Back Pain and Headaches with on MAC Treatment

My husband Bruce is also on the three MAC antibiotics plus Arikayce since September 2021.
Over the past several weeks he has also developed severe back pain which began on his right side under his ribs and expanded. Tylenol 600 and a heating pad barely touch it. His shortness of breath has also intensified.
Waiting for a response from his ID/Pulmonologist.
I too wonder if others have experience with this and if it’s related to the heavy antibiotic cocktail.

Hi Melissa - This sound like either pleurisy or costochondritis, both miserable effects of coughing - if the specialists don't respond soon, call his primary.
When I had it, I needed pain meds for a few days to get past the worst of it.
Sue

@helenrivera Yes, I'm afraid that many of us have had headaches while on the meds. I found an old-fashioned icepack at the base of my neck plus Tylenol worked for me.
As for the back pain, if around the ribs, it could be either pleurisy or costochondritis, both miserable effects of coughing. My primary was more help than my MAC doc.
If the pain is elsewhere in your back, I will hazard a guess that, feeling crappy from all of this, you are spending a lot of time in your recliner or on the sofa? Your body may be protesting inactivity, lack of proper support and bad posture. Seems counter-intuitive, but you may need some stretches and light exercise. The idea is to get the blood flowing and loosen the muscles.You might want to look at :
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076265
I am not as limber as I used to be, so I do the lying down exercises on my (firm) bed before I get up each day, that way I don't have to try to get down/up to my hardwood floor.
Gentle chair yoga can also help - there are many 15-20 minute videos available.
Do you think you are up to trying some stretches? They may relieve your headache a bit too.
Sue

Thank you Sue for the advise. I am trying to remain as active as possible and although not exercising I am trying to move around the hardest part is the constant coughing and now the pain as it stops me in my tracks and scared me a few times . Yesterday I took a total of 4 tylenol which barely took the edge off. This started a few weeks ago and then went away and left with a dull ache. This past Monday and yesterday late it started and was severe and I reached out to my ID. He called back on Thursday by then feeling better but then it returned with a vengeance. This morning I am feeling better and will start the exercises and stretches I believe your Absoultly right about the pleurisy as this exactly what it feels like. My MD did not even mention this as a possibility so thank you as now I have something to work with. Having the x-ray done yesterday was difficult as trying to hold my breath was hard. Thank you for responding as you and this forum are a godsend and has helped me so much. God Bless you and each of us struggling to get through this.

Thank you Sue for the quick response. In addition to the message sent to the ID/Pulmonologist, we also have one in with our PC.
I also wonder about the lack of exercise you raise in your other message. Bruce used to be very active, walking 8 miles per day before MAC knocked him flat.
Your movement suggestions are all very helpful. You and the other mentors and participants have been life savers.
Much appreciated.
Melissa