Chronic Costochondritis
Posted , 4 users are following.
Ok, so I am 26 years old and was diagnosed with Costochondritis 6 years ago when I was at university. I had a really bad flu-like thing for a couple of weeks and felt really rubbish but I started to feel a lot better and went back to lectures. My first lecture back, I pulled a chair forward to let someone pass behind me and had a very sudden tearing/stabbing pain in my chest, just to the left of my sternum. It felt like there was a knife in my chest and someone was twisting it around. I went straight home, took pain killers and basically put myself to bed for a few days. It didn't get any better and I couldn't eat or sleep so went to A&E where they did XRays and checked for pulmonary embolisms and heart issues. They found nothing so sent me home.
Fast forward 6 years and the pain isn't there all the time, although my entire chest is stiff and immobile most of the time and I have aching pains in my left shoulderblade and down my back on the left side of my spine. I still get massive 'flare-ups' where the original stabbing/tearing pain comes back for days or weeks at a time and the only thing that will cover it up is using a TENS machine. But obviously that doesn't cure it and is very impractical.
I've seen chiropractors and osteopaths and tried acupuncture as well as rheumatologists and immune system specialists and taking glucosamine and none of them seem to be able to help. I have also tried corticosteroids injected right into the area which had no noticeable long term effects.
I was wondering if anyone knew of any specialists in costochondritis (in the UK) or had any treatments that worked for them? Especially if you've had this crappy illness for a long time. I'm at the end of my rope with it to be honest.
0 likes, 3 replies
grace28398 Wayward
Posted
I'm so sorry you have had this for so long! I was diagnosed in dec 2015. I too see arheumatologist who is sending me to a pain specialist for cortisone injection(Maybe). Did you have an mri first to pinpoiny area of inflammation? I take Neurontin. It helps pain. I also use a tens unit and ice the area when it hurts. It travels to my left shoulder as well. I've now started Advil as per my dr. 600mg 3 times a day. It helps a bit. Also streching the chest area very gently I find helps me. And Gentle pt fot the area that hurts helps too. Hope this helps! Hang in there! It will get better. A cure is on the way for all of us
Delvzy Wayward
Posted
I know how you feel I have this crappy thing for about 5 months it moves around my ribs front back and side and sometimes my chest and sternum. Personally I would prefer the chest pain because the rib pain affects getting in and out of cars chairs or rolling over in bed. I have been to gp had X-rays been to chiropractors stretched the ribs etc it gets a bit better it dies down for a couple of days then flares up and becomes unbearable again. I live on anti inflammatory tablets I just want it gone 😂
grace28398 Delvzy
Posted
Me too. was diagnosed in december 2015. Sorry you are dealing with this!!! soft ice packs help me alot. My Dr prescribed Neurontin which also helps. I also go to a counselor which has really really helped alot!!!! Ive been to a rheumatologist, and waiting to see pain mgt dr. But I pray alot, and really try to have a positive attitude. The good thing about this condition is it isnt life threatening..Thank God! There are also prescription creams if your Dr allows that numb the pain as well. Good Luck and hang in there!