Chronic pain mailing me depressed

[Ali-Row]

I’m currently 29 weeks pregnant and have a condition called Costochondritis, which is where the cartilage in my ribs is inflamed causing an intense burning pain. Because I’m pregnant I can’t take any anti-inflammatories, all I can do is take paracetamol and they barely touch the pain. Some days it’s so bad I can barely get out of bed.

The thought of spending another 10 weeks in such pain and not being able to do anything (I’m signed off work until my mat leave) feels me with such dread and it’s making me feel depressed.

I know 10 weeks isn’t forever and there is an end point to this, but I don’t know how to cope with the pain and also boredom of not being able to do anything for that long

[PNIAuthor60]

I feel for you, I've had two episodes of the same thing. The pain is excruciating. Do take care

[Satsuma]

I suffered from that .. It is not easy at all .. I cannot advise you except to ride it through I'm afraid

[Satsuma in reply to Satsuma]

I took baths with chamomile in which helped relax me but did not rid the pain

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Ali-Row,

Ok, I understand the risks with taking analgesia during pregnancy, but you need to talk this through with your GP for alternative solutions e.g. TENS, paracetamol. I know how painful costochondritis can be and this type of pain can really get us down when it isn't relieved.

Meanwhile, rest in a supported way and try using heat packs on the affected area or an electric heat pad. Also, I know this isn't easy, but when we are in acute pain we generally tense up our muscles, especially the axial muscles in the upper chest, which will aggravate the pain. Use deep breathing techniques to slow down your breaths and allow your lungs to fully expand into the deeper lobes, (which I appreciate may be more difficult in later pregnancy as your diaphragm is being pushed up). This technique counterbalances the adrenaline 'fight or flight' response when in severe pain and will help reduce the pain when it spasms. Listen to some relaxing spa type sounds or music or guided meditation whilst doing the deep breathing and focus on the sounds or words. Watch something on TV or movie which will make you laugh and distract you. You may have tried these ideas and not found them helpful, but try to persevere with them.

Research has shown that pain mechanisms are affected not only by physical stimuli, but can be made worse or reduced by using psychological techniques as above. So even if you were allowed to take NSAIDS, using these techniques are still needed and helpful.

Hope this helps in some way. Let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse and Moderator

[Sillysausage234]

Hi I have chronic costochondritis and I use diclofenac gel...volterol

[Hidden]

Welcome

Warm compresses around your rib cage, warm towels or bean bags warmed in the microwave may help. With your pregnancy the false rib cage will be causing additional pain as the pregnancy progresses. You can get large heat pads you can apply to the ribs and the area where the ribs reach the spine. Try and keep a straight posture and when you sit try not to slouch, keep your back straight as much as you can. However the problem you have is getting bigger and the body will be causing stress on the diaphram that will cause more pain, If you can keep yourself straight it may be beneficial if you can take the weight off your legs and this may control off your hips and spine

Try Mindfulness Relaxation Technique, you are bound to feel stressed and if you can relax this may be able to control pain. With the ribs breathing can make chest pains.

I would suggest you have words with your GP and discuss a visit to see a physio who may be able to help. Paracetamol over an extended period can cause problems, there should be other medications that will have a better more safe action, Ask your GP.

You could try a TENS Machine although the rib cage is such a large area, that is why I suggested a Physio. Generally we use Two Channel Tens, if applied to the Spine you may be able to nerve block however as mentioned above, talk to your GP

You could try Elastopast Tape, along a rib length, this may restrict movement on the spine however again you need to take advice from Psyio or GP, The problem is restricting the movement of the rib cage, the tape will stiffen the movement. Act like a splint/support.

I suffer Chronic Pain and have attended Pain Clinic, I have similar problems the rib cage is a problem although the Spine carries the nerves to the rib cage, your problem however is inflammation I am not sure if TENS would be any real benefit other than nerve blocks on the spinal area

BOB

[Hidden]

Ali

Just a thought, an Elasticated bandage wrapped around the trunk may help restrict movement this may help although your GP needs to consider the best way to help. He should be able to talk to Maternity regard your concerns. Personally Paracetamol can cause problems. There are better ones on the Market. I have been on Pain medications now for thirty years and they do help, the problem is looking after your proposed New Borne Child so talk to your GP. Warm compresses and showers may ease your pain

BOB