Update!

Hi,

I have been to the doctors, and to be honest I was afraid to find out what was wrong. However it is good news! The doctor did loads of tests to make sure I was okay and he has come to the conclusion that it is my costochondritis (again!) that has been causing my pains. He suggested because of the chest infection I will find it hard to breathe for another month or two because the tissue in my lungs are repairing, but because of of my heavy breathing I have put so much pressure on my ribs, creating the inflammation of cartilage, causing my costochondritis.

He told me to keep up to date with my paracetamol as I can't have ibuprofen, just in case I am asthmatic, and I have also been given a gel which will not enter my blood stream therefore if I do have asthma I will not be affected. He also said that I am having these asthma/panic attacks as I am panicking about my situation (I have never had anxiety before, only since I have become ill) and I mean who can blame me?! Stabbing pains around the chest are worrying!! But he told me, if I try to cut down in my inhaler, I will actually do myself some good as over using can make my heart beat faster, creating more panic!!

The doctor seems to believe that I may not actually have asthma, but he still wants me to use my inhaler just in case I get breathless. If I don't recover, I was told to return next week to consider asthma treatment.

However I am soooooo happy with what he said! I am going to get better!!

[Stumpy55]

Aww that is great news Helena, I really am pleased, good on you. Now you can get on with the rest of your life. 👍😀

[Hidden in reply to Stumpy55]

Thank you!! I can't wait to be back to 100% 😀

[Stumpy55 in reply to Hidden]

Brilliant, so pleased for you and GOOD LUCK! ✋️😊

[Shancock]

I'm sure you will get better. Yes chest infections can leave you breathless for a long time and rib cartilage pain is normal when it's been very bad.

In time it should calm down, try breathing through your nose then out through pursed lips, when your having a bad moment.

Probably isn't asthma at all just the after effects of the infection.

[Hidden in reply to Shancock]

Thanks for the tip! Fingers crossed it isn't asthma! 😀

[sassy59]

Great news Helena. Wishing you well. Xxxxxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Thank you! xx

[2greys]

I have tried to think of un-offensive words to use without success. So the plain facts will have to suffice. Anxiety can cause really big problems with shortness of breath. I hope this is all it is, not something really serious.

[Hidden]

Glad the getting on top of your symptoms costochondritis In someone so young WHO would think it but defo agree who would not panic

[Hidden]

Good news Helena!! Actually I have a couple of friends who are given inhalers just when they have chest infections, I was surprised one was on Seretide and the other on Symbicort ..they are combined inhalers with steroids not just a bronchodilator, that works better than just a reliever. They don’t have asthma as such either but develop breathlessness when sick.

So it may help you to ask for a preventer especially as you can’t take ibruprofen because steroids are a powerful anti inflammatory which would act directly on your airways..

Take care x

Fran

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Okay thanks, I will ask my doctor for a preventer too when I see him next x 😀

[Hidden]

All good advice.hope you get well soon as.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou!!

[Caspiana]

Great news Hidden .

It sounds like your doctor is being through and taking all the possibilities into account.

Anxiety is a dreadful thing. 😐 I had it for many years and eventually got help for it and I'm so glad I did. Do talk to your doctor if you feel the anxiety is persistent. It's an awful thing to live with to be sure. Be kind to yourself 🌸 and take things easy .

Warm wishes.

Cas xx 🌹

[Hidden in reply to Caspiana]

Thankyou so much, since he re assured me that it's nothing fatal, I have had less anxiety! ❤️😀 xx

[Sillysausage234]

Hi, I have chronic costocondritis,so sympathise with you ,diclofenac gel helps calm it down .

[Hidden in reply to Sillysausage234]

Thank you! I feel for you too, it really is annoying to have! I will have to try that gel. 😀

[Carnival567]

That sounds so much more positive, I hope things continue to improve xx

[Hidden in reply to Carnival567]

Thankyou so do I hahaha! 😀

[MoyB]

Glad you are feeling so much better about things. Hope you soon have a full recovery. xx Moy

[Hidden in reply to MoyB]

Thankyou very much 😀 xx