Costochronditis

[Evelynarnold]

Has anyone on here had costochronditis. I woke up with a very tight chest!., scared and thought I was having a heart problem. The worse symptom was not being able to breath and take a full deep breath !! I live on my own and that made it even worse!! Please can anyone help me?

[Jeff1943]

Evelyn, my wife was diagnosed with costochronditis 10 years ago after having a stenting op, it's inflamation of the connecting tissue between the ribs and the breast bone, it usually clears up after a month or so but not inher case, she still gets it occasionally, the symptoms are as you describe but it could be other things as simple as strained muscles, could possibly be anxiety. Has it been diagnosed as costochronditis by a doctor? If you haven't seen a doctor I think you should if you've had it for any length of time for your own reassurance as much as anything.

[Evelynarnold]

THANKYOU for your reply. Yes I went to the doctor and he diagnosed it. I was terrified !! I'm sorry your wife is suffering. I thought I was having heart problems . I'm taking 40mg of ibuprofen. It started this morning. I was fine last night?? Just want to be well again. Have been in bed all day as I felt so tired. Hope your wife feels better soon. Best wishes.

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[Agora1 in reply to Evelynarnold]

Hi Evelynarnold, I'm glad you had it diagnosed. Now that you know it is not your heart, I hope that relieves some of your worry. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia years ago as well as Costochrondritis. For myself, it usually comes us with undo stress or over working the muscles. The nerves between the ribs get irritated/inflamed. Going down the center of your chest, using your index finger, you can pin point each and every trigger spot between the ribs. It is not an illness and will go away faster if you don't cater into it. I use a hot relaxing bath or warm compresses to my back. Heat is the way to go. I am not concerned about it because I understand it, work through it with heat and go on with my day. Please don't be scared. Relax and breathe.... x

[Jeff1943]

You're right, Agora1, the costochondritis is aggravated by stress and/or over exertion. Yes, get some rest, Evelyn, and hopefully it will go and not return.

[Mloanddb]

Well I'm not sure what I have but have all them symptoms shortness of breath happens out of nowhere. Chest pains particularly on the left side right under my left breast. Tight chest feels like someone literally sitting on my chest at times. I'm having a endoscopy done on February 3rd. I know I have anxiety but I also feel like something else is making it go sky high. Do you get any other symptoms besides the ones you mentioned?

[Evelynarnold in reply to Mloanddb]

I've been taking 40mg of ibruproven every four hours and it's really helped. I think having a endoscopy fir you is good to check it's not anything else? I've never had this before and it started yesterday morning. Let me know how you get on.l didn't get any other symptoms . It's due to stress and lifting heavy things. It's around the breast and rib bones and went round the upper back!! No more lifting for me as it really scared me. Good luck in Feb. Thinking of you. Best wishes

[budsey]

Yes , I have had it for 2 years - started after gall bladder removal op. Eating seems to make it worse making bras feel very tight.

Budsey