Pain below and behind left breast & ribs /costochondritis ?

[Westie2012]

I have costochondritis and a pacemaker , for over a week now I’ve had so much left sided pain by my ribs ,below and behind my left breast and by my oacemaker . I was checked over in hospital on Wednesday as I’ve had lots of fluttering sensations and been slightly more breathless than usual along with the pain . All tests were ok . Last night and this morning I’ve had such awful episodes of pain that just hit so suddenly , such sharp pain below left breast that shoots up behind breast . I can’t do anything apart from stand and wait for the pain to pass then I’m ok again. I’ve taken my usual pain relief but it’s slightly concerning how bad the pain is . Is this normal with costochondritis ?

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had costochondritis and I honestly thought I was having a heart attack. I dialled 999 and two lady paramedics came. They did an ECG which appeared fine. Then one of them pressed in a line across my chest, it hurt everywhere she was pressing and that's how she was able to tell me exactly what it was, plus she'd had costochondritis herself a few weeks before.

You've had a pacemaker inserted, so that area being sore as well must make it very difficult for you to know just what the pain is.

Why sit and worry, dial the NHS 111 number and ask their advice. In your shoes I would want to be checked out. Perhaps a course of antibiotics too in case the pacemaker has caused an infection.

Let us know how you get on please.

Jean

[1234_6]

I've had costroconditis in right side of chest & back & it has been extremely painful, also eases / dissapears for a while & then returns especially bad pain after lifting / carrying things, on coughing or sneezing and if I get too breathless with activity or if i need to be breathing really deeply to increase my oxygen levels. I found activity was best kept to small / short bouts with rest in between them ...as it was easier then to manage the pain.

I can imagine that it must be very worrying if tbat level of pain is on the left side, especially as you also have a pacemaker, so like Jean said do get checked out again by the NHS if you are at all concerned.

I wish you all the best with your recovery.

[marypw]

I have costochondritis which affects my sternum and ribs on the left side. I have lupus so it’s related to that.

It can be very painful - if I press on my ribs or sternum with a finger I get a rebound pain after I take my finger away. I take ibuprofen or paracetamol and I do find gently stretching helps. I had a stress angiogram so I know mine isn’t cardiac related.

As you have a pacemaker, do stay in touch with NHS if you’re worried. Best wishes.