LIVING WITH COPD

By jlove

1 min read

Good afternoon.

I was diagnosed in 2009, I have been doing very well with breathing.

I went bowling four times a month, had exercise classes three times a week. Also love to sing and dance.

However things changed drastically this year 2020. I have only been hospitalized twice for flair ups (my words) in (2014-2020).

After I was discharged I began to notice I was wheezing and short of breath, and my RIBS ached all the time. It feels like a nagging soreness/pain something I had not experienced.

Lastly I am not singing, dancing or bowling. However I found on YouTube exercising for people impacted with COPD.

I wonder does anyone else experience pain in their RIBS?

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi JLove - thank you for sharing your story here. It can certainly be an adjustment living and managing one's COPD - we understand how you feel. While you may hear back from other community members regarding their own experiences with rib cramping / rib pain, I thought you might find it helpful to look over some of the material we have published right here on our <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> website on this very topic: <a href='https://copd.net/?s=rib+cramping' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/?s=rib+cramping</a>. I do hope this provides you with some additional insight for your concern. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. jlove Member
 Thanks Leon the link you sent me was very helpful. I hope that Doctors would help more with this rib cramping.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, JLove - glad that these articles were helpful for you. We appreciate you letting us know, too. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
jcupdike Member
I experienced the same thing. My CT scan showed some swelling in the spleen which my gastro doc interpreted as something more sinister than it was. (So get a liver test from a blood sample.) Soreness in the ribs and up the left side after a very long summer fighting this, due to humidity and more intense breathing. I had to calm down. I got on prednisone and did my nebs. Nothing was working. So I worked a little with my diet and little by little, I am getting better. My breathing still sucks, as it were, but I have resumed my exercise program and it's helping. Do some light walking and lifting some tolerable weights. Get as much rest as you can, drink water and avoid heavy meals. Pursed lip breathing helps a lot and use the rescue inhaler as little as you have to. Pay attention to your body.
1. jlove Member
 Thanks for the information it gives me hope.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, JLove - glad to hear this information was so helpful for you. We appreciate you letting us know. Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
leo4u Member
Yes; it was very unpleasant sharp pain that acts like cramp in and around the rib area, then go's away after a fairly short period this happens when you lest expect it, this went on for a long time. I contacted my GP at the time received no real help, just pain killers. Over the past year that rib cramp has gone, I am pleased to say, that is the only good news I can give you Love
1. jlove Member
 Thank You I pray it goes away soon.
awesome Member
Yes I do have rib pain also muscle spasms in my stomach and rib area ! And yes it hurts!!
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi JLove, and thank you for chiming in here with the method you've had some success with (stretching and bending your arm). We appreciate your feedback. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, Awesome, and thanks for weighing in here with your own viewpoint when it comes to this type of pain with COPD. How do you manage this pain when it occurs? Is there anything further you are able to share with the community? Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
Karen Hoyt Moderator & Contributor
Hello JLove - I'm glad you were able to get a few tips. You sound active, (like me) so I'd like to share my experience to see if it helps. I have a lot of severe leg, arm and even rib cramps from a surgery and liver disease. I do tai chi, yoga, and dancing also. My physical therapist thinks that the cramping may be caused by an overexerted muscle. It's like a muscle spasm. My doctor approved a powder magnesium and I take it before bed. I also drink a lot of extra water. It helps keep them at bay anyway. He's also got me on a calcium blend that has some magnesium in it. Stay in touch. It's cool to hear how you're able to stay active and am Super Happy to hear about the youtube for COPD peeps. I hope this helps and I'm glad to meet you here in the community. All Best, Karen, Community Moderator
1. jlove Member
 Thanks Karen stay active no matter what!!!