them, so if I go down to 85-90 I use it until they improve. I do have a oximeter that I purchased from Amazon for £37 and it's a great  for me as I now know when I need to use oxygen. Can I ask you Geoff if you don't mind if you have this problem......I can sit and relax and feel ok but directly I stand and start to move about it's as though my body has siezed up and in a tight vice and I have real trouble getting my breath, it can be really painful just above my waist,  it takes me ages to get anything done, excercising is impossible as it is so painful, and if I think yes! yes!  I can do this and I push myself my head starts to spin and starts off a headache, oh! what fun we do have!!!

 Well Geoff it's good to talk to you, take care   Maureen

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Tracey Newton replied on 10-05-2010 5:46 PM

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Good Afternoon All.

I hope you are not feeling too bad today.

Just to add to the posts regarding stomach discomfort when eating. Steroids can cause the stomach to become irritated.Also as Emphysema causes over inflation of the lungs  the lungs retain air so they become bigger, this in turn leaves the diaphragm less room to move when you have a full stomach.

It can be really helpful to just eat smaller more frequent meals to avoid the stomach becoming full up and the feeling of breathing being restricted.

A few members on the forum are having problems with clothes and underwear feeling too tight and causing pain around the chest. Pain does not usually come from the lungs as they do not have any nerve endings.

Pain in this area can be from other causes such as if you are breathing harder or deeper you are using more muscles than usual and this can cause muscular pain,

Have a good evening.

Trace

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geoff gurney replied on 10-05-2010 7:38 PM

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Hi Maureen...Yes, in my worse moments I do feel as you describe, in as much as I feel safe sitting at the table but there are times when the thought of moving around or even going to the loo can partially fill me with terror. When my stomach really churns I feel as though there is nothing solid and even a small journey around the house will lead to being 'stranded' through lack of energy to return. However I do feel there is one huge difference between us and that is the use of oxygen. Anything less than 90 results in me waiting for levels to rise and this is as true now with the oxygen as when I wasnt using it. In those days when my fev was around 18% I would experience the dizziness you describe, especially if i were in the garage say, pottering about using energy, but it would pass and the result was greater ease of breathing and also with confidence........push the envelope, make youself do things and if it helps make sure someone is with you. If you really cant do that through pain or whatever I would suggest the opposite...sit down, be good to yourself and check that there isnt another reason.  Ive just spent an awful 2 weeks, scared some nights to go to bed even and it all started with 'Furosimide' tablets which apparently take out potassium from the system. I suffer terrible stomach cramps as a result and hate the things and have only just got back on my feet due to my nurse giving me a course of anti-biotics for a week and today I went outside and picked some grapes from the garden..best day for weeks...each of us is a little bit different, so if you feel dizzy, maybe your body is lacking in something, what i dont know but good luck.................GG

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Ian replied on 10-05-2010 9:28 PM

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Hi, Geoff I don't have quite the same problem but I may have a solution which may work for you I use the powdered drinks mixtures used by runners/ cyclists etc. carrying a drink as a meal which is little and often, you can vary how concentrated you make them for how much you can absorb. There are gel bars for near instant energy to get you home when you have gone a bridge too far and they are quite easy on the stomach.

Hope coming at this from a different angle helps

Ian

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geoff gurney replied on 10-06-2010 10:57 AM

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Hi Ian

Nice to hear from you and appreciate the input. Having been a sufferer of immediate energy loss for a while now, I have discovered the instant energy drink used in hospitals etc, ie 'FORTISIP'. A SMALL BOTTLE THAT CONTAINS AROUND 300 CALORIES, very good it is too but I wonder why Im not getting energy reserves at all, one minute ok, then a big drop in energy levels.

I now feel like a professional whinger, so I will explore your suggestions especially the gel bar. Any clues as to access these?

All the best .....................GG

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Ian replied on 10-06-2010 1:18 PM

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Hi , Geoff have used the Fortisip and it works well but find the powdered drinks let me make it to the strength I need to balance my energy levels. I use Science In Sport gel bars though other types of the same thing are available from sports food outlets.

Not being a doctor my best guess at the energy loss is oxygen shortage at the mitochondria level which stops the energy process and leaves you feeling unplugged and running on empty.

all the best

Ian

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geoff gurney replied on 10-06-2010 4:41 PM

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Hi Ian

Hey, at last a concise and clear explanation of my energy loss.............many thanks, as you describe my feelings so accurately with the unplugged and running on empty phrase.

Need guidance now then if you will for the  sports powdered drinks and gel bars......wasnt too sporty at the best of times so no contacts in that arena.........any brand names would be very useful

many thanks Ian..............regards...........Geoff

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Ian replied on 10-07-2010 11:47 AM

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Hi, Geoff will get back to you when I have the names and makers of the stuff and where you can get it from on a national level , bottom shelf, in the runners shop in town is not a lot of help I know.

all the best

Ian

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EJay replied on 10-07-2010 9:03 PM

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Hi Geoff

I remember the grapes.  How are they?  edible?

I have reread all of this because I can feel uncomfortably full and less energetic after eating.  It's not getting any better and I am now trying the little and often, but I then tend to eat all the wrong things.  At the moment I need to lose a bit of weight, but I seem to be, so perhaps that time has come.

Have you had any experience of headaches when exercising?

Best wishes.

Elizabeth

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Ian replied on 10-08-2010 2:02 PM

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Hi ,Geoff have looked around have only found Tesco stocking this stuff and then only in the large sizes not good when you are trying something out to see if it works for you.

The website of the company is www.sciencesport.com they have an on-line shop and I use the PSP22 (best mixed with warm water and cooled for use) and Go bars as the energy boost to get me home to rest when I have become unplugged.

Hope this gives you something to work with

Ian

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geoff gurney replied on 10-09-2010 11:51 AM

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Hi Y'all

yes the grapes delicious, first year of beautiful bunches and carer also loved them, but hoping for even better next year once ive learned how to prune properly. Are you a grape grower?  Little and often good for me but the exercise thing a mixed bag as this week spent hour in the garage pottering plus next day doing some arm exercises with dumbells...result was having to completely rest for at least 24 hours.

many thanks Ian for follow up to request, will track them down somehow

Peace and love .......Geoff

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Tina replied on 05-20-2011 10:15 AM

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I get this sometimes

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David replied on 05-20-2011 7:04 PM

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Hi Tina

Welcome to the site,

you are on a very old thread,so not to clear what you get sometime?? but thinking its chest prob's???, once this gets posted you will start to receive advice from everyone,

Feel free to join in on the most recent ones, you will be welcomed.

David