Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
Hi everyone,
I'm fairly new to fibro and so don't know enough about it to answer this question for myself. I was recently diagnosed with Obstructive Lung Disease and in the last two months, I have started to have asthma attacks. I was first given Ventolin HFA but had to switch because it didn't work well enough and also because it gave me horrible side effects. These included but were not limited to: chest pain, a flare of my interstitial cystitis with lots of pain, and an activation of the fibro trigger points in my lower back --- not to mention the fact that it didn't manage to stop my wheezing and I had to take more than twice the recommended dose to be able to breath.
Since my experience with it was so bad, my doctor switched me to Bricanyl Turbuhaler. This I have only used once, about 12 days ago. It is meant to be stronger than what I had, and it stopped the attack with ONE puff --- amazing. I didn't have the chest pain, there was no wheezing, and I didn't have another attack. Also my IC pain wasn't as bad as the other one, though there still was a less intense flare.
However, it activated the points in my back to the biggest extreme they have EVER been in EVER. I couldn't even sit up for about a week straight. I was taking morphine to get through it but still, only for two days since it happened have I been able to sit up. Today is another day that I cannot sit up. Please help.
Have any of you experienced this from a puffer? Also, once these are so activated, how do you deactivate them??? This time it has also made everywhere more sensitive. If any of you can please weigh in with some knowledge or experience I would REALLY appreciate it. Thank you!!
- Kat
I'm fairly new to fibro and so don't know enough about it to answer this question for myself. I was recently diagnosed with Obstructive Lung Disease and in the last two months, I have started to have asthma attacks. I was first given Ventolin HFA but had to switch because it didn't work well enough and also because it gave me horrible side effects. These included but were not limited to: chest pain, a flare of my interstitial cystitis with lots of pain, and an activation of the fibro trigger points in my lower back --- not to mention the fact that it didn't manage to stop my wheezing and I had to take more than twice the recommended dose to be able to breath.
Since my experience with it was so bad, my doctor switched me to Bricanyl Turbuhaler. This I have only used once, about 12 days ago. It is meant to be stronger than what I had, and it stopped the attack with ONE puff --- amazing. I didn't have the chest pain, there was no wheezing, and I didn't have another attack. Also my IC pain wasn't as bad as the other one, though there still was a less intense flare.
However, it activated the points in my back to the biggest extreme they have EVER been in EVER. I couldn't even sit up for about a week straight. I was taking morphine to get through it but still, only for two days since it happened have I been able to sit up. Today is another day that I cannot sit up. Please help.
Have any of you experienced this from a puffer? Also, once these are so activated, how do you deactivate them??? This time it has also made everywhere more sensitive. If any of you can please weigh in with some knowledge or experience I would REALLY appreciate it. Thank you!!
- Kat
None of the asthma meds I've used have made my fibro worse. I have been on prednisone and other steriods for the asthma/COPD and that has helped lower my pain level.
You might want to also check out the COPD group on DS
You inhale deeply and slowly thru the nose expanding the abdomen. Then slowly exhale thru the mouth. It should take you longer to exhale. This is good if you are experiencing shortness of breath. It will actually increase your oxygen level. I had an oxygen level monitor on one of my fingers and could actually see my oxygen level increase while doing this type of breathing. This will also help strengthen the lungs and air ways.
They offer a PT program that teaches different exercise and education. Here they call it pulmonary rehabilitation. You might want to see if they have anything like it in your area. Hopefully by building up the lungs and avoiding things that trigger the asthma or COPD you can use less meds.
My doctors are also having me see an alergist. I just found out that I have a mild allergies to eggs and milk. I go back in a few weeks for more testing.
The more you know about what causes your breathing problems the more control you have at keeping them from acting up.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
Hugs
I've been a severe asthmatic for years. I can honestly say that I've never noticed a connection to my asthma meds and my fibro flares. The coughing fits can often cause pain tho. And definitely if my breathing isn't good at night then that will affect my sleep quality. That in turn triggers the fibro. I currently use bricanyl and have for several years now. I suggest you journal your attacks, meds, and flares. Hopefully this will give you a clearer picture of whether it is actually the medication or perhaps the coughing/wheezing fits that is causing the problem. Using a peakflow can also help you document whether or not you are getting good air flow even when you don't think you are symptomatic. Good luck and hugs.
You might want to check with your doctor to be sure that it is in fact a fibro trigger point that is being activated. I know inhalers can aggravate GERD which can cause back pain as well.
Thank you so much for all of your responses. I will try those breathing exercises - thank you. I have tracked the reaction three times now and it is definitely directly related to the inhaler. One of the side effects of the first one was back pain and I guess it's where the back pain is that triggers my tender points and then it just gets worse and worse. When it happens I'm not able to sit up or lay on my back or really have anything touching my back including pants or anything like that. My GERD medication was doubled last year and since then I haven't had any symptoms which is amazing. Anyway, I'm going to get one of those breathing things that you guys suggested so that I can track my breathing better. Thank you so much for the help everyone! I really appreciate it! xoxo
- Kat