COPD & cramps
I have been having rib cramps since being diagnosed. I have also had prior history of chronic costochondritis, very bad cramping of the ribcage.
I did notice now when this happens more often with really cold weather, breathing in cold then going into warm they will start more so. Summertime I don't seem to get these cramps hardly at all, if I do they are not significant. Now with that being said, I have started to wear tank tops under my clothing to keep my ribs warm even when it's slightly cold, or a insulated vest to protect my ribs. It has helped immensely! I would love for someone to make something soft and warm, not tight!, to wrap my ribs in to help prevent this pain we all endure or at the least to keep them from getting real bad.
Now another thing I have learned along the way is trigger points on the sides of sternum, where the rib connects, trigger points will truly stop the cramps, you may have to hold fingers there for quite some time - up to 10 minutes - but it is way better than the pain, find your spot. Heating pad helps as well.
Good luck folks, I am always finding ways to tolerate, I am at stage 3 COPD and have been for a few years now!
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