Costochondritis after covid 19,anyone?

[Noz29]

Had covid in March, at least my gp suspects this now. I had negative tests. Antibody and covid was negative. But I had extreme shortness of breath and chest pains. No cough or cold, just extreme SOB, like I was choking and my right lung wasn't expanding. Seen the ER 5 times, my partner called an ambulance twice. Everything was okay each and every time. My diaphragm was very sore and shoulders and neck are so sore. 7 months in I'm still very SOB. I'm 35. In good health. I do have asthma but is very well under control with inhalers. My arms feel inflamed all the time, like I have stuck nerves, my breast and chest is painful and warm. I can't catch a breath or have trouble inhaling air. I get panicky and anxious then. I hyperventilate because of that. I have hairloss, hot flashes, migraines and poor sleep. All since March. I wonder if someone experiences the same.

[PainConcernHelpline Moderator Community Champion Pain Concern]

Hi Noz29 ,

Thanks for your post and sorry to hear about the painful symptoms you were experiencing for so long.

As you mention 5 ER visits, I'm assuming you had all critical checks to rule out any reason your SOB would require urgent medical attention. Still, I can understand how frustrating this can be.

Because you mention your chest and arm pain has been present since March, it sounds like what you are experiencing is chronic pain at this point. I wonder if you went back to your doctor to try and find a solution to this? They may be able to suggest medication or pain management techniques to help ease the pain you are experiencing.

Pain management techniques have also been found by many people to alleviate physical and emotional pain effectively. These can include lifestyle changes, meditation and mindfulness and can come especially useful if you are experiencing anxiety and poor sleep. We have a great leaflet on these if you are interested here: painconcern.org.uk/manage-y...

And one on getting a good night's sleep here: painconcern.org.uk/getting-...

Finally, if your doctor suggests your symptoms are due to COVID, it may give some reassurance that countless medical researchers investigate the effects of this illness. Know that someone somewhere is working on helping those suffering painful after-effects.

Hope this was helpful. Wishing you the best,

Luca on behalf of Pain Concern