Costocondritis

[Sandra]

Hello, hoping to get some info about costocondritis. I have been in bad shape with it for about the last 2 months. I have seen a respirologist as it's hard to breath for pain. Everybody is still sratching their heads while I deal with the pain, but i think what I am dealing with is costocondritis. i have been taking advil regularly and tylenol 3 for pain and am being forced to stay put. But I just can't get a handle on it, it eased off a bit between Dec and now but it never went away now it's back with a vengance. So what does one do to get the inflammation to go away? Where is the inflammation coming from?
I had a real hard Dec, my mom got really sick and we almost lost her, she was in hospital for a month so I did have extra to do and did get tired out. I had a cough that I think might have contributed and I ended up doubling my prednisone dose from my reg 7.5 to 15 mgs daily, of coarse it helped but pred doesn't fix the problem it just masks it and makes it tolerable. I don't want to go back on the double dose and don't think the root of the problem is being addressed. Anybody know what brings it on or how to get rid of it? thanks Sandra

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I've suffered from costochondritis several times and its pretty uncomfortable. In my case - it's come out of the blue and then eventually worn off again. Although, typically, it's inflammation of cartilidge where the ribs join the sternum I've had painful ribs extending right round and my GP says it's part and parcel of the same thing.

i find that NSAIds are helpful for it. They dull the pain and help the inflammation too.

I can't find a definitive cause for it but I did a quick google - and here is one link.

http://www.medicinenet.com/costochondritis_and_tietze_syndrome/article.htm

Take care - Scottie 

[Liz D.]

Sandra,

I had to go to the ER for costochonditis a few years ago.  The pain is excrutiating, I know!!  I was put on IV Toradal - a very strong anti-inflammatory.  In a few hours, the pain started to subside.  They released me from the hospital with a prescription of 500 mg. Naprosyn twice a day.  Coincidentally, I got my SJS diagnosis shortly thereafter and have been on the 500 mg. Naprosyn twice a day since then.  When I am in a flare, the pain in my chest starts to act upagain and all I can do is take extra pain relievers and rest!!

Liz D.

[kim31072]

I found these

http://bone-muscle.health-cares.net/costochondritis-causes.php

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/costochondritis/article_em.htm

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/a/costochondritis.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/costochondritis/DS00626/DSECTION=causes

hope they are helpful or at least give you a starting point and more knowledge to discuss with the drs.

Kim

[Pooh]

I've been fighting this for about a month until it got so bad I couldn't sit straight.  Mine is from front to back on the right side of my rib cage.  First thought to be my liver, but after seeing my doctor discovered what it was.  The pain is radiating up into my neck and shoulder and down to my right hip.  He seems to think I have something out of cync in my spine that is causing it to flare.  I am taking Prednisone and Extra Strength Tylenol.

I hope you feel better soon, it's a bit uncomfortable, and painful. 

Pooh

[BonusMom]

I've not experienced this, but it sounds horrific!  I hope of you that have this symptom find relief.

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

My daughter has just discovered that this is why her chest has been sore. She described the pains she was having and her doc sent her for an ECG. I'm relieved it's not her heart but costochondritis is no fun.

Take care - Scottie 

[ktfabian]

Hi Sandra,

Ouch! I'm so sorry you're hurting.

I had a bout of this about a year ago. That was the diagnosis I was given, but mine was near the bottom of my ribs on my left side.  It occasionally have a flare, but it doesn't get quite as painful as it was the first time around.  I also get the soreness near my sternum, especially after a long period of stress or no sleep. My rheumatologist prescribes Percocet for me each month to help with the aches and pains I get and the overlap from back injury, and that along with a strong anti-inflammatory did help with the pain.

It sounds like it's time to get in touch with doctor and get something that will get rid of the inflammation. Toradol is my wonder drug.  I get a shot in the doctor's office, then take it for five days orally.  You can't take it any longer than that because it's very hard on the stomach. But when I have a flare of something that needs an anti-inflammatory, that's what I ask for first.

I'm glad your Mom is getting better.  Hopefully you can get some down time with limited stress and something from your doctor to help get this under control.

Good luck,
Tracy

[Sandra]

Well  although it does hurt so bad I am still hoping that's what it is, as it is begnin....but my repirologist had me go for a whole new battery of bloodwork today. All about autoantibodies....I am concerned about the P-ANCA and the C-ANCA, the illnesses associated with them are not at all what I need..........I called my rheumy on his advice but have not heard back from her, the advil isn't really helping with the pain much although the pain has kind of gotten down to a smaller area just under my left arm now...maybe it's a gland thing??? Who knows anymore, I get so darn fed up, like a old tired and sore dog chasing his tail...I think it's time for yet another nap.  I'm fed up with naps. Thanks everyone for your support. Sandra

[songbird]

i have dealt with it on and off since I was a teenager(44 now) and I find that sometimes when  I do any strenuous weightlifting with my arms or reptitive motions (again with arms) it will flare up. But then at other times it just comes on with nothing to count for it ? But usually when I rest and use the ansaids it gets better...but in the mean time it can be a booger. Sometimes extermeley painful and others a minor nuisance.

But when really inflamed it can take a while to get back to normal. I have to be careful to avoid certain activities not aggravate it and not rub the inflamed spot. I dont know why but my hand just wants to rub the knots but it doesnt help. Im so sorry for you and your pain .... I know how it is to not be able to breathe right...I broke 3 ribs a while back and when you hurt in your rib cage man oh man ...breathing is important!