neal
"Diagnosed with COPD 4 years ago. Says it is very mild. Since then, went through almost 1 1/2 years of monthly staph aureous infections in my lungs. Also currently have a mycobacterium happily residing in my lungs, but infectious disease specialist says it doesn't cause any harm. Still, I cough up "tons" of phlegm every day, most of it benign in color but some of it a dark yellow. Fell three weeks ago and bruised or broke a rib. Now when I wake up in the morning and sit up on the edge of the bed, it feels like my chest muscles are not working and I can't take a deep breath.....or any breath. It is the most horrifying feeling ever. I get some relief by taking 0.5mg of lorazepam but also using a duoneb. Help. I can't go on living with this. I am at the point that I am afraid to sleep because of the unrestraining panic when I wake. "
Hi Neal and thanks for your post and for sharing your extensive medical history with the community. We appreciate your candor. It struck me that you stated you either 'bruised or broke' a rib. There is a difference and treatment and medication might be different as well. Are you being followed by a physician? Since we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), you may want to discuss this further and in detail with your physician. What do you think? Please keep us posted as to your progress. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator)
Thanks for your reply Leon. To be clear, after 15 years in the Air Force medical business, I am more than aware of the limitations of advice giving. I am being followed by a pulmonologist as well as a very excellent infectious disease/internal medicine doc. I guess I was more interested in other peoples experience rather than a diagnostic or prescriptive response. I have no sense if what I am experiencing is common or unusual. And yes, there is a difference between broken and bruised ribs.....except for the treatment, ice, pain control, rest, time. The problem with that is that most pain meds also depress respiration which is the last thing one needs when they are already subconsciously splinting. If you'd like, I'll keep you posted. Currently taking 800mg ibuprofen t.i.d, 100 mg tramadol t.i.d, duoneb treatments every 4 hours, and finally,.5mg of lorazepam to quell the panic from acute air hunger during the day. Life is hard, and then you die. After a 33 year career in the AF, followed by 13 years doing learning research, I know about life being hard.
Bestest, NealHi Neal and we appreciate this response and explanation as well. You do sound like you have everything under control. I know sometimes, a lidocaine patch is prescribed for pain associated with rib fractures and/or sprains. Sometime that does more good than any oral medication. Has your physician considered that? We're glad to have you as part of our online community and do appreciate your input as well. Please do continue to keep us posted as to your progress. Wishing you the best! Leon (site moderator)