CF/pleuricy

[anonymous]

I am 49 with CF and have developed pleuricy as a result of either a broken rib or an infection. About 3 months ago I split a rib by coughing hard, as I have done many times before(severe osteoporosis). I then developed an infection at the site of the break. This has all happened before to me, but this time, after about 2 weeks I started to get this rubbing sensation at the site of the inf./break, and it proceeded to take over most of the lung. Twice went on heavy doses of prednisone starting at 50 a day and weened down to zero over the span of 4/5 weeks. The pred. works, but both times I got down to 20 mg. a day, the Pleuricy returned worse than before. I have Diabetes so I can't keep taking Pred. Has anyone had any experience with this?I'm told it should go away, but it's been over 3 months and it is driving me nuts!! Thanx to all. Richie

 

[Diane]

Hi Richie,
I had pleural rub a few months back when i had pneumonia. It started out as a pain in the area that had pneumonia, and then started with the rubbing sensation ( painful) you are talking about. I only had it in my lower right lung and it took a few weeks to go away. It sounds like you have a lot more area affected in your lung so it may take longer to get rid of. A heating pad provided some relief along with tylenol. My doctor actually wanted me to go on ibuprofen but since i have hemoptysis problems i opted to stick with just plain ol' tylenol. I hope you get some relief soon.................

 

[JazzysMom]

I have had pleuresy in the hospital. This started after my infection was under control. Although it was extremely painful, I do have a high tolerance for pain & would only take regular tylenol shortly before my CPT. Otherwise I toughed it out usually. If I had a real difficult time sleeping I would also ask for something. It went away on its own. My doctor was upset with me for putting myself thru the pain unnecessarily. I did the same thing when I delivered my daughter by c-section. My husbands thinks I like the pain. I am sorry you are hurting. Heat &/or tylenol helps. I understand not wanting to use Ibuprofen because I also have a history of hemoptysis, but you might need the antiinflammatory for a bit to get it to ease.