|
[ Costochondritis Archive ] [ Main Archives Page ] [ Glossary/Index ] [ FAQ ] [ Recommended Books ] [ Bulletin Board ] |
Search this site! | |
I have been to the hospital quite a bit over the last 3 months. I have been told I have costochondritis. I have had all the typical pain in the left side. In the past two weeks I have been resting and using the heating pad, and taking my anti-inflamitories. Not only has it not been getting any better, but worse. My left rib cage is the size of a orange, my left side under my armpit and down to almost my waist is inflamed, but now my left side of my back up to my sholder blade is also inflamed you can actually see through my shirts. I have been to my doctor 4 times this week all he says I have the most severe case he has ever seen and here are some more anti-inflamitories. Im starting to think there is more going on here. Please anyone out there have some kind of answers. I have had chest xrays. chest MRI's nothing shows up.
Please Help!
In Reply to: Costochondritis or More?? posted by Jeanne on March 09, 2002 at 23:42:34:
Hi, Jeannie.
What have you learned from the bracing and the costochondritis archives?
Walt
In Reply to: Costochondritis or More?? posted by Jeanne on March 09, 2002 at 23:42:34:
Hi Jeanne.
I can sympathize with you. My Costo started about a year ago after a long period of chronic stress (too many hours and weekends in the lab) and I went through all the stuff you have been facing. Blood work, ECG, chest x-ray, MRI etc .. all were normal. Unfortunately, none of these methods will identify Costo, the blood work is often normal, the imaging techniques simply cannot pick it up, so a definite diagnosis is based on ruling out diseases with similar symptoms in combination with the anamnesis.
Unlike you, I wasn’t told that it was Costo .. in fact it was my physiotherapist who suggested it (also called Tietze's syndrome). I started doing some research (I am a medical scientist, so I have access to scientific journals), but unfortunately very little research is done and not much is known.
It's an inflammation of the rib cartilage (but not a classical inflammatory reaction, the main reason why both non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen and steroid based drugs, such as cortisone do not work) , so you would feel it both near the sternum as well as near you spine and shoulder blade. It is often mistaken for angina pectoris, because of similar symptoms and mostly only one sided (which is strange). It hurts like hell. What is suggested in literature is the relationship between Costo and stress. So you should at least start some form of stress reduction, call it SR or mediation or yoga or what ever.
What I can say is: it takes time, unfortunately. Once the swelling has gone down, the pain will start to become less. Ultimately you'll start feeling better, but it can take some time, which is frustrating.
Several therapies, which show varying success, include, Neural therapy, Injections of methylprednisolonacetate into the sternum, pain medication or pain therapy in which certain nerve endings are killed.
So what worked for me?
1. Stress reduction
2. Patience
3. Pain medication
4. Rolfing
5. A healthy diet
6. After you start feeling better, a light regime of physical exercise and stretching (be sure to get a physiotherapist or so to guide you and don’t overdo it)
Good luck
GregD
(Biochemist/Cell biologist)
In Reply to: Costochondritis or More?? posted by Jeanne on March 09, 2002 at 23:42:34:
Quit the heating pad ASAP!!! I have dealt with Costo for 2 years now and the worst thing I ever did in the beginning was use a heating pad. If its already inflamed the heat will just irritate it more. Believe me, if you quit the heat you will feel better. Good Luck!
In Reply to: Re: Costochondritis or More?? posted by GregD on March 10, 2002 at 15:42:01:
Thanks, GregD.
Namaste`
Walt
|
[ Costochondritis Archive ] [ Main Archives Page ] [ Glossary/Index ] [ FAQ ] [ Recommended Books ] [ Bulletin Board ] |
Search this site! | |