Has anyone here experienced what appears like an enlarged, prominent breastbone/rib.?

I appear to have this - left side not right. I will have my consultant check this out as not even sure if this is RA related. I remember I had some discomfort in this area when I first developed symptoms of RA. It doesn't cause pain as such but from time to time I can feel a crack with movement - not pleasant!!

[francherry]

Hello Charlotte,

Yes, I have a prominent rib on the left hand side that is particularly painful and is keeping me up as it's agonising when I lie on my left-hand side- should be asleep! I've already shown it to the GP once but considering showing them again. I also don't know if it is RA related. Good idea to show it to your consultant. Fran

[smooch40]

I have it on the right side. But I only noticed it after a wheelchair accident, where I ended up on the deck with my wheelchair on Top of me! The doc said I had damaged the cartilage between the breastbone. It was painful for quite some years. Now I get pain when it's cold or I'm flaring. It has got a fancy medical name that I can't remember!

I hope it's not to painful for you

Take care, Mel x

[Hidden]

Is this costochondritis I wonder? I have some pain in my left ribs when touched - it is especially bad in my sternum just now. I read about it after a hospital doc told me it was caused by RA. If it is this then it seems to be benign and can come with Fibro too. It doesn't feel very benign to me just now, like an elephant sitting on my chest, but I think I will just have to get used to it. X

[Hidden]

Hi All, thankyou for replies, I will see what the consultant says. I'm currently trying to diagnose myself using the internet, not a good idea. I have just read about Felty's syndrome which involves an enlarged spleen, low white blood count and RA. I can potentially tick all 3 there = lol! x

[earthwitch]

there is a form of costochondritis that is much more localised and can lead to an inflammed bony "lump" over the ribs/breastbone. Just note it, take a photo if there is something obvious to see (in case its disappeared when you next see the rheumatologist) and make sure you add it to your list of things to report to the rheumatologist.