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Costochondritis&anxiety - does anyone else feel the same?

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vicky93384
vicky93384

So I was diagnosed with costochondritis 4 years ago. I’d had sharp pains every couple of weeks/months and then one day I sat up from laying down and had such a sharp pain go up my chest that it physically took my breath away. I was hospitalised and they diagnosed me with costo. At the time, it didn’t really affect me too much, just a sharp pain every now and then. 

Fast track 3 years and my pains have gradually gotten worse and worse. A few months ago I started to think I was going to die every time I had a pain and that has now turned into thinking that just any time there’s something not 100% right with my body.

I’ve been to the hospital and been referred onto a psychotherapist, pain management and a physiotherapist, but this will take a few months due to a long waiting list. I’ve also been put on Amitriptyline to try and help my pain and anxiety (which isn’t helping at all).

I’m still worried that it isn’t costo and is something more serious, so would like to know if there’s anyone else who gets the same feelings as me that has costo: my chest feels really tight (as though someone is sitting on me) and the pain is usually on my left hand side but sometimes the who way across. I sometimes get pain go through to my shoulder blades and down my arms. It feels like I can’t breathe properly and my chest is extremely sensitive. This makes me panic and think I’m going to die, which I’m sure makes it worse. The only time I can seem to make it feel better is once I go to sleep. 

It just concerns me that the feeling I get from it has changed so much that it’s not even recognisable as the same pain anymore. 

Please tell me someone else feels like this due to costo? Is this normal?

I’m so worried that it’s something more serious, I’m only 19.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • grace28398
    grace28398 vicky93384

    Posted

    You poor thing. I know what  you're going through. I have had Costro almost two years. And the pain in the chest can be scary. I have had many many trips to the ER and had bloodwork and manly EKGs all normal Thank God. My advice to you ...just know its not life threatening! Also, anxiety meds can help a lot when dealing with this condition. I have a psychologist she's awesome. I also am very lucky to have a very supportive Dr who listens to me and cares. I always ask a lot of questions, and have been sent to several specialists. In addition to Costro I have Fibro Myalgia. Painful as well, but not life threatening. have you ever tried Neurontin? or Arnica gel for the pain? you can get get at walgreens vitamin store etc. cold ice packs help me a lot. Hang in there. Try to keep calm, but if pain is unbearable until Dr. can find right meds for you never doubt yourself and go to Dr. or ER. Good luck! Better days are ahead smile

    • vicky93384
      vicky93384 grace28398

      Posted

      Thank you so much for replying! I’m so sorry you’re suffering too! No I haven’t tried either of those, I’ve tried anti inflammatories, lidocaine plasters, voltaron gel, everything, but nothing has worked. I might give that a go! I’ve been referred for mental and physical therapy but it’s just a waiting game at the moment and it’s hard to cope in the meantime. 

      You’re so lovely, thank you for your support! X

  • 1964diana
    1964diana vicky93384

    Posted

    My daughter was originally diagnosed with costo but then Tietzes syndrome. Her symptoms sound the same as yours. She is 18. Sometimes she is in so much pain she date not move. With so many people having these conditions I am surprised that there appears to be no one in the UK doing any research.
    • vicky93384
      vicky93384 1964diana

      Posted

      I know, that’s what upsets me the most! I feel like they’ve figured it doesn’t kill you so they just have researched any further. I’ve found some research that’s been done by a man called Steve August in New Zealand and he seems to think he knows the cause of it but it’s still not definite. It’s so annoying not knowing much about it when it inhibits you so much. 

      I hope your daughter is okay! X

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