Costochondritis Archives

Costochondritis

Dear Dr. Stoll,

I want to thank you for your informational site. My question has to do with costochondritis. I was diagnosed with this about a month ago, though there are indications that I've had the condition for six years or more.
During the last month, which has been by far the worst as far as this condition goes, I've been nearly bedridden, though I meditate daily, take all of the vitamins and supplements that are supposed to help this condition and have undergone traditional medical therapy (am just finishing 9 days of prednisone).
The problem I have is that none of this seems to work. I read that this condition can last six months to two years and am concerned that I will lose my law practice if something doesn't change very soon. Part of me says that perhaps that's what's meant to be, but the other part is freaking out. The prospect of bankruptcy and ill-health, though something I try not to make "real" in my mind, is not the kind of proposition I feel can help me.
In short, it seems like a Catch-22. What do you tell people like me who have chest pain (along with upper left extremity pain) which makes it nearly impossible to do anything but relax? I've tried "pushing myelf" to keep my business afloat but doing so always seems to result in a worsening of my symptoms, sometimes to the point where it is very difficult to breathe. Although I've dealt with other illnesses before, this one is particularly depressing due to it's debilitating effects.
Is there something else I can/should be doing? I would greatly appreciate any help you can offer.
Thank you.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Costochondritis Dave 20:51:43 6/10/01 (0)
• are you sure.... LT 01:58:26 6/09/01 (0)
• Re: Costochondritis (Archive.) Walt Stoll 09:56:57 6/08/01 (0)
• Re: Costochondritis Barb1 01:40:56 6/07/01 (0)

In Reply to: Costochondritis posted by Jeff W. on June 06, 2001 at 13:00:31:

Hi Jeff,
Have you had a chance to archive in Costochondritis? There is so much information on it. Don't want to give just a pat answer. Costochondritis is a result of bracing and stress. Archive in Stress, bracing and SR. Before you started getting the Costo, did you have alot of STRESS in your life? Hope this information gives you something to get started on. Get to the root cause and you will cure the symtom!
Take Care

In Reply to: Costochondritis posted by Jeff W. on June 06, 2001 at 13:00:31:

Hi, Jeff.

Listen to Barbara (Thanks, Barbara!)

First of all exactly how do your do your SR, how often and what did you do to certify that it is working?

This can last the rest of your life!

As bad as yours is, I would see a Certified Rolfer in consultation at once and learn Alexander Technique ASAP.

THEN, as you get better, please share your experiences with the rest of us on the BB.

This is a totally unnecessary condition and the docs who have missed what to do are ones I would never go back to.

Walt

In Reply to: Costochondritis posted by Jeff W. on June 06, 2001 at 13:00:31:

it's costo? That is what I was diagnosed with, and the doctor was wrong, although the symptoms were very similar. I found that the only supplements that helped with this condition (whatever it is, and I just may be "different") is coenzymeQ-10 and system enzymes (I've been using Wobenzym), but you may already be using these. The Co-Q10 made a difference for me within 3 hours. However, I was in alot of pain for 1 1/2 years. I did see a physical therapist that helped with pheriphial (sp?) issues, but never touched the real pain. Just recently I started seeing a chiropractor and I wonder why I waited so long. I have had 3 sessions and it's amazing the change after each, although I was in alot of pain after the second one -- I just had the third one yesterday and I am just amazed at how much better I am. Next week I have my first acupuncture treatment.

I agree with everything that Barb1 posted, but after having this chronic condition for so very long, I think our body needs to be "reprogrammed"

In Reply to: Costochondritis posted by Jeff W. on June 06, 2001 at 13:00:31:

Jeff,

The fact that this has been ongoing for six years and despite your valiant efforts should tell you that a major change in your life is necessary. I'm a lawyer myself (only two and a half years in), and I get stress reactions fairly frequently. Some of it is due to being in the middle of my parents' divorce, but a great portion results from having the typical lawyer's perfectionistic mentality. I find it very hard to let go of little things and am constantly ready for a fight. It's built up over a period in which, for various reasons, I felt unable to take a vacation.

I don't know what your responsibilities are right now, especially in terms of family, mortgage, debts, etc., but ask yourself what the worst thing about giving up the practice would be. Most lawyers are unprepared and ill-suited for the business aspects of running a firm. Perhaps you just want to do law and not be bothered with keeping an eye on the bottom line. In that case, I would seriously consider getting out of private practice or doing alternative work. Understandably, it's hard to make decisions like this when you're stressed out.

Anyway, your health and sanity are by far your most important assets. Contrary to public perception, as lawyers, we often look after our clients far better than ourselves. Give yourself the attention you've been lavishing on them for so long.

--Dave