Aftershocks

Anyone who has lived through a spontaneous pneumothorax knows it is not a one time event - it is a life long battle.

First of all, if you've had one pneumo, you've likely had multiple.

Aside from that, you also deal with what I like to call 'aftershocks'.

Aftershocks = Daily or regular pain

In the years following my last pneumo in 2005, the pain has grown less intense and less frequent. That said, managing and living with the aftershocks has been a constant and daily battle.

The pain usually radiates from one of only a few areas.

The first, and most frequent, is a spot near the middle of my shoulder blade on either side, near the middle of my back. A deep upper back massage usually provides some welcomed pain relief. I haven't been able to figure out why....as I highly doubt the lung is being massaged in anyway. Regardless, it works.

Second is pain along the sternum or under the collarbone, which is also a pain point indicative of a pneumo. This spot is a little harder too soothe, not a whole lot you can do.

With any pain point I've found sitting or standing up will help get you back to normal much quicker. Laying down or slouching will aide in intensifying, or at the very least, keeping the pain around.

Does anyone else have home remedy pain relief they can share?