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Costochondritis and work

Posted , 3 users are following.

jacqui60919
jacqui60919

Just a quick question, how do you manage to work with this condition?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • nikki09667
    nikki09667 jacqui60919

    Posted

    I could not work until the pain had gone away a bit in my chest. I couldnt do dishes or cook for my kids, no housework, nothing but sitting on the couch in certian position. After 2 mths i was able to start slowly doing the things i did before.  Dec. 18th is when it started for me, and im now able to walk at my normal pace, cook, clean, ride in the car, ect. i do have pains every once in awhile, and still can not lift a bunch without feeling some pain in my sternum. It does get better, just not as quickly as we want it to. Trust me i thought id never be able to hike again, but im getting there! Id be happy to help u with any other questions u have. Ive been through 4 chest x rays, 2 blood draws, and a catscan. I had elevated heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure. I also went from 105 pds down to 99 pds when all of this happen to me. Im back up in weight and my heartbeat is back to normal. Alot happens when have cotro or tietze, but it does get better with lots of time.
    • jacqui60919
      jacqui60919 nikki09667

      Posted

      I 'm glad your feeling better.  I haven't taken my daughter to school now for 7 weeks as driving the car is too painful, even though my doctor says I should be able to drive?!  Hopefully doctor will refer me to a specialist (private medical) as my doctor's don't tend to send you for any investigations.  I do try to do a bit of housework no hoovering though.  Getting so bored of sitting around, I just want my life back.
  • pheath85
    pheath85 jacqui60919

    Posted

    Nikki is correct. It takes time - 9 years in my case. I found that the most aggravating motion for me was working with my hands close to my chest. In other words, if you take a soccer ball, hold in directly in front of you chest/stomach, and try to squeeze the ball between your hands until it pops - that's the motion that hurt mine the most. Try to avoid anything like that. Aleve and some rest helped me through flare ups.

    Good Luck!

    • jacqui60919
      jacqui60919 pheath85

      Posted

      Oh no 9 years is a long time.  I find trying to put make up on and holding a mirror aggravates it, so I do understand what you mean.  The only time I go out is at weekends when my husband drives, but I can't stay out long, just walking gives me pains in my ribs,  I just want to hurry up and get better so I can return to work and take my daughter to school instead of relying on everyone ( not that anyone moans about doing it, I just feel bad).
  • deeville
    deeville jacqui60919

    Posted

    Hi I work in a cafe washing dishes and I am finding it impossible to work every time I handle a tray or move from side to side the pain is too bad. Everytime it is like having a new sprain to the chest, the current pain is hurting to breathe and all I can do is rest. All this started from opening the garden gate with a sweeping motion I felt the pain in the chest and collar bone straight away. Have got to get help with this what can I do ?
    • jacqui60919
      jacqui60919 deeville

      Posted

      Hi I know it's a nightmare, I've been to my doctors several times

      and he hasn't got a clue what to do about it.  I find applying heat helps me a lot, I sometimes use the deep heat patches when the pain is really bad and keep them on all day.  My pain has eased a lot, I stopped taking anti inflammatory and pain killers (I hate taking tablets) but now when I'm out I feel light headed and walking just a few yards gives me pain in my ribs.  Like so many other people on here, there doesn't seem to be any treatment but rest.

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