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  3. Costochondritis and Tietze's Syndrome

Terrified this will be long term

Posted , 3 users are following.

aoife45195
aoife45195

I've had costonchondritis now for 5 months. The pain now radiates to under the bottom of my shoulder blades usually after I take a deep breath or if I use my arms. I've told the doctor this but nothing can be done as I'm pregnant. I'm terrified this is long term. Can you give any advice? I've seen an osteopath, physio, use hot and cold packs, do light stretches but just seeing no progress. I'm off work and trying to rest as much as possible also taking fish oil etc. Have these flare ups where my whole rib cage feels inflamed. I have a 2 and a half year old and one on the way as mentioned. Desperate to get this under control so I can manage when new baby arrives

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • 3mariebabyx
    3mariebabyx aoife45195

    Posted

    Pressure your doctor if you are in the UK, seriously... I waited far too long to get help for mine.

    Hopefully it is because you are pregnant and everything will go back to normal when you aren't any more. 

    Have you seen the heated bean bag things? they are great to lie on when its flared up.

    Take it easy, try not to lift anything and move your upper body sharply.

    Hope that helps 

    Marie 

    • aoife45195
      aoife45195 3mariebabyx

      Posted

      I have tried the bean bags Marie. I get a little relief out of them. I'm in Ireland and I have to say I just cannot believe the lack of knowledge the doctors have about this condition it's so unsettling. I found my doctor assume this could be fibromyalgia without carryout any investigation and handed me a leaflet on how to learn to live with chronic pain. They are as reassuring as a kick in the face!!! It's as if they just can't understand how costo can last this long when clearly many unfortunate ppl suffer with it for months or even years. I start working with another osteopath on Sat as I haven't seen any improvement with the last one. This particular one sounds more promising as he's really familiar with the condition. Fingers crossed x

  • kelly_62047
    kelly_62047 aoife45195

    Posted

    I had bad costochondritis for 3 years before I fell pregnant. I was on pain patches, fentanyl I think. And when I became pregnant I was not allowed ANY pain medication. Was also in intense pain... But... I had to get cortisone shots because I developed pre eclamlsia at 22 weeks and that helped for the pain ALOT. The cortisone is good for the baby because it helps with their lung development and such... Ask if you can go on cortisone treatments 
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