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I have just turned 49 and have had chostocondritis since...

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I have just turned 49 and have had chostocondritis since I was 24. The first time I thought I was having a heart attack - all I did was turn my body (driver's seat) in the car to open the back door for the dog and pow........... After about 2years I finally went to a doctor/specialist (I lived in the bush before nowhere near doc's) and had all other problems ruled out. It has taken me years but when the pain comes (usually more in summer) I try to think of other things and 'will' the pain away... if not - two aspirins or deep heat treatment are the best. The pain is very real and very severe. Hard to breathe deeply / turn around / move is almost out of the question... gently rub (ouch... i know it hurts - can help at times..) I don't get it as much as I used to - only because I know that I can never lift items that are too heavy - move too quickly or even when dressing - I am very careful... just turning slightly can trigger an attack... I had a baby on my lap once and the gently push of her foot started a bad attack... I get it on both sides of my chest now as well. The pain can travel quickly down the arms, shoulders and back... take care for all who suffer.... take life a bit more gentler and relax.............

[i:5a3e365d83]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:5a3e365d83]

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • jillybean1785
    jillybean1785 Guest

    Posted

    Hi, 

    I know you posted this a while ago, but I have just recently been diagnosed with this condition also, and I am learning ways of controlling it. I work with children and am no longer to work with the babies because of all the bending and lifting. I am working with Toddler age group now which I still enjoy, just greatful there is a way that I can do my job still :-) 

    I am finding ways that help to sooth pain, such as ice, and heat for my back muscles and muscle rub helps at times too. I am taking Naproxine and Paracetamol which I am not overly keen on having to rely on, so I was wondering what you use to help control pain if it isn't painkillers? I am trying to find other ways of managing without having to swallow tablets. 

    Still finding my feet with it all. 

    thanks. 

  • laurenbabe1
    laurenbabe1 Guest

    Posted

    Hello,  I to have been told by the hopspital that i have chostocondritis,and my symptoms are exactly as the above post, i first took this when i was 45, i am 54 now and have been having symptoms on and off since 2005.

    Last weekend while coming home very late at night i took the worst ever pain that i have had so far and was admitted to hospital with what first suspected . a mild heart attack. Had ECG,Chest and Lung Xray and all the relevant blood tests and thankfully no problem with the heart...

    I will just have to live it and i calmly breathe my way through it as i have been doing and i do take things a lot easier than i used to, i know my limitations.

    Best wishes to all other sufferers.

    • jillybean1785
      jillybean1785 laurenbabe1

      Posted

      hey Lauren, 

      I am the same, sometimes I have the pain and then I don't have it for ages. What are your coping mechanisms for the pain? these discussion forums are so reassuring to know that you are not alone in how we all feel. Makes me feel so much more relaxed about it and I have worried less about things since joining this website, 

      We can all sympathise with each other when it comes to the pain we get. x

    • laurenbabe1
      laurenbabe1 jillybean1785

      Posted

      hiya jillybean,

      Well summer has gone and ive had symptons and pains pretty much all through it, no getting stuck into my garden this year as the pains just flatten me!!! and horror of horrors i am to be moving house in 6 weeks!!!! i am dreading it with all the lifting and heaving at stuff but i am asking for help from my family and friends, i am usually so stubborn , i want to do it all by myself and not bother anyone but i know i have to ask for help this time.....I just wish this would Tietze would go away.

      Laurenbabe

  • tamra_33638
    tamra_33638 Guest

    Posted

    I Just got diagnosed and yes this is very painful. I was wondering did you get shots of cortisone in your chest? That's what my doctor is going to give me. 
  • tamra_33638
    tamra_33638 Guest

    Posted

    Does the pain ever go away? Today I was diagnosed with this. I went to the ER thought I was having a heart attack. They said it was anxiety.y pain clinic doc was the one who figured out what's it was. I was wondering if this pain goes away. 
  • laurenbabe1
    laurenbabe1 Guest

    Posted

    Hello Tamra,

    No , my doctor has never suggested cortisone, you must let me know if it helps ...ive had cortisone injections before for a frozen shoulder and it was the best thing ever, the pain has never came back..i am to be moving house soon and i am dreading it... excess lifting and a bit of stress is one sure thing to bring on attacks of pain.

    Let me know how you get on with the cortisone.

    Regards

    Laurenbabe

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