I had a temper tantrum last night when I realized the stabbing pain in my chest was caused by RA inflammation in the "joints" between my sternum and ribs. I mean, really, what kind of half a$$ed joint is that!?
I did email my rheum doc and ask for help with pain management. I have to take blood thinners for a genetic blood disorder so the only pain med I can take is Tylenol (acetaminophen). With my blood tests showing liver inflammation even after a month at half my previous mtx dose, I'm wary of taking too much Tylenol. Still waiting to hear if she'll want to take me off mtx and wondering what surprise joint will be attacked next!
Written by
RAreyna
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I had this pain in my sternum rang my Rheumy nurse she said no way RA and called an ambulance???? Heart attack . I knew it wasn’t. I was having a flare and knew was connected but they know more than me. Yeah right. Have since heard on here others having the same kind of pain
I too can throw a tantrum and it is more out of frustration and being tired.xxxx
• in reply to
nothing wrong in the right context having one I almost blew at work today but behaved myself and stomped off instead to the reserve to do lots of eye rolling as it's the only part of my body that does not hurt.
This sounds very much like costochondritis which is inflammation of the ribs and breastbone.
Oddly, I had an attack of this the other day whilst having a leisurely walk along the beach with my partner and dogs. I have had it before so knew it wasn't a heart attack but boy it felt like it! Stabbing pain in the chest more so left side. The deeper breath the worse it gets. It is apparently not serious and goes within a week or so. Paracetamol works well for me to control pain. Ask your gp if this could be what you experienced. It's a frightening thing and can be mistaken for a heart attack.
I’ve been down this road as well, it is scary, painful and no fun! Glad it’s being talked about, this is the first I’ve seen the subject come up...hope you feel better soon!
I agree, it’s not that you are glad others are suffering, it’s that you at last have an answer and can perhaps let go of an angst, a bit of worry that needn’t be there. To find out one of your nagging symptoms is nothing to worry about is a big deal.
Sounds like costochondritis - such a joy and not in the least bit half a**sed. Mine sometimes likes to lurk in the undergrowth not showing it's there until I lean/bend forward and then gives me a full belt of pain. You have my sympathy.
It’s called costcochondritis. I’ve had it. Not fun. Thought I was having a heart attack. I was told to take prednisone which I was just weaning off of. Hope you’re better.
Thank you all for responding. Costochondritis is better today. I've got an apt with my rheumatologist on Weds. Since my blood results don't show inflammation, she thinks all's well, though my hips, hands, shoulder blades, etc are still in pain. Wish me luck in having the doc see *me* and not just numbers.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Light compression gloves
First nurse appointment
Turmeric 
Atypical sero-negative RA presentation…anyone else?
MTX injection this morning and must admit a bit scared. :(
