Costochondritis/Fibromyalgia advice

[Clairebear13]

Hi I'm looking for some advice I have been diagnosed with having costochondritis and fibromyalgia I'm so swollen and extremely tender to touch from the ribs to my lower abdomen I look like I'm 9 months pregnant I'm struggling through each day I'm a nurse so work can be challenging at times. I have been diagnosed with this since 2010. I just wondered if anyone has found away to control the flares and swelling?

I have seen my gp who had given me medication on repeat prescriptions but I don't feel anything really improves, the go requested that she saw me on a two weekly basis, at first that was ok but in all honesty she didn't seem interested so I stopped going. So others could have appointments, I had a hysterectomy in 2013 at the age of 39. I have been asked when is the baby due ? Very upsetting, everything is getting me down.

[rosewine]

I have had costo chondritis since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Mine causes so much tenderness around the ribcage area that I haven't been able to wear a bra in 7 years and even a tight vest can be painful. I do get some swelling but nothing like that. There is a costo symptom which is called Tietze syndrome which causes quite a bit of swelling. Might be worth looking it up.

We unfortunately only have a shower now but when we had a bath I found a deep long soak in warm water with several handfuls of Epsom salts helped ease the pain. Antiinflammatory meds have helped with some of the deep rib pain and Pregablin has helped with the shooting and burning pain in this region but unfortunately there is still alot there. Freeze gel gently smoothed in can also help. Some people find hest eases it but that actually makes me worse.

I can imagine it must be difficult in your job as the last thing you want with costo is anything that pulls the rib cage area. There are quite a few of us in the forum with costo chondritis so don't feel alone in this.

I am going for for the and settle down now as it is 2.30 am and I haven't had any sleep yet. Look forward to your future posts.x

[Clairebear13 in reply to rosewine]

Thank you for the advice 😊 really appreciate your kindness

[naturalnikki]

Im so very sorry that is happening to you. Just wondering if, since it is an inflammation, if Apple Cider Vinegar with mother drinks would help or if you have tried or heard of it.

I have felt it helped greatly with my inflammation and since taking a break ifeel it is coming back.

I am to start back on my morning drinks again soon.

My recipe is

15 ml of apple cider vinegar with mother

15ml of raw honey

Half a lemon juice

8+ oz of water

I mix and drink once a day.

It may interact with some medications so research well if you are interested.

I hope you can find something to help you.

Take care××

[Clairebear13 in reply to naturalnikki]

Thank you for the advice 😊 really appreciate your kindness

[budgie10_0]

I think i have had this for 3 years and because it has been undiagnosed for 3 years i think its now become tiezes syndrome, at the moment i am icing my chest and doing an anti inflammitory diet plus seeing an osteopath, also i have found a web site that has a lot of useful information "BODYSTANCE.NZ" because i have only just started this its to early to tell

yet if its going to improve hope this helps.

[Clairebear13 in reply to budgie10_0]

Thank you for the advice 😊 really appreciate your kindness

[bantam12]

Are you sure the swelling isn't due to ascites ?

[Clairebear13 in reply to bantam12]

Have no clue I did think that but doctor said not thanks for advice I am going to arrange to see a different doctor 😊

[bantam12 in reply to Clairebear13]

I think you need to insist on an ultrasound as that swelling needs urgent investigation.

[Clairebear13 in reply to bantam12]

Definitely it's so painful it's starting to go down now then I know I will have another flare up and it will be back again I have seen a doctor when it's like this she just said u are abit swollen try to rest then exercise??? Take codeine 60 mg 4 x a day, paracetamol, 4x day, Pregabalin 300 mg a day and amitripyline 75mg at night to get comfy to sleep 😴 I'm trying to cut down on meds so walk around uncomfortable 😣 hopefully another gp will help

[Bemoresquirrel]

Hi Clairebear13, the swelling looks very uncomfortable and sore. There is a danger when we have fibro and costco that everything is written off under that banner, as I found out when I had pneumonia and pleurisy.

Could you make an appointment with a different doctor at your practice? I think you need to push for blood tests at the very least. Bantam12 has a good point and it does need following up. Let us know how you get on. x

[Clairebear13 in reply to Bemoresquirrel]

Thank you I will do, I have blood test etc and there was talk of steroid injections etc but only talk I have to say. I was told 4 months ago I would be referred for ogd but nothing happened think I will try another doctor 😊

[Telynores]

I have Costochondritis which doesn't cause the swelling you show. My ametuer advice would be to go to your GP, insist on seeing a specialist or the tests you feel you need. Do your research, your GP cannot refuse.

Mine began either with my first or second pregnancy in my mid 20's. Try not to be offended when people ask if you're pregnant as that is the way it looks from what you've shown.

Good luck!

[Clairebear13 in reply to Telynores]

Thank you for ur advice I will keep pestering my gp but feel she just wants to give drugs rather than anything else so frustrating I can't keep going as I as 😊

[Telynores in reply to Clairebear13]

It may be worth trying to find a more sympathetic GP. Mine insists on seeing me every month, I stretch it to 6 weeks. I believe and she has implied, that she is learning from me. I had a good GP before, he recommended the current one when I moved home. She is leaps and bounds ahead of him

[Clairebear13 in reply to Telynores]

I will definitely find another gp thanks for advice x

[little-queenie]

I have exactly the same, did you ever get an answer 🥰