Pain Management?

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I have had costochondritis for at least four years, possibly longer because I'm not sure when it started. I used to have it mostly on my left side, which caused several trips to the ER thinking it was my heart. For a while I thought it was gone, however the past few months I have had it on my right side. This morning I was in a lot of pain, so I called to see if my Dr had any cancellations today. He did not, but they said I could go in and be evaluated by the nurse practitioner. I did, and she is referring me to pain management (they will call me to schedule an appointment). Just want to know: has anyone been to pain management for your costo, and what do they do? I really don't want to take a lot of medicines. Thanks for your help.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Nancy. Sos sorry for your pain and having Costro. I too have had it for almost two years. Yes I went to pain management. They wanted to give me several different pain meds. I m already on several meds so I opt not to get the meds they prescribed. But if your in that  much pain and not on too many others it may be totally worth it. Also you might want to look into acupuncture or accupuncture. reducing sugar helps too. theres a med called Neurontin my pcp prescribed it def helps pain alot and its no a controlled substance. soft ice packs I use constantly. They help me alot. hope this helps. Good luck and hang in there!!!!!!!
    • Posted

      Hi grace I'm glad they do offer meds other then just advice . Have you tried heat pads at all or a tens unit for your pain

    • Posted

      Yes I have a tried a TENS unit and prefer soft ice packs. It nums my chest and therefore temporarily alleviates the pain. I get hot flashes. So heating pad would make that worse. But Thanks!!!!
    • Posted

      Thank you so much for your reply, Grace. I like the idea of the soft ice packs. Pain management hasn't called me yet, but when they do I will ask them some questions. I will ask about Neurontin. The past few days I took Advil and it helped. I don't want to rely on Advil because I've heard it's not good for your stomach. Thanks again, and I'll keep you informed.

  • Posted

    Hi Nancy I have been referred for pain management too . I think they try to help you in the way you cope with pain or deal with the pain . I will give it a go but not sure if it will help. Quick question if you don't mind . Does your costo affect your collar bone at all as it does with me and even my neck and left arm

    • Posted

      Hi Ray. So far the costo hasn't affected my collar bone. Thank goodness, because it gives me enough pain on my right and left ribs! One place that has also been hurting lately is my teeth! I don't know if this is related or not. I have been using sensitive toothpaste. I had braces around twenty years ago, and I have a permanent retainer glued into my bottom teeth, but I was supposed to continue to wear a nightly retainer on the top teeth and I didn't. So they may have moved back and that could be what has caused the pain, or else it is somehow related to my costochondritis. Let me know what happens when you go to pain management. Good luck!

    • Posted

      I've never had it affect my teeth before but it certainly could be related . The collar bone is dreadful but what's worrying me the most is my neck . It seems to get a tight feeling and restrictions in my throat .

    • Posted

      Hi Ray,

      I have Tietze syndrome and yes it gets in my collar bone and neck not as often as it used to, but it horrible I agree! Can also go down your arms into your hands. I've had this since 2001 so about 16 yrs now. Mostly in my whole rib cage , sternum and back . My drs say this is a disease of the cartilage that swells and pulls on your ribs bones , hence the horrible pain. I don't know about you but my muscles on top of my shoulders will get inflamed so bad it like u have whiplash and can hardly turn your head! Muscle rub and nsaids along with the soft gel icepacks help I also take Vicodin to help with pain. If you can take reg Ibprophen then I suggest the prescription 800 mg ones, as my drs told me Not to take Advil or Motrin unless I want my stomach to bleed out. Ibp can have this effect also tho although been taking it for 15 plus yrs so far so good, I have tried everything out there with not much luck but Ice packs are my best friends smile I have also read that some ppl say yes can affect your jaw and teeth also. Mostly I do Light stretching muscle rub and ice packs , and learn not to panic when the pain so bad helps some .

    • Posted

      Thanks for your reply . Your symptoms are so similar to mine . I use a electric heat pad that helps and a brufen gel to rub . I also use a tens unit that helps alot . I get jaw and neck pain as well. Not sure if the nerves affect your throat or not as seem to get problems with that too

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