My costochondritis issues

Posted , 7 users are following.

I’ve dealt with chest pain for decades due to chronic costochondritis, and here are some of my experiences with. I’m curious as to how many some of you can relate to:

1. Stress makes it way worse and can even start it up. The more stress/emotion, the more pain. 

2.  Sometimes just walking briskly if I’m in a hurry can start it along with an increased heart rate, especially if I’ve recently eaten. 

3. Repeatedly reaching in front of my computer keyboard at my work desk or not having my keyboard in the exact right position is a huge no-no. 

4. Even though I’ve had it for many years, every time it starts up I wonder if this time it really is a heart attack. Also, I still panic when it happens, although not as much as I used to. 

5. I can’t sleep on my side unless I’m hugging a pillow. 

6. The pain is centered between my chest and back, and truly does feel like it’s my heart. (I have been checked countless times and it is not.)

7. This makes me sound like a nut job, but watching something on TV about someone having heart issues brings it on.

8. The pain/tightness can both start and stop in an instant. 

9. Sometimes I’m short of breath with it, sometimes not. 

10.  I’ve accepted that I will always deal with it. It used to cause massive panic attacks, but not so much now. It hasn’t killed me yet, so I’ve finally learned to stop thinking I’m going to keel over. 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    I know what your saying had this for about 14 years, when my mom was sick and dieing in 2006, 12 years ago I really had bad episodes, and I always worry if I'm having a heart attack. what I know is that cost ,short for the name, it wands. if it keep getting worst the pain than I would get checked for a heartsttack.you kind of get use to them tho. smh.

  • Posted

     I’ve been suffering for 16 years and can relate to everything you have listed.   Been to the emergency room many times and always diagnosed with  Costochondritis.   This is a very frustrating condition as there doesn’t seem to be anything that can totally relieve the pain .  
  • Posted

    Hi guys.

    This might sound silly.

    How do the doctors diagnose costo?

    Ive been ill little and lot with what appears to have had gastric origins. All specialists tests say i havent got gerd or gord.

    Now the doctors suggests that costo could be the answer.

  • Posted

    Ugh! So sorry , and I understand. Mine can also come and go in an instant and is nothing at all like the "textbook" description! So far my wraparound pain attacks, as I call them have developed when I am sitting. Until this morn when I woke from a sound sleep. Usually goes all the way around the upper most rib, back and front armpit muscles and breasts! I dont even know the name of the muscles affected except it can come and go quickly or stick around!! Frustrating and painful! Don't wish pain for anyone, but feel less like a freak when I read others posts!

  • Posted

    HI totally empathise with you. Mine started beginning of December had the worse Christmas ever. Had every heart test done. Still convinced it’s my heart as just walking at a normal pace really high but my resting heart rate is low. But they say my heart is fine 🤔

  • Posted

    I seemed to have these gastric symptoms that the doc decided must be gerd and acid reflux. I had my doubts but took omeprazole faithfully for six months. Finally I realized I was losing weight, sick all the time and was constantly holding my side! Not the med for me! I have no clue if I really have costo or not. He just tossed off the diagnosis. I don't think he wants to deal with me as I don't fit his textbook! I'm wondering about thoracic rib or subscapular prob?? I am sick of myself!! I'm retired and on medicare so am limited to what care I get. I'm only 66 and starting to feel 96!! 

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