pleuritic and abdominal pain

[happy2002]

I was diagnosed with lupus in 2000. Since that time, I have only had a few instances of severe arthritic problems. My ANA was always fairly low, but positive. In May of this year, I developed severe pleuritic pain on my left side, developed pneumonia, and also had a collapsed lung. My sed rate and ANA were elevated. I was eventually treated with antibiotics x 3 different occasions and the pneumonia cleared up.

I am now experiencing the same pleuritic pain and also abdominal and rib/back pain. I have been checked for gallstones and my lungs are clear. Has anyone else had this problem. I am currently taking Imuran, Plaquenil, Prednisone.

Thank you,
Not so happy at the moment

[Maia]

Are you sure it's pleuritic pain? By that I mean, definitely worse upon breathing in? I have had both pleurisy and costochondritis and for me the costo was painful all the time whiel the pleuritic pain was worse upon breathing in only and not due to movement. Either way, it's due to inflammation, and might require a boost in the prednisone to go away. Be sure to contact your rheumy and inquire about that... For costo, rest is also pretty important & can help you get better. I've heard that once the pain subsides, some stretching and breathing exercises can prevent a relapse. even just laying flat on the floor is good for that problem.

Hope you feel better soon...

[alicia1]

Hi Happy,
I'm currently going thorugh very simialr symptoms. I am having very bad pain in my chest, back/ribs and stomache. I've been through scan after scan. I'm waiting for results from scans I did today. Still have no clue what is causing mine either. Dr. bumped my pred. up but still no relief. Hope you get to feeling better. As soon as I hear from my rhuemy I'll let you know. You really should call your dr. and have them take a look just in case. Take care of you!!
Alicia

[happy2002]

Maia,
I have problems taking deep breaths R/T sneezing, coughing, yawning, or even laughing. I am scheduled to see the pulmonologist tomorrow, after I called my rheumatologist and was told that he didn' know how to deal with this. What is the most prednisone that you have been on for the pain?

Happy2002

[happy2002]

Alicia,
I have had multiple chest xrays and CT scans, which have shown a collapsed lung and thickening of the lung tissue. I hope that your tests come back okay, but I also know how frustrating it is when the docs can't find anything and the symptoms are very real. Let us know what you find out.

Happy2002