Costochondritis

[Blick1984]

“Costochondritis” A lazy diagnosis from my GP which my partner and I kind of guessed it was.

Was admitted to A&E in February suspected heart attack. ECG, Bloods and X-ray. All ok. Told to rest. Tried 2 different strength Naproxen did nothing finished the courses. Codeine/paracetamol Strongest available on prescription work for a short period. Still currently taking 6+ Months.

Been to see a rheumatologist he referred me for and MRI. Inflammation to Ribs and chest area detected. Referred to pain clinic for injections and also a physiotherapist. But when I was first diagnosed with this I requested all this with my GP from day 1! Waiting lists on the NHS are a joke so had to use my Bupa healthcare for the above. Now all the funds have been used I don’t know what to do. I’ve been on sick leave since February.

Lately the pain has been unbearable sides, back and chest almost like there’s been no improvement it’s just got worse. My partner has been unbelievable as I’ve been unable to help with pretty much everything. The whose experience has been scary, stressful, uncertain, angry and sad. I’ve developed an anxiety over this problem too constantly thinking am I going to die!?

I’d like to know how others solved there issues? Types of pain? Types of treatment?

[happytulip]

I live with chronic costochondritis as part of my SLE. Has anyone suggested a course of steroids to reduce the inflammation?

May I ask why you call it a "lazy diagnosis from GP," most cases of costochondritis don't necessarily get an MRI or even a referral to a Rheumatologist so it sounds like your GP was spot on with the diagnosis?

[NBro]

Hi, over the last couple months I’ve been getting aches and pains around my rib area plus in my chest and sometimes my arms, I’m pretty sure it all came on not long after I cleaned my windows, gradually, at one point a few weeks ago I was convinced I was having a heart attack but it didn’t happen, that’s when I was at my worst, since then I get the pains on and off, some days I’m ok with pain killers but other days not so good, laying down is very uncomfortable at times, I havnt been diagnosed with Costo I’m just guessing it’s what I have from what I have read about it, but from what I can gather it’s not life threatening, I find taking paracetamol with ibuprofen helps me a lot