Costocondrotis and in a lot of pain

[Lupigirl]

This started three days ago. It is so sharp I can’t breath. It is in my right rear flank area and radiates to the front. Seems like everything I have read most people have it in the chest. I had it one other time and it was on the same side but in the front. Tips, tricks or just share your story. It helps.

[Mandypandy1969]

I get the same, not always the same side. In my ribs just under my boobs. Wearing a bra can set it off. I have like a winded feeling and feel I can't catch my breath for a minute, just have to wait for it to pass, I suppose it's a bit like a spasm, get the odd spasm in my legs too.

[Lupigirl in reply to Mandypandy1969]

Thank you both for replying. I went to the ER last night. I thought it was my kidney. If I do too much I get this tightening feeling and can’t get a good breath. In pain meds now. Heating pad and resting are helping a bit. It feels like it is ALWAYS something. And never seems to be the same. Sad and frustrating.

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Lupigirl]

Yes it is. Seems to be something different every few weeks. Nightmare. Dread waking up. X

[Cann in reply to Mandypandy1969]

Yes, I left my bra off several years ago because of this, but I also read that a bra can restrict the lymph flow and drainage, so decided to cast it off for good. Lupies probably need their lymphatic systems to work efficiently or we just get pain!

[Hidden in reply to Cann]

I've had a mastectomy so never wear a bra but my costochondritis is worse on the mastetomy side, so I can relate to the lymph flow and drainage. I also had a lymph node removed as the cancer had spread to it.

[Cann in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear that. Our bodies are amazing, though, and I do meditations and self hypnosis to help my body to heal itself. I, too, have been through a great deal and I have had to trust my body to keep me alive and relatively well even though there are bad times.

[overnighthearingloss in reply to Cann]

I read something else about bras. Specifically underwired bras. Apparently there is a higher incidence of breast cancer amongst women wearing underwired bras.

It did mention problems with lymph drainage that may be implicated. It also referred to the Chinese medicine idea of energy meridians and suggested that the metal in the bra may be interfering with energy meridians??? Food for thought.

Due to my longterm issues with back problems I can no longer wear a bra regularly. But not doing so has made that issue manageable.

[Cann in reply to overnighthearingloss]

I am sure all the reasons are valid. Good you find it helps you to manage the issue.

[thestorm]

I too get these pains, and have gone to the ER, for some of them. Dr's have told me many things can be the causes, I found a warm rice bag wrap or heating pad helps, some doc's have told me these, reasons, pleurisy, connective tissue issues, kidneys, lupus, a lung inflammation, etc. tight clothing and the weather can set mine off too. Humidity, or dampness really pound me down. I would write down your experiences and let your Dr know , especially if the pain is that bad. I hope you get through this, sending peace and blessings thestorm

[weathervane]

Sorry to hear you are going through this Lupigirl . I had a bad bout a number of months ago , I went to gp and he gave me a steroid shot which definitely helped. I hope it settles down soon and you feel better, best wishes xx

[Horsewhisper]

Hi Lupigirl, such a horrible pain isn’t it? Mine is a stabbing pain that radiates from the left side of the sternum round to the top of the rib cage under my armpit. It comes and goes. I find wearing comfy bra tops seem to help, along with taking daily natural anti-inflammatories such as drinking chamomile tea and putting turmeric in breakfast smoothies. Gentle stretching in the upper body is also good. Hope you find some respite soon xx

[Kismetsoul]

Uggg Costochondritis is the worst, I completely sympathize with you it is awful you can't move or breathe without exasperatingly it. My doctor has prescribed colchicine it is a gout medication that seemed to on a daily basis. When I get a flare up or that sudden jabbing pain I have taken Valium and it seemed to help whether it just calms me down until it passes I'm not sure. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

[tini44]

Hi Lupigirl

Just got back from the doctor thought it was my kidneys too. He gave me Celebrex to take for a month as ibrufen and naproxen make me bleed in the bowel.

Hope you get better soon.

tini