Strange Symptoms with COPD

By rachel63

1 min read

I have the rib cramps when I move around and just when I get relaxed enough to fall asleep, so needless to say I don't get to sleep until they go away. I also can't eat cold things as they give me what I call lung freeze - both together are so painful they take the wind out of me. I also have bradycardia and have a pace maker. So there are so many strange things that are going on with me it's really scary at times. I also find myself forgetting things in a matter of minutes. I've had COPD for about 10 years but it's been only in the last 3/4 years that I've started having all these strange symptoms.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Rachel and thanks so much for sharing your unusual symptoms with our community. It must be quite challenging to deal with both rib cramping and 'lung freeze' as you call it. Fortunately, you have identified and recognize the difficulty you have and your own individual 'trigger' when it comes to eating cold food and so, as you said, you avoid it completely. We appreciate your candor. If you haven't already, you may want to check out our Facebook page. You can access it here: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.facebook.com/copddotnet/</a> You may find it beneficial to interact with our community members there as well. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
Christina Mattoni-Brashear Moderator
Hi Rachel, Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and for being part of our community! You're definitely not alone here! Other community members may have similar experiences with what you call lung "freeze" and may be able to share things that have worked for them to alleviate that symptom. Is avoiding cold things the only solution you've found? In the meantime, please feel free to stop by anytime for support or to share with others in the community. Take care, -Christina (COPD.net Team)
sunshineandrainbows Member
I have had COPD for over 10 years. My sob has gotten worse in the last 6 months and I can no longer do much exercise. I recently moved to downstairs quarters and find that not having to do the stairs, I have more energy to move around using my walker. For the last week I have gotten much more movement than in the last 6 months. But I am getting more lower leg cramps which twist my foot and wake me up...Is this normal for COPD or are my muscles rebelling from more use than they are used to? Also, the next morning I noticed bruises on my leg where the cramps were... Anyone else have this happen?
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Sunshine and Rainbows and thanks for your comment. Hopefully, you'll get replies from community members with the same experience(s). If your symptoms persist or get worse, I would urge you to follow up with your physician. Please check back with us and let us know how you're doing. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
rene1949 Member
Hiya, folks ! About these rib pains ? I had them and, yes, they are awful ! BUT, I think a lot outside-the-box. I was diagnosed with COPD-Emphysema end stage in 2010. I was told I had 3-5 years left to live. ... HA ! I'm still here. Living life, my way, not the drs. and drug companies ways. I got rid of the rib pain completely. Yes, even to where I can take a biiig deep breath with not even a wee twinge ! How? I went to a Certified Acupuncturist. 1 treatment brought tremendous relief. 2 treatments had me without pain..period. This may not work for everyone but it sure did help me! In fact, I no longer have all the drugs I was taking either. I only use Advair 2x a day, albuterol sulfate in nebulizer during pollen seasons ( max. 4x a day), my ProAir emergency inhaler only when my aromatherapy isn't quite strong enough. For that, I use an essential oil called Fragonia, from Australia. The only place I've found it is at <a href='https://lovingscents.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>lovingscents.com</a>.. The folks there can help you determine how and when to use it. I've only used my emergency inhaler 4x in 3 mos., instead of 4x a day ! For the " strange " parts of COPD, I learned to think-outside-the-box !Maybe it'll work for one of you ! Have a great day and breath easy, folks !
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Renee and thanks for sharing your experiences with your 'outside the box' approach. It's gratifying to learn that this somewhat different approach has been very successful for you. After all, that is the key - living as comfortably and as long as we can! In view of your post, I thought that you might find this article on 'acupuncture' to be an interesting read: <a href='https://copd.net/treatment/natural-remedies-overview/acupuncture' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/treatment/natural-remedies-overview/acupuncture/</a> All the best, Leon (site moderator)
rose-witchrose Member
Oh thank goodness. I was beginning to think I might be off my rocker. I get the rib cramps. And man they are horrid. Asked the dr he says no that's not from the copd. But there's no other reason for them. And man do they hurt. 🙁