Costocondritis

A "singlet" with adjustable straps. Don't know what the correct name is. There are a lot of those at places where u buy underwear. I can't wear anything else, been wearing these now for more than 2 years, nothing else. They don't squeeze under the breasts  becos they go down to your waist. Sorry that I can't give u a better description. Still, I hope this helps.

Hello, I too have been suffering with this for almost 2 years.  I totally agree with your symptoms as I mimic the same, however I also have herniated disc in my neck that I also have to deal with which makes matters and pain worse and I have pain on both sides as well as my back. I too have had several tests including an MRI, blood work, cranial sacral therapy, and chiropractic adjustments to name a few. The only thing that helps a little is the chiropractic adjustments as this condition coupled with the disc issue cause my ribs to "dislocate" for lack of a better term. Stress plays a huge roll as to how I feel. The more stress, the more pain. I sometimes go for a few weeks with a pain level of around 3 on a scale of 1-10 and then boom, the pain escalates either from stress, weather changes or if I over did it physically. As for the bra issue, I am sorry you have to deal with this but it is nice to know I am not crazy!. The pain from wearing a bra is horrible and I mean even if it is for a short period of time I am in agony. I wear cami's everyday instead of a bra and I wear loose fitting tops. Fortunatley I am small on top so it is not a huge issue but it does prevent me from wearing certain clothes. It is easier in the winter months as I wear hoodies or sweaters which hide the fact I am not wearing a bra. The summer is challenging. I wish I had words of wisdom to fix this issue to pass along to you but sadly I do not. So if anyone else who is dealing with this issue can lend some advice I am sure me and Vegasgirl would love to hear what you have to say! Thanks! Hang in there! 

I have had this condition for three years. Mine is under left breast and on the left side next to the breast. I have had all kinds of testing, and the test results always are normal. What brings on my pain is lifting (I try to get help), strenuous yard work (I pay someone to mow my lawn), stress, and sometimes just tiredness at the end of the day. But the reason I'm responding to you is the bra issue. I also have tried so many different kinds. I can't wear underwire or any other bra that is too tight. Not only is that frustrating, but so is going to the gym. I have completely revised my workout routine the past couple of years. I only use the bike, the elliptical, and some leg strengthening machines. I don't use any upper body weights at all. I don't feel that I am getting a complete workout but I have had serious pain in the past from doing those and even had to go to the ER once after being at the gym. So, you are not alone. I hate this pain and wish more was known about it! And I wish I knew why mine is always on the left!

Dear Stevie and Vegasgirl,

I just bought two new bras today so I thought you might be interested. They are Warners wire-free Style #2003 "Get Back to Smooth". Another one that is great is Lily of France no underwire Style # 2172100, which I bought about a year ago, and unfortunately they don't seem to have it any more. I've searched online and can't find it. Tests that I've had: you name it, I've had it. I've been to a cardiac specialist (I go every six months and have had many tests including most recently an echo stress test), a pulmonary specialist (he sent me for more blood tests than I can count), and even a urologist (cat scan, blood tests). Every test comes back fine. That's a good thing, I guess, but at the same time I just wish more was known about this condition. I can go three or four days without any symptoms, then suddenly it comes on and is so scary. Another thing I should mention us that I get pain in my neck on the left side and pain in my lower back on the left side. I have been to physical therapy and have home stretches that I do when they start giving me pain. I sometimes wonder whether all of these pains are in some way related, since my costo is always on the left side. Don't you love trying to diagnose your own problem? That's why I wish more was known about the costo so I could get some answers.

I also forgot to mention that I've had a mammogram with ultrasound since I have dense breast tissue. I was afraid at one time that the pain was coming from my left breast.

It's me again. On another tag, the bra is called "Elements of Bliss" but it is still Warners Style #2003. I just googled it and you could order it online, but if you're like me you might want to try it on. It lists some of the stores that carry it.