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  3. Costochondritis and Tietze's Syndrome

Undiagnosed 9 months in.

Posted , 3 users are following.

paul21053
paul21053

so it started 9 months ago with chest pain thought I was having a heart attack went to a and e to be told I wasn't and to see my gp. Long story short chest pain went turned into rib pain mainly left side but some days right as well followed by acid reflux and generally feeling awful. Had endoscopy showed duendonitis and esophagitis put on ppi for 6 weeks. Acid reflux now gone but still left with awful rib pain. Doctor did bloods 3 weeks ago and they came back showing inflammation in body but nothing else doctor puts this down to acid reflux and said in suffering with costochondritis. Issue is I'm 33 never had anything wrong with me and all of a sudden this happens I'm suffering constant anxiety and worry due to the pain and the doctor just seems to fob me off even though he has no clue what it is. Any advice would be appreciated. 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • grace28398
    grace28398 paul21053

    Posted

    So sorry your going thru this Paul. I too have Costro for about 17 months. Have you been to rheumatology? just to rulke things out. or endocrinology? Whats good to know about this condition is its not life threatening. It can certainly be anxiety provoking for sure. I see a acounselor it helps alot. There are many meds you can try as per your dr. I use neurontin helps me sleep at nite helps nerve pain. I too have reflux and im on nexium for that. Ive had many tests to rule things out. Once things are ruled, i think its very relieving to know. Soft ice packs are helpful as well. I take XS tylenol for pain, I cant take motrin. I pray alot...helps me too. Also, theres a site for Costro exerciises that may help you. Hang in there! we are all here to share our stories and help each other!!!!!!
    • paul21053
      paul21053 grace28398

      Posted

      Hey grace thanks for the reply. I've had loads of bloods to rule out cancers and stuff all that come back abnormal was a test that showed inflammation in my body doctor said would be caused by reflux. Other than that I've had nothing and my doctor is not that interested to be honest and I'm not sure why. I take nexium for the reflux and it has helped the acid but nothing is stopping the rib pain in both sides and it sort of scares me to be honest.

    • grace28398
      grace28398 paul21053

      Posted

      Have you tried acupuncture? Ive had an abnormal Sed rate as well. It was because Of Costro.  But my number was crazy high Thankfully. Or have you been to a pain specialist for the rib pain? If your Dr. isn't concerned for your well being...maybe you should find a better doctor. Good luck! Hang in there smile

    • youngatheart1
      youngatheart1 paul21053

      Posted

      Hi Paul, I too have costo and GERD.  I have lots of pain around ribs, a really stinging/burning sort of pain as it someone has lifted me under the armpits and squashed my ribs. When I press around ribs and from armpits down the side and around my back the pain is really bad, it burns, it is inflammation and taking ibuprofen regularly really helps.  I also get a lot of pain in what I call the upside down v between ribs in centre of chest.  Like you I am scared it is more sinister but always acid and costo is the answer. Have had an ultrasound and endoscopy and nothing found. My costo comes and goes, what I suggest is take an anti inflammatory regulary for  few days, be careful though with the acid so take with food and see if it calms down, it is does you know it is costo if not then press your GP for more tests. 
    • paul21053
      paul21053 youngatheart1

      Posted

      Hello youngathear1 hope you don't mind but can I ask you a few questions.

      do you think your gerd has something to do with your costo? My gerd and costo both started at the same time.

      have you had any issues with you tongue from the gerd? Mine has changed swollen slightly I think and ended up with teeth marks in it.

      I get the pain in the centre of the upside down v as well but it's more the rib pain that bothers me I have also had an endoscopy which showed nothing but esophagitis. My gp always just says it's caused by the reflux irritating my body or he thinks it's that and just repeats my nexium which helps the acid but not the costo. Are you ribs sore to touch? And mine seems to come and go also but it's more here than away.

      thanks 

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