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Chest and upper back pain with bronchiectasis and pseudomonas
My visit with my pulmonologist today was extremely frustrating. He informed me that my pain in my chest and upper back must be related to something else because lungs can not cause pain. He told me bronchiectasis only causes chest tightness and a cough. My pain is not in my head but It is difficult to accept it’s caused by another problem and not my lung disease and infection. Any input from personal experience would be appreciated. I’m very frustrated to think I have another ailment causing the pain.
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@joanng I am sorry for your frustration. Chest pain and upper back pain could be caused by a GI issue or a skeletal issue. My suggestion would be to talk to your primary care physician and request a referral. Your pain is not in your head! Good luck. irene5
Irene
Did you have back or chest pain with lung issues?
Maybe from coughing so much?
Joann
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1 Reaction@joanng My upper back pain and chest pain had two causes: kyphosis with disc deterioration and and ulcer. The kyphosis was determined with an X-ray and my bone doctor in Clarksvile ( where we lived briefly) discussed options with me which included killing a particular nerve. The ulcer was confirmed with an endoscopy in Connecticut. Medication has helped that. Coughing certainly will make your whole rib cage hurt! irene5
Hi Joann, Lungs do hurt at times if you have asthma. A technician who does the breathing test at the hospital told me that and he has asthma! Also have you been checked for scoliosis? I have it and it can cause pain most anywhere in the spine. Physical Therapy might help, it did for me and when my sessions were over, I continue to do the exercises at home. Wishing you a good day--baz
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1 Reaction@joann... It is frustrating to have so much pain and be told it is not your lungs. I had chest pain running around my bra line and in my back and breast areas. After having many heart tests, it was still up in the air. My acupuncturist treated my nerves which were highly agitated and made me cough twice as much as was necessary to remove mucous. It worked. I only cough after nebulizing twice a day. I, too had gastric issues with a hernia and had fundiplication surgery. That helped, also.
Don't give up your search. I agree with irene5, start with your PCP and demand consults with specialists to rule out other issues.
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2 ReactionsCoughing and physical inactivity were finally determined to be the underlying cause of my pain when I had MAC at its worst. I was coughing all day and irritated the muscles in my chest, back and diaphragm. As the cough subsided I was still fatigued and not moving much. This caused me to stiffen up and feel even more pain.
After completing antibiotic therapy, I had to seek treatment for the now-chronic pain, complicated by arthritis and the need to stop NSAIDS. I suggest consulting your primary doc for suggestions to stop this from becoming a long-term issue for you.
Sue
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2 ReactionsThank you, searching for a new pcp.
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1 ReactionThank you I’m looking for a new pcp
Thank you
@migizii I told my pulmonologist the same thing at my appointment In May and he gave me the same answer. He suggested it could be irritation from the smart vest I wear for mucus loosening, but I really didn’t believe this. I am presently in a cycle of coughing more again and this seems to irritate my chest/rib cage, but the pain is not as bad as it was in May. Good luck in your search for a viable answer that fits your situation. Stay well😊