Costochondritis

[Westie2012]

I was diagnosed with costochondritis about a year ago , it’s getting worse as the months go by . Last weekend we were away and as I wasn’t doing all the usual housework I had a lovely pain free weekend . Since getting home and back to all the usual chores my pain has returned worse than ever . My bra strap feels so painful , I could honestly cry with the pain . It’s getting to me , being in pain every day is making me feel very low as I’m struggling to cope just doing normal housework . I don't know what to do . I’m on naproxen , tramadol , paracetamol and I use a deep freeze gel .

[Lynnha]

I stopped taking Tramadol gradually. In the end it doesn’t even help. I took it for nine years and the pain just got worse. There is no easy answer. In the end my gp gave me duloxotine which helps a bit with depression and nerve pain. See if you can be seen by a pain clinic. They should teach you pain stratagems. I really feel for you. I do cope better now though. Feel free to message me if you want any more suggestions.

[Westie2012 in reply to Lynnha]

Thank you your advice is really helpful xx

[LotiRamjet]

This is going to sound silly, but I found that antihistamines help me with costochondritis. I have no rhyme nor reason why … but I have since found that they have studied this and Benadryl has helped and other older antihistamines. It might be related to mast cell disease, but mine is nearly gone. I believe a doctor had advised me about the antihistamines years ago. It’s worth a try at any rate. Give it a little time and see how you feel!

[Westie2012 in reply to LotiRamjet]

I take allergy tablets every day for hay fever and dust allergies ..I could try a different type of tablet , I’ll try anything . Thank you

[NaturesArtist]

Hey Westie2012! I’m so sorry to hear of all the pain you’re going through! Chronic pain is no laughing matter! I know that so well!

I too have costochondritis! It’s truly awful. I have found that my pain is so much worse when I’m cold. I do have large oblong and square wheatie bags and I make use of them often!

If I bend over from a seated position, I end up with my right hand side ribs in excruciating pain! It feels like the cartilage in between has popped out of place! That’s worse than the costochontritis on its own!

I also use a professional tens unit. Got it from Amazon.. nearly £200. It’s the best I’ve ever used though and therefore really worth its weight in gold!

I have a lot of musculoskeletal disabilities and conditions. I have OxyContin and a OxyCodone… 45mg bd and 15mg of the breakthrough as needed 4 hourly. I try to not take the breakthrough too much but I’m just in so much pain.

You’ll eventually find a system of combined treatments… then you’ll get some relief. I sorry I haven’t got much more positive stuff to impart . But feel free to pick my brain as often as you need to! 💜

[Westie2012 in reply to NaturesArtist]

Thank you for your reply . I have a tens machine but I can’t use as I have a pacemaker . When I move from lying or sitting to standing the pain increases , I have a wheat bag that can be used hot or cold , my gp has mentioned once I’ve seen my cardiologist and ruled out any cardiac causes then he will refer me to a pain clinic .

[NaturesArtist in reply to Westie2012]

That’s your best option. The pain clinic do know their stuff. It’s horrible being in so much pain! And chronic pain can cause so many other issues. Like depression and anxiety. I hope you get it all sorted. Keep us posted! ❤️

[Westie2012 in reply to NaturesArtist]

I admit I’m struggling to stay positive , being in pain every day is getting to me , since I had severe complications three days after I had my pacemaker which in turn caused a heart infection that had a long slow recovery and all the lifestyle changes that followed it’s been a difficult time . Ongoing health issues , plus worry about my parents just add to things . I just can’t seem to bounce back from everything .

[NaturesArtist in reply to Westie2012]

I’m sorry you’re feeling so low and having so much negative crap to deal with. I truly know just how awful it is to have too much of a bad thing at once. To be in excruciating chronic pain and not having any relief from any of it! It’s horrible! There’s hope on the horizon… the pain clinic will help you. If you do feel really low. Need someone to talk to . Especially when it’s at night and you really have had enough. Then please phone the Samarium or Mind. They’ve helped me out before and just talking to someone really can make a difference!

It does get better!