Desperate for answer

Sorry your having all this pain but we re not alone sounds alot like Costochondritis I ve had it for a long time before ever realizing and a doctor diagnosing me after I thought I was having a heart attack pain/pressure in chest that radiates from the front rt side to my back that feels like a stabbing back there. I ve had sharp pains, stiff jaw, BP went way high and heart palpitations and have been hospitalized a few times I go for regular chiro and massage but not finding relief for long and its hard to sleep on my side

Hope you get some answers I deal with mine day to day and watch I don't lift anything heavy

Hi Petra,

It sounds like costochondritis to me too. I have had it for a year after having pericarditis and pneumonia. I was eventually diagnosed in the angina pain clinic about 6 months ago. The consultant is very understanding and sympathetic, but I am still not any better. He tried giving me steroid injections into the joints, then I tried a TENS machine, then it was Tramadol. I had previously had Morphine and Fentanyl patches, but I couldn't tolerate them. Tomorrow I will be seeing a nurse specialist for relaxation therapy, and in a fortnight I will be seeing the physio from the chest pain clinic. I can't complain that they aren't trying!

I will report back if any of these things work. The consultant says we are a long way from the end of the list of treatments to try, so hopefully something will work.

I hope you feel better soon.

All of these sound so familiar! I've tried just about everything! I don't want to be on meds and don't really want to do the injections. I walk on a treadmill daily and it helps to stay active. Poor posture is awful! Watching my sugar intake has helped as well! Was curious about the Tens machine.  Physical therapy stretching is the worst! I've tried chiropractors not much help because they really can do much without pain. I'm thinking acupuncture now but my insurance will not cover it. If everyone keeps posting what helps we can all try them!  I've been dealing with this since dec 2016.  

So sorry you're going through this.  I was diagnosed with Costro almost two years ago. But my costar symptoms  started getting worse. Lots of burning in chest and shoulders. and lots of fatigue. Anyway, I went thru same tests as you. Also saw cardiology. Castro is different for everyone..different variations. My dr finally had me go to a rheumatologist to rule out diseases. Thank God, they did.  Symptoms continued, lots of ER visits as well. Anyway, My dr asked lots of questions and said I have Fibra Myalgia. She said Costro and this condition can go hand in hand for some people. Im actually grateful my pain has a name. And neither condition is life threatening. Don't stop asking questions. Or requesting different specialists. We are in charge of our healthcare!!!!  Hope this helps you. You should def feel relieved lots of serious things were ruled out!!! Hang in there. We are all here to help each other..

Thank you all so much for responding. It feels good to know I'm not alone. I might ask my doctor to send me to rheumatology next. They keep talking about IBS, but I have no symptoms of that...

You belong here in this group. I had this pulled muscle in my chest area for about 14 years, I picked up something very heavy,and in my sternum chest wall was pulled and both my shoulders. Went to physical therapy for shoulders about 2 years afterwards., and Been to the er.and when I spoke to a Dr that was filling in at my Drs office, and she said you have Costco, I use that spelling instead of the whole word. And I knew I had something as being pulled there, no way of knowing for sure but your symptoms are your tale tell signs. Mine knocks the breath out of me, when i move a certain way mostly my left hand side. It will feel like my bones cross in my mid cheast when I twist a certain way and I grab It and feel like I'm going to faint, had all kind of test done. And I know what it is . I start ed to carry a hot spot to apply it , heat seems to help and I do get it in my back and between my shoulder blades, pain is sharp sometimes and mild the other time and have more tenderness in the right side of my sternum and swelling , I'm tired more with it . And I'm 56 years old and feel like I have the flu like symptoms. But I get up and move on as much as I can. Stress can bring it on also.

Oh my. 14 years! I'm so sorry!!!! I visited a rheumatology doctor yesterday. She suggested anti-inflammatory meds , physical therapy and chiropractor. I guess I will try. Currently sitting under heat pad and it does help. Epson salt baths seem to help a bit too. Not sure if the salt helps or just the fact it's a hot water bath though.