Rib/diaphragm pain following lobectomy; starting colchicine

Posted by pb50 @pb50, Dec 5, 2023

After 6 mos of “sometimes this happens” from my pulmonologist, with no specificity as to what “this” is, I’m left with sharp pain with deep breaths after a left lower lobectomy for a small malignant mass. No residual pleural effusion. No obvious cause for chronic pain.
I have RA and recently had a flare, for which my rheumatologist gave me prednisone. And magically, mysteriously, the rib cage and diaphragm pain vanished. But…The magic vaporized when the prednisone was stepped down.
After follow up with my Rheumatologist, I am starting treatment with Colchicine tomorrow. It’s an off label use - the drug is primarily for gout - but is documented as being effective for this thoracic scenario.

Wish me luck - the drug seems a bit dangerous. But it will be a short term use and hopefully any benefit won’t disappear like the prednisone magic did.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 6, 2023

Best of luck Pam.

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 6, 2023

In reply to @merpreb "Best of luck Pam." + (show)

Ah thanks. I took the first dose 3 hours ago and I swear it’s already working - tho am prepared
To believe that is wishful thinking.

jeffsmock regarding my wife | @jeffsmock | Dec 8, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "Ah thanks. I took the first dose 3 hours ago and I swear it’s already working..." + (show)

I use CBD cream. It helps me anyway. I wish you all the best.

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 8, 2023

Well the new drug functions more like ibuprofen - has a ramp to benefit and it ebbs away about 7 hours later. And it really was not dramatic benefit. Nothing like prednisone.

scs23 | @scs23 | Dec 14, 2023

Hi @pb50 Pam. I hope the new drug you are taking is giving you some relief. And I hope you find some answers as to why "this" is happening. It can be frustrating when there seems to be no answers. I wish you the best. Thanks for the hug.

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 14, 2023

It has. Though not as dramatic as prednisone I’m sorry to say.

This gives me about the degree of relief I would expect from ibuprofen if I could still take that. So it takes the edge off. But I’ll take that!

You are very sweet to follow up. Thank you!

pb50 | @pb50 | Dec 20, 2023

Do any of you know who on this site I might get some education from
on western blot Lyme test results? I found this when I started linking prior medical orgs -it’s about 4 yrs
After my RA diagnosis. I think it was done when I had a weird pneumonia . But the doc never discussed it with me.