Costochondritis getting worse

[Westie2012]

Yesterday I was walking back from getting done shopping , bag wasn’t that heavy but I had a sudden sharp pain going down my left side a few cm below my underarm , it moved across to my front below my breast . I could barely manage to carry the bag and just managed to get home and take some pain relief , normally I’d walk home as it’s not far but I was in agony to walk so had to get the bus , I was thinking I’d need to get medical advice if the pain didn’t go , it eased a bit after pain relief but just came on out of nowhere . Does this sound familiar to others ? It’s been over a year since diagnosis and things are getting worse 😢

[jahel]

Please don't ignore this pain. Have you had proper tests. Don't wish to alarm you but that pain was how my problems started. Now cancer has spread to bones, am paralysed too.

Make sure you have had bronchoscopy and cancer tests all clear.

Hope you get well.

[Macblank]

Hello

I'm sorry you're getting pains, but are you sure it's costochondral pain?

I ask, you said you had the diagnosis last year, and normally that clears in a few weeks???

I know sometimes I get such bad heartburn it starts in my armpit, and numbs my top left arm a little and goes across my chest.

Usually a few good burps clears it ... Or a quick swig of lemonade and a really good belch

As a one off, I wouldn't worry too much ... Strangely altho you said it wasn't too heavy, you could have pulled slightly when lifting out the car, or simply pinch a nerve if carried like a handbag (the Mrs used to do that with shopping bags ... Now it just hangs of my rollator).

Maybe try to repeat it ... Place a few tins in a bag, and move your arm around to see if you can redo it.

If it cleared and hasn't come since, even with new shopping trips, I personally wouldn't worry about it

Of course, I am not a doctor or physiotherapist.

[lovedoncebefore]

Good Morning I have exactly the same with regards to pain across my chest and under arms. I was diagnosed with costochondritis years ago and I can be fine one minute and pain returns if I even lift something a little heavy. I have pain to the front ribs under armpits and chest. I use a hot water bottle and pain relief tablets along with the max strength phorpain ibuprofen 10% pain gel.

I think some of us unlucky sufferers get this horrid condition return more frequently than others. I have even gone to A&E when really bad affecting both upper arms and chest pain ecg was normal. It's so worrying I just had to write and let you know your not alone with this horrid condition. I do have fibromyalgia and osteoporosis too.

Try a hot water bottle where the pain hurts I bought a mini hw bottle that fits under my arm area. My under arms and ribs always feel tender. The way to check is gently push on your ribs breast area it it hurts when touched then I've been told that's a sign of costo. I would suggest seeing your gp for peace of mind that's if you can get to see one here in the UK that's not so easy.

I hope this helps.

[CtKathleenUSA]

Yes, my costochondritis is worse. In my 20's, I once had severe chest pain that felt like a heart attack, I went to the ER. Costochondritis. The next 35 years, no pain. Last year, scans show changes to my rib cage, still no pain, but obvious range of motion limitations. Now I'm in a months long flare that is very, very painful. I try to keep up the physio for posture and movement preservation.

My AS tends to move around my body. I had 2 years of uveitis, 3 years of foot problems, etc... There is one surety I find in my AS life: however I'm feeling today, it will pass.

I wish you all the best. Hopefully this is a brief flare.

[november23 in reply to CtKathleenUSA]

I have what seems to be costocrondritis rib and underarm flares, bad pain. Physio thought it was and uses laser and ultrasound treatment. Pain now in leg foot like spasms, cramps in the evening at rest, multiple other things What is AS.

[CtKathleenUSA]

The NAAS in the UK has excellent AS info. Unfortunately, pain travels. Inflammation in my spine causes pain elsewhere. Also, AS can cause many different pains, besides the back.A large amount of pain can leave through diet and exercise.

Once you're set with physio therapy, rheumatologist, GP, and pain management, you should have some choices on how to manage the illness effectively.

Hang in there! The pain always passes, eventually.