Costochondritis

[Badger1979]

Hi all has anyone experienced this, was diagnosed with it following chest pains which I thought GP thought was my heart , thankfully my Heart is fine and turns out to be this instead... Anyone else experienced it, any advice greatly received.

[RosieA]

Yes, I have costochondritis and I am sorry you're also suffering from it. Mine is chronic but manageable, sadly through a combination of inflammation and consequent damage. I know my triggers - putting too much strain on that part of my body - e.g. lifting or stretching too far, so try to minimise my risk. I also have to be careful about sleeping positions, if I want to sleep on my side I cuddle a pillow to stop the chest compressing. If I wriggle away from it I can wake up in considerable pain. If it flares badly then I rest with a heat pad.

It's good that they have checked your heart etc as the pain from mine muddied the picture as they discovered eventually that I had pericarditis and possible pleurisy- so do be alert to any change in symptoms- e.g pain from another part of the rib cage area, etc. Lupus is a tricky so and so.

Hope that helps a little.

[Badger1979 in reply to RosieA]

Thank you that's great advice they did say they would monitor closely as to keep a check on the other stuff as that was initially they thought it was Pericarditis... I have order a heat pad to help as didn't possess one and told they are a must for when it is bad... Thanks again for you reply and take care x

[Carcrashgal]

I get it frequently, usually with pleurisy (yuk!) and was told it's a bit of a thing if you have lupus. It's an inflammation of the breastbone where the ribs meet, and usually gets better on its own if it's not linked with anything else, although it can take several weeks. NSAIDS (ibuprofen) can help, but if it's severe and long-lasting, steroid injections and/or local anaesthetic can be used. Avoid putting too much strain on your upper body - lifting, especially, and be kind to yourself. And do keep checking your heart, because it can mask other symptons (good news you have a GP on the ball. I wish you better quickly.

[Badger1979 in reply to Carcrashgal]

Thank you.

[marypw]

Yes, it’s very common in lupus. It was one of my first symptoms. Depending on your other meds or health conditions, ibuprofen or paracetamol can help. Gentle stretching is good. Mine comes and goes so I no longer worry about it.

[Potatoheat]

Yes I get it since pericarditis 18 years ago. Only faurly mildly I guess but was scary at first, my drug regime seems to keep it at bay most of the time . I also have palpitations so combined can be a bit worrying, but heart is fine apparently. Got to love Lupus in all it's guises ! ❤️

[bookish in reply to Potatoheat]

Could be a vit B12 deficiency contributing to the palpitations....

[MEGS53]

Hi Badger

I have hEDS (amongst other things), not Lupus, but many of my symptoms are similar.

I also have chronic costochondritis, sometimes it’s very painful and at others I can hardly feel it ( unless I touch a sore bit)! I only have it on the left side, from the sternum and lower ribs and into my back. I was told this pattern is typical 🤷‍♀️

A warm beanbag helps, NSAIDs don’t do it for me unfortunately.

Take care and do be gentle with yourself 😀