|
[ Costochondritis Archive ] [ Main Archives Page ] [ Glossary/Index ] [ FAQ ] [ Recommended Books ] [ Bulletin Board ] |
Search this site! | |
Dr. Stoll,
On Nov. 4, 1981, I had a surgery to remove a portion of my sternum due to costochondritis or Teitze’s Syndrome. I survived 13 years of hellish pain, a real nightmare that somewhat destroyed my physical and mental health. I endured at most times, a dull, aching, pressure like pain, and occasionally severe pain about my left chest where the third rib joins the sternum. I contracted the symptoms of this illness during my two-year stint in the Army. However, the Army doctors that I saw on several occasions failed to diagnose my problem. Within a few months after my discharge from the military in Feb. 1970, two civilian doctors diagnosed me with costochondritis – a third doctor’s diagnosis was Teitze’s Syndrome. My treatment consisted of several anti-inflammatory medications, steroid medications, many corticosteroid injections, and one failed nerve block attempt with results of pneumothorax of the left lung. I did not gain much relief from the medications and only temporary relief from the injections. The treatments did upset my digestive tract, causing ulcer, gastric reflux, and hiatal hernia. During the early 70’s, I thought that I must have been the only person to have this dreaded disease. Doctors had begun transplanting hearts and different organs, and with all the medical miracles evolving, I could not understand why I had to suffer so much pain. I told several doctors that if they would cut out that left third rib joint at the sternum, I would be OK. Though I am so sorry to learn after discovering your BB and archives that so many people are suffering this debilitating illness, it still would have helped to know that I was not alone.
By 1977, there was a noticeable protrusion at this left third joint. I sometimes could pop this joint by pulling my shoulders back extremely hard. As I did this maneuver when my pain was so severe, I discovered that I gained some relief if it would pop. Also, in 1977, a biopsy was done on the nodule. The new doctors I was seeing said they were going to cure my problem. When they learned the biopsy report was negative for TB or Cancer, they quit me. Thank God for the real doctor I found in 1981. He severed my left and right third ribs, removed a section of my sternum, sutured my ribs and sternum with stainless steel wire, and filled the void with bone cement. Although a bit of bad luck occurred when the wound became infected. The prosthesis had to be removed two months later, and the quite sizable wound gradually healed in several months. That is the way it is today, but at least the severe pain is gone, as only moderate but tolerable problems exist due to the surgery.
Now, I would appreciate your opinion as to why the military doctors could not diagnose my problem, as some of the civilian doctors did not seem to be baffled. However, there were a couple that thought I was having angina since I did occasionally have radiating pains through my back, neck and left arm. Some doctors, including the Army doctors, tested my gastro-intestinal tract, thinking it was causing my pain. There were a couple more that suggested that my problem was all in my head.
During Army basic training, myself and approximately 25 to 30 more trainees, in my platoon, were diagnosed with pharyngitis, bronchitis, and my chest and lungs hurt very badly. I had over a hundred-grade fever. The reason for so many of us becoming sick was because we were bad housekeepers. We were punished by having to low-crawl back and forth underneath our barracks for almost 20 to 30 minutes. The low-crawl has to be the most physically demanding exercise a human can do, even for a short duration. It was so dusty with 52 men crawling under one barracks that you could hardly see where you were. One man knocked himself out, crawling into a concrete pillar, receiving a concussion. We were so exhausted, so full of black dirt, dust, and filth, that we hacked it up for days. Do you think an action like this would likely cause costochondritis or Teitze’s Syndrome, as I have often thought that is what started my problem? I also shattered my right femur just above my knee a couple of weeks later, requiring open reduction with screw fixation. I had a cast put on my leg for a short period of time, and then it was removed. I was hospitalized for 143 days, and walked many a mile on crutches. I would appreciate your opinion about this illness and also, I wonder if costochondritis was rarely or hard to diagnose during the late 60’s.
In Reply to: Costochondritis/Teitze's Syndrome posted by JE on September 25, 2001 at 23:34:20:
Hi, JE.
Costochondritis and Teitze's Syndrome are essentially the same thing--certainly have the same causes. Your docs, way back then, DID diagnose you correctly--they just had no idea what to DO about it.
It is only since the advent of biofeedback that the actual causes were proven and you KNOW how long it takes physicians to learn something new that does not require a prescription.
Even now, you would greatly benefit from dealing with the cause (bracing). See the archives about costo and about bracing.
The silly exercises the military put you through certainly would be contraindicated in anyone with your condition.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Costochondritis/Teitze's Syndrome (Archive in bracing.) posted by Walt Stoll on September 27, 2001 at 10:36:26:
i would just like to contact someone,anyone, who suffers from breast pain as a result of costo.sometimes I wonder if this pain is connected to costo at all but it must be! the pain is evident in the fleshy part of the breast,as I look down, about three inches above the nipple area.It feels muscular but also feels as if the bone behind is aching also.Any help would be greatly appreciated.
In Reply to: Re: Costochondritis/Teitze's Syndrome (Archive in bracing.) posted by Walt Stoll on September 27, 2001 at 10:36:26:
i would just like to contact someone,anyone, who suffers from breast pain as a result of costo.sometimes I wonder if this pain is connected to costo at all but it must be! the pain is evident in the fleshy part of the breast,as I look down, about three inches above the nipple area.It feels muscular but also feels as if the bone behind is aching also.Any help would be greatly appreciated.
In Reply to: Re: Costochondritis/Teitze's Syndrome (Archive in bracing.) posted by bridin on September 27, 2001 at 11:51:36:
I have the same breast pain. Sometimes my breast feels so tight I feel I could twist it right off my chest. Sound familiar? In my case, wearing a bra 24/7 helps.
In Reply to: Re: Costochondritis/Teitze's Syndrome (Archive in bracing.) posted by robin on September 27, 2001 at 16:08:37:
I occasionally have the breast pain in my left breast also. I had never thought to associate it the costo problem, but now at least 2 other women feel the same, it makes sense.
In Reply to: Re: Costochondritis/Teitze's Syndrome (Archive in bracing.) posted by bridin on September 27, 2001 at 11:51:36:
Hi, Everyone.
Of course, anyone can have breast pain. Costochondritis is only connected to breast pain by being in the chest area.
Breast pain does not get worse with deep breathing (one of the ways to tell the difference. Costochondritis does not change with your cycle.
Most breast pain is due to fibrocystic disease of the breast (Which, by the way, is really simple to resolve--see the archives.)
Costochondritis is ALWAYS related to Teitze's syndrome and not to breast pain.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Costochondritis/Teitze's Syndrome (Archive in bracing.) posted by Marianne on September 27, 2001 at 20:45:07:
i was glad to hear from robin and marianne that i am not going mad! PLEASE KEEP IN CONTACT THROUGH THIS BULLETIN BOARD.
|
[ Costochondritis Archive ] [ Main Archives Page ] [ Glossary/Index ] [ FAQ ] [ Recommended Books ] [ Bulletin Board ] |
Search this site! | |