Anyone else suffering from similar that can help?

[Sophieleah12]

I have pain all in my sternum that radiates to my back and shoulders and around my ribs when it comes it makes me feel sick. It's a sharp pain sometimes a dull ache I've been in and out of hospital has bloods done and x rays and an ultrasound and even 2 ecg's to check my heart and everything comes back as normal and healthy I'm at a complete loss as to what is going on with me I've been told it sounds like costochondritis but I've taken ibruprofen and anti inflammatory and still have not seen any different I constantly feel stiff and helpless is anyone else going threw the same or had any similar things?

[katelee]

Hi

I did write a reply to you earlier that disappeared after I pressed reply so I am going to try again.

I have pain similar to what you describe and my initial diagnosis was also costochondritis. Costochondritis (and/or tietzes syndrome) is caused by inflammation between the breast plate and sternum. It is supposed to be common in woman and for most people clears up in less than a year.

I have pain between my breasts and in my back as well as around the bra line.

Heat is my best friend (hot water bottle) and I also see a chiropractor and an osteopath which I find helpful. And I have fought hard for decent pain medication including anti sick medication so I dont frequently visit my local hospital. Acupuncture is also recommended and you can usually access it through the pain team, your GP can refer you to a pain team if you are not already under one. Also some places treat costochondritis with cortisone injections.

The pain also sounds like it could be something like gallstones and/or pancreatitis but I am guessing that is why you have had an ultrasound to rule them out.

Can I ask if anything happened just before the onset of your pain? For example, viral infection, chest infection or coughing lots, injury, sport or something emotionally difficult.

I hope you find some relief from the pain soon.

Take care 😊