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Possible muscle strain - now it hurts to breathe.

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Posted 11/10/2014 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
I first noticed it a couple weeks ago, I pulled a muscle doing something. I have no idea what, only that it started hurting, in my upper left chest near the nipple. Originally it only hurt when I used that muscle. But now it's gotten worse.

I ended up going to the ER last night because it was a constant severe pain and when I breathed it hurt. In that area, through to the back. They did the usual ekg, blood work, chest x-ray and no sign of a clot, pneumonia, etc. Blood work was good across the board. I was able to sleep thankfully but today it's still nagging me, in a band that wraps itself around my chest, under my armpit to my back.

Waiting to hear from the doctor but naturally this has got me anxious. I've pulled muscles before but I've never had come to this.
Posted 11/10/2014 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are having these problems but good to know all the tests you had done came back all clear that's good news. A pulled muscle can take a few weeks to heal have you been icing it? I find that usually helps with healing with regards to your anxiety try and stay in the moment the best you can and use any coping skills you have learned to help manage the anxiety.

Hibee
Posted 11/10/2014 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ish.,

So sorry to hear this! I just had a significant back injury, so I know what you are feeling. I have been going around like a 90 yr. old the last couple of days!

Hibee is right...this can take a few weeks to fully heal. You likely re-injured it at some point. The muscle was not fully healed, and weak/prone.

It may be good to alternate heat and cold at this point. Icing exclusively is usually only for the first 48 hrs...but go along with your doctor's advice.

I hope you get your answers and relief soon!

S.C.
Posted 11/10/2014 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
I've been using heat on it. I've also used Icy Hot, which I typically use for a pulled muscle.

I was able to get into my Doctor today and she agrees that it is likely musculoskeletal. I've had pulled muscles before but nothing that made it hard to breathe. But then again since my Crohn's diagnosis 3 years ago I've turned into a couch potato. I'm morbidly obese and I'm on Remicade which makes everything tougher to heal.

If I didn't worry so much it probably wouldn't affect me as it does but that's how I am now.
Posted 11/11/2014 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Ish,

Can you take an NSAID to reduce swelling and reduce pain/promote healing?

I pulled an abdominal muscle a couple of years back...misery! I couldn't take a deep breath, cough....and a sneeze! Oh gosh, agony.

Though it did take awhile to completely heal...the worst of it was just a few days at least

Healing thoughts!


S.C.
Posted 11/11/2014 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Nope, after getting Crohn's my GI Doc said I couldn't, apparently during my colo/endo that confirmed the CD they also found ulcers in my duodenum, caused by NSAID use.

I wish I could sometimes but it isn't worth the risk.

My Primary Care gave me Cyclobenzaprine 10mg as a muscle relaxant. It definetly doesn't feel as bad today, but it's there.
Posted 11/11/2014 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Ish,

That's why I asked...many people can't, so I didn't just want to recommend it and assume it would be okay.

It sounds like you have an even better alternative though. I hope it continues to give you relief!

I may have to go in and get a muscle relaxant as well if my back won't stop spasming ;(

May your relief continue, and healing be quick and complete!

S.C.
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