Costochondritis Archives

costochondritis

For weeks now I have been experiencing tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Cronic gas in the chest and cramping to the left of my breast bone. I was unable to get a nights sleep because of the shortness of breath and as a result I became run down and tired.
Last Sunday night, another restless night, I began having cramping down my left arm and then brokeout in a sweat. I immediately thought I was having a heart attach.
Altho I had been ignoring the other symptoms, I went right in for a EKG.
It was fine and my history showed no signals for heart problems. I must have a very knowledgeable DR. The first thing he did was do a simple test for costochondritis. There is no doubt that I have a classic case of costo, but he prescribed an inflammitory medication and told me I should be better in two weeks!
From what I am reading on the net, thats just hopeful thinking! Am I right????? Two weeks? Everything I have read says 6mos to a year?
I beleive that knowledge in the best medicine and I am greatful for this sight and the others I have found. I will continue to research and learn how to combat this problem or live with it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us more than we seem to get from our overworked,much too busy DRS., in the office.
Comforting to be informed,
Carolyn

Follow Ups:

• Re: costochondritis Terry 22:52:10 10/06/01 (0)
• Re: costochondritis (Caring doc.) Archive in costo. Walt Stoll 08:15:00 10/06/01 (0)

In Reply to: costochondritis posted by Carolyn on October 05, 2001 at 06:33:12:

Congratulations, Carolyn, for at lesat having a doc who cares.

NOW, what you need is to know what to do about the causes, which your doc has not yet learned: this is not yet taught in medical school.

Start dealing with your bracing and possible incipient GERD.

Let us know what you learn and how you do. See the glossary for any unfamiliar terms.

Walt

In Reply to: costochondritis posted by Carolyn on October 05, 2001 at 06:33:12:

I have suffered with costo 3 yrs as of Oct. 30th of this year. My flare ups are now few and far between. It takes time.