I admit it...

[RAreyna]

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!

[Hidden]

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

[Matilda_1922 in reply to Hidden]

I know what you are saying you know your body but should always act when having chest pain because it could be a heart attack

[Hidden in reply to Matilda_1922]

Your right better to be safe than sorry. But I’m still told my pain is not RA

[sheels6726 in reply to Hidden]

They said it could be methotrexate causing pain in lung tissue so took me off them.

[Hidden in reply to sheels6726]

😩

[Hidden]

I’m partial to a temper tantrum myself 🥊🤬😤

[sylvi in reply to Hidden]

I too can throw a tantrum and it is more out of frustration and being tired.xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

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.

[Shalf]

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.

Wishing you well x

[zzcat]

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!

[RAreyna in reply to zzcat]

Honestly, I find it so reassuring when I see one of my not-so-textbook symptoms mentioned here, though I wish we were all pain free

[zzcat in reply to RAreyna]

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.

[mistymeana]

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.

[BonnieG123]

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.

[RAreyna]

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.

[Hidden in reply to RAreyna]

Good luck keep us posted